We were delighted to be able to record a total for 2013 of above 100 Marilyns, as a fifth year above the century total had been our target. Many of the Scottish Marilyns we have still to do are in the islands, particularly Harris and Lewis. We had an excellent week in Lewis in June, staying on the west coast at Reef. Fantastic hills in that area and we were lucky enough to get good views from the best of them. We picked up one hill on the edge of the Pairc area on the way, but lots of the more difficult to access ones are still to do there.
Our other main walking holiday was in south Wales in August. Lots of driving around between small and pleasant hills, some with paths which were not marked on our map, added to pleasant walking.
We anticipate a much smaller total for 2014. There are very few Marilyns we can now travel to in one day from home, although the distance we consider to be reasonable for this exercise keeps growing. This is something we remember was true for other lists, as you always think you can just go a little further. Maybe not very environmentally friendly, so we better start to plant a few more trees. As Peter is a gardener he has planted lots in his time, but we had better up the ante. Our plans include the far north of Scotland and the far south of England for holidays. We must go where the hills need ticking off.
Talking of ticks, it brings back memories of the living type. We had a great overnight stay on Scarba with friends, to do the Marilyn there, but found the island had the biggest collection of ticks we have ever come across. Apologies to our friends, who had to put up with Liz constantly checking for and finding them. A week later we found one in the base of the tent while sorting it out in our living room. At least that one was minding its own business and only hitched a lift to Glasgow in the tent.
