I began the year in Australia's Great Dividing Range with a side trip to Mount Exmouth in the Warrumbungles. During five weeks in an old camper van we managed seven P500s. The most challenging was Mount Bogong, Victoria's high point; a 1600m ascent in 35-degree heat with insufficient water.
The highlight of the year was two weeks in a dry June in Ireland, with Stewart Logan and his kilt. We managed 21 P500s and we both finished the Great Britain and Ireland P600s on Slieve Snaght in Inishowen. Stewart also managed his 500th P305 on Slieve Croob. I was impressed as my tally was in the low 400s (CW: But you aren't 102, are you?).
I thoroughly enjoyed a Barra trip, incorporating the five southerly islands, and had a super romp round the Stulabhal group on South Uist with Michael Earnshaw. Because of Ireland, I spent only 45 days on Scottish hills, less than previous years since retirement in 2003. I did manage three trips to Wales, via Shropshire and Exmoor, and also found a few new places on local Lakeland hills, thanks to Bill Birkett and RHB/DoBH prompting.
