Forty-eight was my lowest tally since 1995, when it was my highest ever. Ah, the ups and downs in life. But never mind, some milestones were reached. The 900th Marilyn came up on Craig of Monievreckie (1C) in November, via an entertaining scramble on a route of my own devising, two days after completing my first Scottish mainland region on a bright and breezy Stronend (26). And in December White Hill in Bowland finished off region 36. The only section so far untouched is 17C on Skye. Mullach na Carn on Scalpay eluded me this year as it did once before. Wind and tide have conspired to prevent anchoring our yacht on both occasions.
In May I spent five days camping in the eastern Fannichs and enjoyed some wonderful cloudscapes. The south ridge of Cona' Mheall was exciting. My thanks to the unknown hill walker who drove several miles out of his way to return me to my starting point at Loch Droma from Inverlael. Then a friend and I headed for wet and windy Cape Wrath. A mix of camping and cosy B&Bs with a sprinkling of north-coast Marilyns followed. Mount Eagle north of Inverness was the physical high of an enjoyable ramble round the Black Isle. Pity it's not a more inspiring hill.
Next it was off to the boat in Norway and sailing to the west coast of Scotland via Shetland and Orkney. All Marilyns there previously visited, but we took in a good few trig points and saw myriads of birds and wild flowers, and otters too.
Heading down the west coast in July, the first Marilyn was An Socach from Kinlochbervie, then Meall an Fheadain was a nice little peak done from an anchorage inside Isle Ristol. And so it continued, with a hill here and a hill there. Beinn a'Chlachain in Applecross was notable for an overnight bivvy on the summit with a fine sunset and sunrise. Beinn a'Chaisil and An Sleaghach in Ardgour were followed by a less enjoyable night in the bivvy bag. On Cruach Lusach above Loch Sween I met a young man defeated by forest and minor crags. Us Marilyn-bagging grannies aren't so easily put off.
In August, Islay got underway amid the spectacular cliff scenery around Beinn Mhor, where I had a wonderful close-up of a golden eagle.
The boat was hastily abandoned in Helensburgh as we were due in British Columbia for more sailing, followed by a week in flat Minnesota. In late October it was back to the boat for tidying up and a flurry of hills for me. Was it worth the long train ride to Stranraer for Cairn Pat? Yes, especially as I like trains.
The last hills of the year came in December. A wet and windy day on Great Gable, sunshine on High Stile and something in between for Low Fell and Mellbreak. It was an interesting and varied year. What pleasures and milestones lie ahead for 2005?
Great Gable (photo: Phil Cooper)
