I started my bagging for last year in Scotland, while enjoying a short stay in Coylumbridge. Although it was mid-February, the hills had little snow and the days were cold and sunny. Next was a bothying weekend in May. The rain started not long after the Stuc a'Chroin race and continued for about 48 hours. Next day we got a thorough soaking on Beinn Mheadhonach and An Grianan (3B) from Cadderlie. I remember Roger saying later 'I was knackered but I knew I had to keep on running just to stay warm'. We then ambitiously worked our way to the far north (and saw not a single car between Lairg and Loch Loyal). Had a great day on the Griams, and chipped away at Marilyns in the far north before being chased south by the weather. A weekend trip north in August for the Scottish world cup mountain running team trials at Alva gave an opportunity to travel to Ailsa Craig, but the boatman was unable to find it in the mist. 'But your GPS must tell you where it is!' ... 'It's telling me we're at the island now'. Maybe I should have taken a precautionary compass bearing from Girvan.
Back in September for more Scottish bothies and Marilyns. Mullach Coire nan Geur-Oirean (10D) is best forgotten - a soaking, with the last few miles in pitch dark, then back to a bothy left trashed and reeking by a previous drinking party. A trip down Kintyre to Meall na Lice gave an opportunity to visit the Mull and the lighthouse. Views to the Antrim hills, the sea and islands were superb. October brought a couple of trips to south Wales to finish my last ten Welsh Marilyns. The penultimate, Bryn Arw, was surrounded by a moat of shoulder-high bracken through which we both plunged, only to find a small path on the way down. The final hill, Ysgyryd Fawr, was most enjoyable.
