Only five visits to Scotland in 2010 but I made the most of some good weather and absence of midges (was it the bad winter?) to visit seven islands and seven of the SMC 'other hills'. Some of these were real gems: An Sgurr on Eigg, Beinn Mheadhoin in Morvern, Uisgneabhal Mor on Harris and Mealaisbhal on Lewis. Conostom on Lewis was my 1500th Marilyn, visited in pouring rain. I visited Sail Chalmadale on a day's ferry and bike trip to Arran from New Lanark hostel. Whilst there, I overheard Myrddyn Phillips' mellifluous voice (familiar from YouTube videos) from an adjoining table. I introduced myself and met him again at the Hillwalker's Register meeting in Elterwater.
Ruabhal, Benbecula's Hump, was a wee gem, with path, signposts and spectacular views. Orval on Rum was beautiful, with a large goat for company. Visiting Beinn a'Bhaillidh on Eilean Shona was a perfect expedition in miniature, dodging the tides and all. Creag Riabhach was my last Marilyn 'Cape side', with spectacular views to make up for the awful weather on An Grianan last year. Poor hills, in my opinion, were Mullach Mor on Rum and Carn a'Ghobhair (10D), where I found my way blocked by sheer rock faces and had to retrace my steps twice before clambering up a green, plant-filled, crack to a very confusing area on top. I cannot recall reading anything about this hill to warn me of the difficulties (CW: Me neither, but it looked a stinker from the top of Sgurr na Dubh-chreige to the south last April). Muirneag, despite its reputation, I found totally reasonable, having endured wetter, boggier and tougher approaches many times - thanks to John Mackay for his advice. There were no batteries or old tyres on the summit on my visit.
When I heard of the tragedy of Graham Bunn and, to a lesser degree, Hamish's mobility problems, it made me think how fortunate I have been on the hill. I am looking forward, hopefully, to another accident-free year. 'Look well to each step and, from the beginning, think what may be the end' - sound advice from Edward Whymper.
