After the failed airlift attempt, a mountain rescue team from Lochaber - helped by local volunteers - set off to find the pair. They found them freezing and huddled together for warmth at 11am and helped them down the mountain.
Both men were suffering from the effects of cold but uninjured.
Nigel added: "I spoke to Bob and Billy at about 4.30am and they were shattered.
"Before they went to Scotland they had spent 10 days climbing in Norway so they know what they're doing.
"Luckily they did the right thing and sat tight when they realised they were lost. This sort of thing can happen to climbers but it was a great feeling when I knew they were safe and sound."
A spokesman for Fort William police said: "The two climbers, although reasonably well equipped, were inexperienced for the route chosen, and failed to allow adequate time to complete the route.
"It should be reiterated that mountaineering in Scottish winter conditions is a serious undertaking, and should not be attempted without adequate training and equipment."
BEN Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK at 1,344 metres.
The next highest is Snowdon, in the Cambrian Mountains, Wales, at 1,085m, then Scafell Pike in the Cumbrian Mountains, at 977m, and Slieve Donard, in Northern Ireland at 852m.
On average the temperature falls by 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1000 metres they rise above sea level.
The higher you go, the lighter and thinner the air becomes.
Accident statistics show that solo climbing and starting late on Tower Ridge are the greatest hazards to mountaineers on Ben Nevis.
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