Inquiry into deaths of three climbers on mountain ridge
Dave Fowler, 39, Graham Cox, 60, and Hazel Crombie, 64, died after falling from the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe in August 2023.
The three climbers had been reported missing on August 5 before their bodies were found by Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) volunteers.
Sheriff Neil Wilson told a hearing he expected the inquiry to be held on August 18 and 19 at Fort William Sheriff Court.
A further preliminary hearing is due to be held on June 9.
Graham Cox had travelled from Southport in England to traverse Aonach Eagach. Google Maps The area where the climbers were recovered. Google Maps
The climb along Aonach Eagach, Gaelic for 'the Notched Ridge', covers 10km and includes two Munros – Meall Dearg and Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh.
It shrinks to three metres at its narrowest and stands at an elevation of up to 968m at its highest.
Mr Fowler was a mountaineering expert based in Fort William, and worked with West Coast Mountain Guides to offer guided traverses across Scotland's trickiest terrain. He was working when the accident unfolded.
In tributes on social media, he was described as a 'mountain hero' and an 'inspiration' to those in the hiking and climbing community.
Graham Cox had travelled from Southport in England to traverse Aonach Eagach.
In a statement to the Liverpool Echo, his family said: 'Graham Cox was a much-loved husband, father, son and brother. He is remembered by all as the kindest, loveliest man.
'The family is devastated by his loss.'
Hazel Crombie, a keen climber from Doune, was described as 'much-loved'.
Her loved ones asked for donations to be made to Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team in her memory.
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