Although I spent about five weeks in Scotland, other distractions kept my total of new Marilyns fairly low. I did re-ascend a number of old favourites, usually by a new route. My best full day's walk on new hills was the round of Meallan Odhar Doire nan Gillean and Beinn Dubh an Iaruinn at the top of Glen Strathfarrar, which provided dramatic views over Loch Monar. The gate is now closed on Wednesday mornings, but open all day on Sundays. I also enjoyed combining Ben na Cro and Glas Bheinn Mhor to complete all the Red Cuillin Marilyns. Of the smaller hills, I particularly enjoyed a sunny afternoon ascent of Stronend from the north-east, especially as this was a part of Scotland previously unvisited.
Biggest frustration was a futile attempt to find a way through the felled forest at the top of Cnoc an t-Sabhail, above Tain, on a wet and misty October afternoon. I was not helped by forgetting a compass and bringing an out-of-date map. Carn Faire nan Con nearly provided another disappointment, as there is no obvious parking place along the A835. However, I found an interesting route from Tarvie. Like Torr Achilty, this route is best attempted in the first half of the year as it involves much bracken.
