This year's increase was mainly achieved in two forays north of the border. At Easter a group of us went over to Islay and Jura. The trip started on Islay with a superb round of Beinn Bheigier, Glas Bheinn and Sgorr nam Faoileann. Beinn Tart a'Mhill was climbed one evening from the east (NR198573), past the clay-pigeon-shooting facility to avoid the hostile notices on the obvious route shown on the map. A highlight on Jura was climbing Cruach na Seilcheig then walking on to the north of the island to view the dramatic waves and whirlpools of the Corryvreckan. It inspired this year's planned trip to Scarba. The weather was good but the going over tussocky grass was very hard work. On the way home via Islay we had fantastic coastal views from Beinn Mhor.
In late May Tove and I were on Skye but the weather was terrible. The disappointment was only relieved with one great day on the Cuillin ridge, finishing the Skye Munros with a friend, and an excellent visit to Raasay where we came face-to-face with a golden eagle on Beinn na h-Iolaire. October saw us bag the new English Marilyn of Arnside Knott after a mad dash from work. New year plans include an Easter trip to Mull and possibly a trip to Lewis. With unclimbed Marilyns becoming more distant, I have focused on the Hewitts and Nuttalls, and completed both lists during the year. It was a pleasant change to do full day walks rather than the 'bag and go' of the dispersed southern English Marilyns.
