Missing bushwalker found safe in NSW

An experienced bushwalker who went missing after being separated from his friends during a hike in northern NSW has been found safe and well.

Alexander James set off on the three-day walk with three friends from Thungutti campground in the New England National Park on Friday morning.

Police said the 43-year-old went off to look for his own campsite on Friday night. His friends couldn't find him the next morning and they assumed the experienced bushwalker had gone ahead on his own.

But when Mr James failed to show up at a meeting point at Cool Creek Crossing by Sunday afternoon, they raised the alarm.

Police, with the help of National Parks NSW, began searching for Mr James on Monday morning.

About midday, park staff found a message on a sign believed to be from the missing man.

"As crews were returning to the start of the walk, they located the experienced bushwalker safe and well," NSW Police said in a statement.