Only nine new Marilyns but a great year as I ticked off my two most elusive hills, at opposite ends of the country: Carnmenellis and Sgurr na Ciche. I did Carnmenellis early one morning nipping up and down from the west near Philpott's farm.
In the summer I ticked off seven more Munros leaving me only seven to go. My friend Jeff and I drove to Strathan and walked to A'Chuil bothy (no mouse this year) and next day took the usual route along the ridge to Gharbh Chioch Beag, Gharbh Chioch Mor and Sgurr na Ciche. It was a sunny day, with lovely views to Skye, the Inner Hebrides and Knoydart, but my eye was drawn to my planned penultimate Munro of Meall Buidhe. We descended back to Glen Dessary and the bothy. A fantastic walk - one of the best.
We also bagged Beinn Eibhinn, Aonach Beag and Geal Charn from a wild camp, beside a noisy and midge-infested Allt Cam. No mean effort navigating in mist and rain, after only one hour's sleep. Fortunately the mist cleared for the ridge and we got some views.
After meeting up with my family at Kinloch Rannoch, we then did Beinn Heasgarnich, Beinn Iutharn Mhor (kids and all), and also my third ascent of Schiehallion. The following week, after farewells to Jeff, we all climbed the delightful South Lee on North Uist, and then my eldest son and I nipped up North Lee as well.
Dant family on Schiehallion
