Thanks to Peter Malone, I finally set my eyes on the Marhof newsletter in 2010 and saw some familiar names; Donald Shiach, Peter Malone and Dave Hewitt from hillwalking; Chris Upson, Brian Edridge and Colin Donnelly from hill running, and James Lamb who rescued my binoculars from Beinn Mheadhoin in Morven some years ago.
Despite first ascents of Snowdon and Scafell Pike, the highlight of the year was climbing the three Harris Grahams in good dry conditions in June. This was followed by meeting two young guys on scrambler bikes at the top of Ben Scrien on Eriskay. Groban and Beinn Bheag were climbed dry shod in perfect spring conditions in mid April, the new track along Loch a'Bhraoin making for quick progress. This was followed the next day by a long cycle up Strath Vaich to capture Meall a'Chaorainn.
Undoubtedly the worst Marilyn of the year was Torr Achilty, which was done at dusk with the ascent and descent competing with each other for the worst terrain. The following day my faith was restored with ascents of Cnoc a'Bhaid-rallaich and Beinn nam Ban on a bright September day, with great views from An Teallach to Suilven.
Knockdolian, providing wonderful views of Ailsa Craig and Arran, was the November highlight and I felt that 100 new Marilyns for 2010 was achievable. Unfortunately, heavy snow and a test match at the Waca in Perth (CW: Unlucky to pick that one) restricted me to a single Marilyn in December. However, this was my 800th; Black Craig above Loch Striven was done in deep, wind-crusted snow. I arrived at the top just after sunset.
Two unexpected meetings; Bert Barnett in July as both of us were searching for alpine wild flowers high up on Ben Lawers, and Eric Young descending from Doughnut Hill near Dumbarton, where we discovered our mutual interest in climbing Marilyns. Hopefully 2011 should bring completion of the Grahams and progress with the Marilyns between 500 and 610 metres.
Finally, Sheila and I had an expedition to the Ball Pass in the Mount Cook National Park. This included two nights in the Caroline Hut at 2200m, facing the stupendous Caroline face of Mount Cook - 1000 metres vertical with constant avalanches pouring down it.
