Les Rothnie on Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis
My interest in Marilyns began... because I was a reader of the Angry Corrie and so heard early of Alan's book release, which coincided with my move to Yorkshire from Aberdeen in 1992. Alan's book gave me another list to attack in Blighty, some purpose to walking the 'local' hills, and an ability to differentiate one hill from another. I had finished the Munros and the Corbetts before I really thought through the idea of Scottish Marilyns. Had I done so, I would have been able to combine the two. Tant pis.
My favourite Marilyns are... the Assynt hills. I was YHA warden at Achmelvich 1968-69, so had plenty time to wander up and amongst them. Other favourites are the Ardgour and Moidart hills, the diminutive Ben Hiant should be compulsory walking for all able-bodied mortals. Then there's Skye, Torridon, Letterewe and not forgetting the Cairngorms.
My least favourite Marilyns are... Moruisg, the Grahams on the north side of Loch Arkaig, and most of the Yorkshire Dales. These are dull, rounded hills offering so little compared with the above group.
Do I keep Marilyn bagging a secret? No, I make an issue of it.
I... have been married to Irene for 35 years. She in turn is married to both me and the hills. I've always taken a camera to the hills. However, recently I have started to take proper photographs i.e. ones that might sell. I'm displaying some on the walls of my house.
