Mark Bowling, who died in a fall on Aonach Beag

The daughter of a man who died in a fall on a Lochaber munro said he was an experienced and passionate climber.

Mark Bowling received fatal injuries when he fell while descending Aonach Beag in Lochaber on Thursday.

The 52-year-old teacher from Burnley, Lancashire, was with a companion when he fell to his death on the 1,234m (4,049ft) mountain, the seventh highest in the UK.

His daughter Leah told the Burnley Express: “My dad was a skilled and passionate climber with many years’ experience.

“The emergency services told us that he had all the correct equipment and was doing everything right but he simply lost his footing and fell.”

Mr Bowling’s friend, who was uninjured in the incident, called emergency services and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was called out late in the afternoon. The Inverness Coastguard helicopter also flew to the scene, but the walker had suffered fatal injuries.

Mr Bowling’s family said: “We are all completely heartbroken and in shock over the tragic loss of Mark. He was a loving husband and father who had a great love for the outdoors, mountaineering and photography.

“We are so proud of all he has achieved, we love and will miss him greatly. He leaves behind his wife, four children and his faithful dog.”

Mr Bowling was a teacher at Sir John Thursby Community College in Burnley. The school said in a statement: “Our friend, colleague and a special man in our community, Mr M Bowling, has tragically died.

“We have been liaising with his family and friends to help support them and listen to their wishes.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Bowling’s family and friends at this very sad time.”