Marhofn 153.08 - May 2006

Baglogs: Men Bagging Madly:

Men Bagging Madly: Ken Butcher (+258=1450)

My objectives for 2005 were to bag the Marilyns below 3000 feet in Wales, and the Hewitts in the Welsh and English borders, Peak District, northern Pennines and Lake District, all of which required 12000 miles of driving. Scottish hills were also claimed during club meets and on cruises from Knoydart on the motor vessel the Mary Doune. The result:

• My only use of the GPS was in the car, when I was uncertain of a lane junction, but I was pleased that it was a clear day as I tramped across the desolate rough pathless moor between Gorllwyn and Drygarn Fawr (31C).
• After a sunny drive over the mountain road to Cwmgstwyth for Pen y Garn (31C), I was confronted with a 'keep out' notice at the hairpin bend north of the village. I ignored it without finding any problem. Similarly, I visited Mynydd Eppynt (32A) whilst the flags were flying. Perhaps the heavy rain deterred the military that day.
• I must thank Ann Bowker for her note in Marhofn 133 about Mickle Fell, which I visited at the end of May, and Dewi Jones for suggesting an A40 start to Myarth (32A). I was cheeky enough to walk around the house.
• During the early start through the disused Maen-Offeren quarry for Moel Penamnen, I experienced a ringing sound in my ears. The cause became clear as I sat at the summit of the north top of Manod Mawr (30D). A siren started, then a blast followed by the rise of dust.
• It was a pleasant surprise, on leaving Seven Sisters, to see a motorable track, which led to a car park for Hirfynydd (32B). I reported to the office, and once I had made it clear I did not wish to take the car to the trig point, I was given directions up tracks, which led on to the ridge, over a fence and through a fire break to a forest track to the summit.
• In Abercraf all the hotels were full, but we found Hafan y Coed, a spiritual development centre where you will get a great welcome as well as accommodation.
• I spent a long time finding the summit of Carnedd Wen (31A) as my map did not show the forestry. Back at the car, in conversation with a shepherd, he claimed I had been in his back garden.

My overall impression was that access to the Welsh hills in 2005 was simpler than it had been in the past, as suggested by past Marhofn reports. Perhaps this is due to the new access legislation. (Or it could simply be that problems get reported whereas numerous trouble-free ascents do not. AD.)

On the other hand, in the northern Pennines I was amused by the abundance of access notices. Examples of restriction orders seen included 'Dogs banned until May 2010' and 'No access for walkers Monday to Friday during May-June'. I did not meet anyone. At The Flatt, for Sighty Crag (33), I was confronted with a Scottish Woodlands 'keep out' notice. I did not keep out and was not challenged. For Peel Fell (33), I started at Kittythirst, and met Forest Enterprise 'closed' notices along the track. Fortunately, the heavy plant being used to widen the track was under repair and I was allowed to proceed. On the return, I fell off a barbed wire fence and suffered deep scratches to the palm of my hand.

In October, I slipped as I started the descent of Bradnor Hill (38B) with no injury, but I was not so lucky on the walk off Carneddau (31B) - I trapped my elbow under my back and broke some ribs, but it did not stop me continuing to bag 16 more hills. On return to Dundee, I attended A&E to be told I was time barred, as an accident must be seen within three days. The lesson to be learned is to know when not tell the truth.

Three centuries in the passing; 1200 Carn Fadryn (30A), 1300 Carnedd y Filliast (30D) and 1400 Sighty Crag (33). I am still enjoying the challenge of using tables of hills to seek pastures new.