Only two Marilyns in Britain were added during the year, one fewer than in 2002. Conic Hill was first, on 26 March; a there-and-back from Balmaha car park on a dry, warm and hazy afternoon. On a totally different sort of day (26 December) we negotiated flooded roads between Sedbergh and Dufton, then a swampy Pennine Way, and via a wind-swept ridge we gained the summit of Dufton Pike. On returning to the village we took advantage of the public toilets to change out of our sodden gear.
The rest of our Marilyns were in Ireland. St. Patrick's Day was a Monday, so we headed to Sligo for three days of walking. Slievemore (45D) was crossed on a traverse from Truskmore to Benbulbin. On the latter summit, some Americans asked us if they could descend the steep end of the hill. 'Not unless you have a parachute' was our reply. Crockauns (45D) was ascended the following day in spite of a huge 'No Access' sign on the gate at the top of the track from the west. We rounded off the day with a visit to Drumcliffe - Yeats' grave, early Christian high cross and round tower. On Paddy's day itself we headed for home but from the Barnesmore Gap had a very rough walk up to Croaghnageer (45C). On the descent we found a forest track that brought us out about 100 metres from the car. On 10 May, as the motorbikers hurled themselves around our local roads (the North-West 200 races) we headed for Donegal and Meentycat, Altnapaste and Gaugin Mountain. We were back in Donegal in August and September. For Crownard (45C) we thought it best to follow guidebook instructions (because of extensive forestry) but that was a mistake. Time and distance were wasted attempting to find the route through the trees that would have allowed us to traverse the ridge. We settled for up-and-down from the side. Our final Irish Marilyn of the year, Reyfad, came in November and entailed a long walk through Ballintempo Forest via a Neolithic court tomb. We needed the GPS to confirm we were at the summit.
