Not long to go now - almost got my hands on the door handle. Nirvana awaits.
Highlight: Carn Ban, Meall a'Chaorainn and Beinn Tharsuinn. An early start at a misty Black Bridge, covered in midges - getting on a bike allowed some respite from the little blighters and speeded progress to beyond Lubachlaggan. Climbing onto Carn Ban was a revelation - one minute grey damp mist, the next minute glorious Technicolor - emerging from a cloud inversion onto a warm summit plateau, bathed in early morning sunshine. Inspirational views to the north and west from here. The return over Meall a'Chaorainn and Beinn Tharsuinn involved dipping back into the mist and then climbing back out again each time, thus maximising the cloud inversion experience. Bike recommended for the approach sections.
Easiest hill: Hallin Fell. What a wee gem of a hill and it was so easy that I even managed to persuade my better half to climb it with me, having walked around it first, so she could see it would not be too unpleasant.
Toughest: Five Galloway hills - Merrick, Shalloch on Minnoch, Mullwharchar, Craignaw and Craiglee. Ooh, now that was a tough day. Climbing Merrick was easy peasy on the path from Bruce's Stone car park and the walk/jog from there along the ridge to Shalloch on Minnoch was delightful. But, then came the long trog over to Mullwharchar - easy initially, but gradually becoming more and more tussocky and slippery. A pattern developed on the last three hills - nasty long tussocky grass lower down (every step a potential ankle-breaker) and rough going on the tops. The granite slabs on Craignaw were great fun though - a fine hill this one. The descent off Craiglee back to Glenhead must rank as one of the most unpleasant I have experienced - deep grass concealing holes and bogs, especially lower down. I remember staggering drunkenly across the flats trying to gain the old track at Glenhead, cursing every time my foot went somewhere unexpected. Must have been quite amusing to anyone watching in the half-light.
High point: Ben Nevis again. 'nough said.
Low point: Knock of Crieff. A pleasant woodland jog in failing light. A busy place, but not so many folk go to the high point it seems.
