The year 2012 was an unproductive one as, quite unusually, I did not have a single proper holiday in Scotland, where virtually all my unclimbed Marilyns now lie. Instead, holidays were spent on the Isle of Man (low expectations, but thoroughly enjoyed), three weeks bird-watching in France with some hills in the Massif Central thrown in, and a further three weeks in Devon and Cornwall collecting Humps, Deweys and finishing the South West Coast Path. The Marilyns that I did climb were on the Isle of Man and a few in the Highland fringe in places such as Cowal and the Campsies during brief weekends away.
Ailsa Craig (photo: John Henderson)
By far the stand-out Marilyn day was a trip to Ailsa Craig from Girvan on an all-too-rare calm sunny day where I used the allocated one hour ashore to the minute to gain the summit of this unique landmark. I was especially pleased with myself as I have always had a fear of trips in small boats along with other sundry phobias such as heights, thunderstorms, mid-Wales farmers.
The big event in 2012 happened off the hills. I took early retirement from work and am now in the promising position of having plenty of time, enough money, a campervan and a loving wife who is only too happy to wave me off on another jaunt. Plans for 2013 include a March holiday in Bute, Kintyre and Arran and a June holiday either in the Western Isles with a trip to St Kilda (I hope) or three weeks in Ireland to finish my 2000ft tops there. If the former, I have a cunning plan for Caiteseal. Additionally, I plan more trips up to the Highlands on my own, weather permitting. I should also finish the English Deweys and possibly the Humps with the exception of Great Links Tor - which, unlike some people, I do not count as I do not regard looking up at a thirty-foot high rock pinnacle from below as the same as climbing to its summit. On that basis I have completed the Munros - I have not.
Who am I to tamper with a masterpiece?
- Oscar Wilde
Caiteseal (photo: Dave Beaumont)
