The emergency services were alerted when Colin Snook (72) had failed to make contact as he made his way along the most challenging section of his mammoth trek.

He had set off from Fort William with the intention of arriving at Cape Wrath by July 27 after a walk through desolate regions.

The alarm was raised after Colin had failed to reach Ratagan Youth Hostel at Glensheil as scheduled. There had also been no phone contact with him for four days.

Police officers at Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh were called into action along with mountain-rescue services from Glen Elg and Fort William. The RAF from Kinloss also joined the search.

After seven anxious hours, Mr Snook was found safe and well at Loch Hourn.

The tough terrain and bad weather had slowed his progress considerably but the air crew assessed him as fit to continue.

He is on course to complete his walk around Britain's coast in aid of the Climb charity by November with a return to Bognor Regis.

Climb executive director Steve Hannigan said: "We are indebted to everyone for their prompt and efficient response.

"Colin's family and Climb are, of course, most grateful and relieved.

"The police and mountain rescue services were tremendous. Keeping Climb informed every step of the way enabled us to keep the family up to date."

Mr Snook had covered 2,208 miles by the start of this week after 184 days on the road. He set off from Bognor Regis on January 1.

His return will come after 4,000 miles of walking to fulfil a personal ambition.

He is using his fitness and experience as the co-ordinator of the Southern Trails Walkers' Club to raise thousands of pounds for Climb for its work supporting families and funding research into inherited metabolic diseases.