I only purchased RHB in August and was shocked to discover I had only climbed 224 hills on the list, although the biggest annoyance was realising I had spent a fortnight in Orkney a few years ago, even visiting Rousay, but only had Ward Hill on Hoy as a definite bag.
Due to getting married in May and work hassles, not much bagging was done until the autumn. I have enjoyed most of these trips, but I admit I don't enjoy the access stresses involved with some of the lower hills. Most of my previous hills had been Munros, with a few Corbetts and Grahams.
As most issues of Marhofn mention how few people are met on the hills, I decided to keep a record of how many people I came across. First off was Gisborough Moor (0), then my local Marilyn, Bardon Hill, which I had never been up (2). Not bad so far, but then there was The Wrekin (hundreds) and Haddington Hill (dozens). Thankfully Corndon Hill was next (0), followed by Stiperstones (7) and Long Mynd (just 2, surprisingly.) To finish off the year I saved the glamorous hill of The Wolds (1, the farmer), which to me sums up how absurd the list is. I had some friends who wanted to come with me as they fancied a hill walk. I managed to put them off without really explaining what sort of 'hill walk' it was. How would you explain it honestly to them? And would they still consider you a friend?
