About 15 years ago I chanced upon The Relative Hills of Britain in a bookshop and became aware of the Marilyns. Since that time the book has been a source of ideas and inspiration. In particular, it has played a big role in making me think about the less obvious of our hills and mountains, which rarely disappoint. Indeed, I often feel a slight sense of anti-climax when visiting an over-hyped summit, and joy at some little-known gem. So, with RHB as a guide and source of new ideas, I have been to places I would not have considered otherwise.
Last year continued a trend. As there are no new hills close to home, many have been visited on longer trips, whilst spending time closer to home exploring old favourites. The year began and ended with hills in cold winter conditions; white frost-decorated trees on Pen y Garn-goch on New Year's Day, and a few days later the less pleasing surroundings of Dundry Down. At the end of the year deep snow, strong wind, and spindrift prevented me from reaching the top of Penvalla.
Highlights of the year included an April backpack from Corrour over Beinn na Lap, Sgor Gaibhre and Carn Dearg, and a June heatwave on Skye, with spectacular views from Sgurr na Stri. Another memorable day was the wettest day in a wet week in one of the wettest places in the UK - Meall Blair by Loch Arkaig. This was a wading expedition on the lower slopes, and it felt like there was a river flowing over the whole mountain. Still, it was rewarding in its own way.
