Father, 49, and son, 12, hillwalkers set off on fateful hike in Glen Coe in thundery conditions day after 'proud' pair scaled to the top of Ben Nevis

A father and his twelve-year-old son set off on a fateful hike in Glen Coe in thundery conditions the day after the 'proud' pair scaled to the top of Ben Nevis.

Tom Parry,49,and his 12-year-old son Richie climbed the UK's highest mountain on Monday before travelling to Glencoe in the Scottish highlands on Tuesday,where they set off amid thundery skies. 

Forecasters had warned of a 'high likelihood' of low visibility on the mountains during the day.   

The experienced hikers had been due to return to their Cheshire home in Alsager on Wednesday but have not been seen or heard from. 

On Thursday police said they recovered two bodies in their urgent search for the pair. 

Posting a tribute to the pair on Facebook earlier today,one fellow walker claimed she had seen Mr Parry and his son at the summit of Ben Nevis and they had been 'proud' to make it to the top.

She wrote: 'Me and my family met them when we walked up Ben Nevis. They were so proud they made it to the top. Heartbreaking news,thought and prayers are with family and friends.'

The car the pair was travelling in was found in the Three Sisters car park in Glencoe 

A massive search for the pair was mounted on Wednesday involving mountain rescue teams and a coastguard helicopter.

But today Police Scotland said that two bodies have been found during a search in Glencoe Wednesday evening.

'They are yet to be formally identified. However,the family of father and son Tom Parry,and Richie Parry,12,from Cheshire,who had been reported missing in the area,have been made aware,' said the force.

'Enquiries are ongoing but there are no apparent suspicious circumstances.

'A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.'

Inspector Craig Johnstone said: 'Our thoughts are with all those involved. I would like to thank all emergency services and mountain rescue volunteers.'

It is believed that the weather was not ideal when they began their walk. The area has been hit by thundery downpours this week,with a Met Office yellow 'be aware' warning for thunderstorms in place on Monday.

Local football team AFC Alsager previously took to social media to join the appeal in the search for the Parrys.

A spokesperson for the club said Richie had 'recently joined' their under-13s team. 

They added: 'We're all praying that Tom and Richie are both found safe and return home. Our thoughts are with their family and friends.' 

Local church St Mary Magdalene said it would be open on Thursday for anyone 'who wishes to come in and peacefully hold Tom,Richie,and all their family,in their thoughts and prayers.'

Breaking NewsBrisbane