2014 was memorable for various reasons, not least for reaching the landmark of 60 years old in April. The event was partly celebrated by an extended family get-together near Girvan when we sailed to Ailsa Craig in beautiful benign weather and made the ascent in windless conditions. The boatman even gave us a tour round the island.
Another tick off the bucket list came in June when a friend and I completed the Trotternish ridge on Skye over two days while staying at a cottage in Staffin. Watching a couple of sea-eagles swooping and soaring far above us on thermals while lying on our backs on a cushion of heather is the stuff of dreams.
A memorable week was enjoyed in August, staying at a lodge in Inverie, with the highlight being a long-awaited completion of a second Munro round on Ladhar Bheinn, one of the finest Munros in Scotland and a shameful 30 years since a first ascent.
The plan of also climbing my 1000th Marilyn that week unfortunately did not materialise and had to wait until November when Beinn Duirinnis on the north side of Loch Etive fitted the bill. This was climbed solo on an absolutely stunning, clear autumnal day (5 November) when the view up Loch Etive was glorious. This is a brilliant wee hill with some fine crags around the summit.
The continuation of an extended Land's End to John o' Groats walk begun in 2013 did not happen, but maybe will in 2015.
