For me this was another year dominated by work, and therefore plans to complete the Munro Tops (and hence the Murdos) were yet again shelved. However, I still managed a few classic hill days and several sneaky Marilyns snatched from the jaws of work-related trips, to the deep south, the far north (Farrmheall) and Easter Ross (Struie). Highlights included:
Beinn a'Ghlo. Climbed the hill in dense clag and navigated most of the way round till the last summit (Airgiod Bheinn), when suddenly the wind got up and blasted all the clouds away to reveal the whole mountain, which then basked in golden sunshine and blue skies. We nearly froze as we sat there for half an hour, enjoying a magnificent sunset.
Beinn Aigan (21A). On Nordic skis on a magnificent wintry day. The whole hill was plastered in snow and sat well below freezing all day. The summit felt more Arctic than Aberdeenshire, and it was a real battle to reach the top in sub-zero blizzards and gales. The descent was magnificent.
Beinn a'Chaorainn and Beinn Bhreac (8). A magnificent ski tour in superb conditions after we'd almost given up hope of some high mountain ski tours. Weather dramatic rather than perfect, and the sighting of a golden eagle made it even better.
On Beinn Aigan (photo: Andy Walker)
Struie (15B). A lovely wee hill which was special partly because of the views, partly because I managed to fit it into a work-related trip, and partly because it was my 700th Marilyn.
Beinn Mhanach, Beinn Achaladair, Beinn a'Chreachain. Done on a perfect warm July weekend by kayaking up Loch Lyon and camping at Gleann Meran. Definitely the way to do these hills, particularly since there was a miraculous and unexplained absence of midges. We carried in luxurious quantities of food, wine and other 'essentials', and did as much lazing as hillwalking. The paddle out was rather more exciting than intended (force 5/6 cross-winds on the loch), but we coped and are keen for more of this type of adventure.
Liathach. We did the entire ridge from east to west in glorious, magnificently clear September sunshine: a truly magnificent mountain day on a truly magnificent mountain.
Audrey Litterick on Liathach (photo: Andy Walker)
