The highlight of the year has to be the ascent of the In Pinn before the annual dinner in Portree in early June. Big thanks have to go to Bob Kerr for the opportunity and it was a day to remember. There were six of us who went up, on two ropes, although a third rope had been intended. We had to wait ages for other parties to complete the climb, with the result that it was five hours from first reaching Sgurr Dearg before I put hand to rock. I was in the middle, with Jamie Everett in front and Louise Collins behind. The weather was not great - misty and damp, and as a result the rock was wet. I found the climb mentally and physically tough and got stuck in a couple of places. I had to battle with myself to hold the fear at bay and stop it overwhelming me. When we were at the stance after the first pitch the clouds cleared for a while and I didn't know whether to look or not. The views out to Rum and along the Cuillin ridge were amazing but I was very aware of a deep gulf beneath my feet. I was worried about the abseil, having not done this for 16 years, but in the end this was the easiest part. To cap it all off, after I had got down and we were waiting for the others to abseil, a Brocken spectre appeared. I have never felt such elation and relief as when I was down. For a few weeks after I felt a real buzz when I thought about it - I can now see what the attraction is with climbing.
Bob Kerr (right) and Graham McFadyen recover after spending several hours on the In Pinn (photo: Alan Dawson)
The rest of the year was tame in comparison, but during the same week as the In Pinn climb I had a great day with Chris Watson on the Five Sisters of Kintail. The climb up to the ridge was a typical Glen Shiel slog, but once we were up the ridge walking was a delight.
I also went to Herefordshire to wipe out 38B. Many of the hills here were pleasant, with Burton Hill especially lovely, the summit being in the middle of a bluebell wood. I climbed the dreaded Seager Hill on this trip and have never felt so paranoid on a hill. After reading about an incident on this hill just a few days before, I felt really nervous but in the end the ascent was done without incident.
I also finished off section 32B during August. Many of the hills there are very forgettable but I do remember the amazing views of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Carmarthen Fan from Craig y Llyn. I also remember this hill for the biggest soaking of the year; a very heavy shower came down, soaked me in no time and made driving extremely dangerous. Coity Mountain was enjoyable as well, although this was notable for finding part of a car bumper in the middle of the moor.
There were also some mad long day-trips to the Southern Uplands with Mark Trengove: Middlefield Law, The Wiss, Windy Standard, Woodhead Hill, Bainloch Hill (a wee shite if ever there was one), Hightown Hill and Wether Hill were all bagged in this way. However, the maddest day was a 16-hour-long day to Earl's Seat. Mark and I thoroughly enjoyed bagging this one but it was extremely tiring.
Plans for 2012 include finally finishing off the Welsh Hewitts (only five to go) and getting as near to a Welsh completion as I can (39 to go). However, with a baby daughter on the way in May, the reality is that I'll probably be up to my ears in dirty nappies instead.
