Dad tried to walk to Britain's remotest pub, then spent a week lost in 'wilderness'

An ex-soldier's mission to get a pint at the most remote pub in Britain almost cost him his life - after he spent a week missing in the Highlands.

Former paratrooper Paul Conway decided to trek from Glenfinnan to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula. The area is described by locals as Scotland's 'last great wilderness'.

But the alarm was raised when the 67-year-old dad failed to arrive at The Old Forge on Friday September 14. A large emergency services operation was launched and Police Scotland has now confirmed after nearly a week without contact Paul has been has been found safe and well.

His family has now thanked rescuers who say he is "in good health and good spirits" despite spending almost a week missing in the Highlands.

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Concerns were first raised for Paul Conway, 67, on Sunday after he failed to complete the three day walk to the pub. Police Scotland said he was traced on Tuesday (September 17) - a week after he arrived from Newcastle at Glenfinnan ahead of his 30-mile trek.

His son, Chris, also posted a heartfelt plea on social media which was shared by thousands of people. Police Scotland said he was eventually found in a remote area south of Loch Morar after getting lost on route.

He was taken to hospital as a precaution given the extensive time spent outdoors but was otherwise uninjured. Paul's son Chris Conway said: "On behalf of the whole family I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in searches for our father over the past few days.

"He is in good health and good spirits after this experience and again I would like to thank everyone who has helped find him and bring him to safety."

Inspector Ross McCartney of Fort William Police Station said: "We are delighted that Paul has been found and reunited safe and well with his family. This was a challenging and protracted search involving a number of partner agencies and specialist police resources."

"These included Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, the RAF Mountain Rescue Team, Search and Rescue Dog Association, HM Coastguard and the Police Scotland Mountain Rescue Team.

"We are grateful to everyone involved in the search for their efforts in bringing about this positive outcome."