THE mystery of how an experienced walker drowned in heavy seas while trekking between Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby, in North Yorkshire, remains unsolved, an inquest heard.

David Neil Hammersley, who had been staying at a guest house in Robin Hood's Bay, was warned by hotelier Lynne Chambers that he needed to allow three hours to avoid being cut off by the tide.

He failed to return, and his near-naked body was later recovered at Robin Hood's Bay, two days after it had first been spotted.

Coroner Michael Oakley was told that the rough sea conditions delayed retrieving his body

Medical evidence showed that Mr Hammersley, 49, an electrical engineer, of Sandon Road, Southport, Merseyside, had been taking anti-depressant drugs, but Mr Oakley said there was no evidence he had taken his life.

He died from drowning

Recording an open verdict, Mr Oakley said: "Mr Hammersley had been advised on timings to avoid being cut off by the tide. There is no evidence as to how he got into the sea."