The walker's body was found on Cruach Ardrain. Photo: Andrew Smith CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police in the Highlands have urged hillwalkers to be properly prepared after revealing that a second walker died on the mountains over the weekend.

The body of a walker was found on Cruach Ardrain near Crianlarich on Sunday.

A 28-year-old walker died the same day after falling 300m from the Ptarmigan Ridge on Ben Lomond, about 19km (12 miles) south.

Police said its Forth Valley officers were joined by Killin Mountain Rescue Team and a search and rescue helicopter in the operation on Sunday morning after concern was expressed for the walker’s safety.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The body of a 34-year-old man was recovered from Cruach Ardrain at around 10am.

“During the recovery, a member of Killin MRT sustained a back injury and had to be airlifted to Southern General Hospital. He was discharged from hospital on Monday.”

Lomond MRT, which has had to deal with three callouts on Ben Lomond in the past four days, including the man who fell to his death, has already warned hillgoers not to be fooled by the spring-like weather in the valleys and glens.

Forth Valley Area Commander Paul Rollo said: “Our sincere condolences go to the families and friends of the walkers and we are urging, alongside our colleagues at the mountain rescue team, for people to be cautious when navigating difficult or unknown terrains.

“Please ensure you are always prepared by checking the weather beforehand, take the proper equipment and dress appropriately for the conditions.”

The advice repeats that issued on Friday by Heather Morning, mountain safety advisor for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, who said that, on the higher hills both the weather and the conditions underfoot are still likely to be hazardous and that specialist winter equipment including ice-axe and mountaineering crampons, and the knowledge and skills required to use them, are essential.