This was a year when I started to explore new areas, leaving my first footprints in regions 24, 36, 39, and 41, along with sections 32B and 32C. Highlights:
Low points - my first trip to the Cardiff valleys, where the trip to Wales from Paddington was a nightmare. The late start was not a problem, but was compounded by the driver passing a red signal approaching Newport. The day was not helped when I missed a path that would have led to the ridge leading to Craig yr Allt and found myself taking a long circuitous route which finished with a bracken thrash. Welcome to 32C.
Problems with paths elsewhere too - how often do you find that the paths marked on the 1:50000 maps are different from those on the ground? Following the map to the trig on Detling Hill (42) I came across a fence. There was a good path running behind the fence and so I had to make a detour to find a gate. Finding the point about 2m higher than the trig is going to be interesting in future as there is a new wood on the summit.
My total of 45 was the most Marilyns I have bagged in a year to date. Probably revert back to my usual 20-30 next year.
