Marilyn ascents were few in numbers during 2012 owing to a three-month spell in Chile's northern deserts and mountains, where I managed two 5000m peaks with my Munich walking pal, Gesine. I also got to the giant volcano Sairecabur, which no-one seems to be sure whether it is over or just below 6000m. Various long spells in the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps also kept Scottish hill walks to a minimum.
The best spell in Scotland was at the start of June, again with Gesine, in the far north at the end of a very dry spell. Maiden Pap and Smean, Braigh na h-Eaglaise, Creag Thoraraidh and lovely Beinn Dubhain were definite highlights. Rare that you could just lie down anywhere without getting a wet backside, but easily done on these magical hills. Various tops in the Altnaharra, Tongue, Gairloch and Ullapool area followed, with An Cuaidh above a fantastic lighthouse probably the flattest summit ever ascended. Nice memories, all of them.
Strictly Klaus and Gesine on Creag Thoraraidh
