MARHOFN 106.06 - MAY 2004

Ticking over: Andrew Templeton

Four outings stood out among the new clutch:

• Creag Scalabsdale: a grand trek along the edge of Caithness, also taking in Creag nan Gearr, Suidhe an Fhir Bhig and Cnoc an Eireannaich. Overlooked by many I suspect in favour of Morven or Sutherland gems, but fine hills in their own right.
• High Street: annual raid across the frontier. First time at Haweswater and a good route by Blea Water to the plateau. Twice across Threshthwaite Mouth for Stony Cove Pike and home by Harter Fell.
• Carn na Loine: my 800th Marilyn and back to the ancestral patch, with the Cromdale hills across the Spey as a reminder of my first. And what a cracking peak Ben Rinnes is among the rolling Strathspey skyline.
• Hill of Stake: a wintry Renfrewshire moor just before year end. Tussocky and smothered in soft snow. Not the stroll I expected, but the sight of Ailsa Craig and Holy Island fairly raised the spirits at the trig point.