I hadn't really intended to do the Marilyns, but having downloaded some of the pages from the RHB website, a quick count showed that I had already done 549. I then met Andy Lawson who had done 172 in 2010 and that was the spur to get going. A beautiful day on Ord Ban at Loch an Eilein in June was the setting for my 600th, and an unusually mild Scottish autumn allowed me to cram in another 80 by the end of November. With 63 Grahams left to do, the Marilyns now provide another obsession for the future, and a justification for buying more walking kit.
Worst hill of the year was Torr Achilty at Contin, fighting through the bracken and trees from the east, and then the steep drop down on the west side.
Red Cuillin (photo: Martin Richardson)
Best views were from Bidean Clann Raonaild, looking on to the Torridon giants, and An Cabar above Loch Fannich. Marsco and the Red Cuillin Grahams were other highlights.
Hill of the Wangie took two attempts to complete in February. Help from the excellent trip reports on the Scottish Hills website (www.scottishhills.com) solved the route-finding problems of deep forest and deep snow. If you have not had a look at this website, it is worth consulting for advice and photos of routes to the smaller hills.
Access problems were encountered on Carn a'Chuilinn and Carn nam Bad but, having contacted the Access and Conservation Officer at the MCofS, Hebe Carus, prompt action was taken to resolve the issues.
In 2012, I will make a third attempt to finish off the Furths in Ireland. Twice I have been in Killarney trying to do these hills and the weather has been atrocious. The Guinness would have tasted a lot better if I had got them finished.
