Various domestic issues meant that my 2013 tally was my lowest for many years. All were north of the border. The first five came on a visit to Huntly in the deep snows of mid March. I had hoped for some of my highest unclimbed Marilyns like Carn Daimh and Ben Newe, but conditions - both on the roads and on the hill - were just too bad and I had to settle for the likes of Meikle Balloch Hill and Hill of Tillymorgan. A further six were acquired on a visit to Lewis in May, including a ten-hour marathon to Ciopeagal Bheag and Caiteseal from the head of Loch Seaforth, probably the highlight of my year.
Not all my walking was in Scotland. Snowdonia in June enabled me to complete the Hewitts on Craig Las (Tyrrau Mawr) and celebrate the following day with a repeat of Crib Goch, which I found far more intimidating than on my visit over thirty years ago. The perils of ageing.
At the end of November I moved to Edinburgh and - health and fitness permitting - hope to post a higher total in 2014. My first foot was Killyleoch Hill on 6 January. I was amazed to find a fairly well-defined path. I wonder how many baggers have already literally beaten a track to its summit since the promotion in 2013.
