An inquiry heard how a mountaineer was swept to his death by an avalanche.

Robert Pritchard, 37, who lived in Claremont Avenue, New Malden, and instructor Chris Walker, 29, from Keswick, were swept 1,200ft down Buachaille Etive Mor in Scotland on February 24.

A third member of the group, software developer Ritchie Burkett, 37, told the hearing in Fort William he shouted a warning when he saw the snow above them moving.

Mr Walker and Mr Pritchard tried to use their ice axes to hang on to the mountain.

The two men’s bodies were discovered in the snow later that day.

Mr Walker, who worked for Jagged Globe, was leading a group down a part of the mountain.

Mountaineering experts told the hearing that he made the right decision to change their route because of a fear of avalanches, although the climbers may have triggered the avalanche.

The Sherriff of Fort William will deliver a judgment at a later date.