A Lochaber team member searching on the North Face. Photo: Lochaber MRT

Rescuers looking for missing climbers Rachel Slater and Tim Newton on Ben Nevis are asking climbers to tell them which routes they have tackled.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said that will help them eliminate those areas from future searches for the couple.

A team spokesperson said they will continue the hunt for the pair, who have now been missing on Britain’s highest mountain for a week. “The weather next week is looking a little bit better than last,” the spokesperson said.

“The winds look like they will be moderating a bit as temperatures drop. Snow is forecast every day with periods of heavy snow adding to the existing snowpack.

“The team will try and get parties on the hill most days.

“We would ask anyone who plans to climb on the Ben this week to post on our Facebook page the areas they were climbing and the routes done. This will help us eliminate parts of the mountain.

“Thanks to everyone who has contributed over the last week.”

The Lochaber team was called out yesterday after two walkers got lost on the 1,344m (4,409ft) summit of Ben Nevis.

The team said its ‘night shift’ had a good result last night. “Due to conditions it was decided not to send a large team out, but to restrict to a small group of four who followed the path to the summit shelter.

“The men were found in the summit shelter, cold and a wee bit desolate, but lucky guys.”

The walkers were accompanied down to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe. The Inverness Coastguard helicopter had to return to its base because of a technical problem, and the Prestwick Coastguard Sikorsky S-92 flew to the area to replace it. Members of RAF Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team also made their way to Lochaber to provide backup if needed.

The team spokesperson added: “The two casualties from last night lost gear on the summit in case anyone comes across rucksack, axes and rope close to summit shelter.”

The team urged hillgoers to stay safe. Avalanche risk for tomorrow in Lochaber is forecast to be high, meaning natural slides may take place.

Anyone who climbs on Ben Nevis’s North Face is asked to post details on Lochaber MRT’s Facebook page.