A relatively quiet bagging year with just 50 hills completed, minus the two demotions Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn and Swyre Head. Hill of the year has to be Sgurr Dearg on Mull, our 1000th Marilyn. Most challenging hills were Druim a'Chuirn and Meith Bheinn, completed before the midge season. Best winter conditions were on Cruach Mhor near Inveraray, tackled in deep snow. Least enjoyable hills were Hill of Nigg and Mount Eagle. Most unethical bagging was using the four-wheel drive for quick access to Creag Mhor and Ben Armine.
Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn (photo: Alan Dawson)
Eighteen years ago I (Dale) had not come across the term Marilyn bagging. In fact I would be about to complete my first Munro round and start my son on his Munro adventure too. We did not stumble across the Marilyns list until we had almost completed the Munros and Corbetts and were well through the Grahams list.
One of the best bits with Marilyn bagging is the new areas you get the chance to explore. We only started Marilyn bagging over the previous five years and progress has been steady. Having entered the Upper Hall I think the annual count will be even less as most of the hills close to home have been completed.
This week I treated myself to a new pair of hillwalking boots that I bought off a local drug dealer. Dunno what he laced them with, but I have been tripping all morning.
