For a variety of reasons (spending six weeks going on holiday to New Zealand; walking my neighbour's dog; trying to do more horse-riding; walking in my local hills) and some unforeseen circumstances (my husband being ill in July; breaking my arm in December) I only managed twenty new Marilyns. Nevertheless, they were all memorable hills and it was a great year. Eight of the twenty were in Scotland: all great days with wonderful weather, giving superb views. Perhaps the best of them was Beinn a'Chaisil (18C), starting from Ardtornish (you can park beside the estate office). This is a lovely area and I am looking forward to going back in 2008 to climb An Sleaghach. Possibly even better was my day on Beinn nan Cabar south of Loch Morar; a wild and lonely area with stupendous views including Loch Nevis, Loch Beoraid, the hills of Knoydart, Ben Nevis, the Cuillins of both Rum and Skye, and the Corbetts to the south, with An Stac dominating. Other great days were spent on hills in the west, the furthest north being Ghlas-bheinn just south of Durness.
Loch Morar and Skye from Druim a'Chuirn (photo: Alan Dawson)
In June I thoroughly enjoyed the Marhof gathering at Dalry and, thanks to advice from friends there, climbed Fell of Fleet. I am looking forward to meeting everyone again at the next reunion. A planned trip to England in July proved impossible, but I went to Wales in October instead, staying at Abersoch on the Lleyn peninsula and at Ruthin near Llangollen. I had a wonderful week, climbing twelve new Marilyns. My favourites were Gyrn Ddu, Yr Eifl, Moel Famau and Penycloddiau. The weather was excellent, as were the hills. I am looking forward to exploring more of Wales; so much to do, so many hills to climb.
