The partner of missing hiker Esther Dingley says he is preparing to return to the Pyrenees to continue his search for her.
Dan Colegate spoke out after French police said this week they have done “all they can” to find her and that further searches are unlikely to resume until Spring.
Esther, 37, vanished in November on a four-week solo trek.
She and Dan, 38, had spent six years travelling abroad in a camper van.
Dan, 38, told the Sunday People: “I intend to return as soon as weather permits to repeat the searches carried out.
“I’ll also search further afield, scanning across the landscape systematically to rule out each area piece by piece.”
The former business development manager from Durham does not believe Esther, his partner of 19 years, had an accident or chose to disappear and suspects foul play.
He said: “Esther is an experienced hiker who was carrying suitable equipment.
"She’d done countless similar hikes.
“If she had an accident I firmly believe she’d have been found on or close to one of the extensive, well-made paths in the area.
"The fact no trace was found, despite an intensive search in good weather, was frustrating – and baffling to those involved in the search.”
Dan, who is in close touch with officers in France and Spain, said French police had reassured him the investigation “is ongoing”.
He added: “I want to restate my gratitude for their hard work."
.jpg?w=600)
