I had another good year of hillwalking which was combined with sailing in the Western Isles over the summer. Of the new Marilyns, 35 were on islands, 17 were Corbetts and 16 were Grahams. I had almost no bad weather, the significant exception being Sgurr Dhomhnuill on a July day of heavy rain. The burn flowing from the western corrie, easily crossed on the ascent, became within a few hours a wild torrent, leading in a short distance to a 150m series of thundering waterfalls. A descent beside these to the river in the glen below confirmed that it was completely impassable, but I managed to find a stick to use as a crossing aid back up above the falls. With heart in mouth and great difficulty, I just managed to force a way across, coming perilously close to losing my footing and being swept away. It was a frightening experience that I hope never to repeat.
The highlight of the year was finishing my Corbetts on Fuar Tholl at the end of November. It was a very fine hill to save for the finish, and despite the late season the weather gods smiled. There was frost, sunshine and good visibility, interrupted only by a couple of extended snow flurries to remind us that winter was rapidly approaching. I aim to keep up the tempo in the hope, if not the expectation, of reaching 800 this year.
Brian Edridge and friends on Fuar Tholl
