My customary indolence got the better of me again in 2012 and I produced no baglog, so this is for two years. Two very consistent totals of 55 and 54 respectively, although the former had rather a lot of southern English hills included as a result of being down there for other reasons, but making it pay Marilyn-wise. If you want to get a bag total rush, the equivalent of the effect of a pork pie on a hangover, then southern England is the place; a veritable turkey shoot.
We only have sub-600m Marilyns left in Scotland which, in view of increasing old age and decrepitude, is good news. However it does require a deep knowledge of the psychology of the Forestry Commission. As many will know, they have this mania for surrounding hills with a fringe of impenetrable trees leaving a bald pate. And trees grow and are harvested and fire breaks and paths are not always as they appear on maps, if they appear at all; a complete nightmare. But then there is Google Earth; an equally complete answer - almost.
So where have we been tree dodging the last two years? Argyll, Kintyre, Laggan, south Loch Ness, Kintail, Perthshire, Angus, Ardgour, Strathspey and Morayshire. The great thing about the wee hills is that they take us to places we might not otherwise go. Some hills are certainly dull, but so are some of the higher hills. Many however have hidden delights which can be enjoyed in absolute solitude, apart from each other and we do not count. These hills are a misanthrope's paradise.
Plans for 2014? Growing webbed feet could be good, but failing that it will be Argyll, Torridon, west of the Cromarty Firth, around Lairg and Ardnamurchan. Val is keen to reach the 1000 mark before she has another significant birthday involving a zero in March 2015. I think we should manage that.
