'When will we see your like again?' 'Never' is almost certainly the response in my case. During 2007 I was lucky enough to experience 135 days on the hill. Measured from maps rather than by pedometer, I calculate I covered 2729km and climbed 147,230m. In addition to 101 new Marilyns, I added 466 other new tops, over half being Graham Tops but also including Corbett Tops, Hewitts, Deweys and Donald Deweys. I ranged from Beinn Stumanadh (16C) to Plynlimon (31A). There are just so many highlights, it is difficult to know where to start. Some that spring to mind are putting the first footprints in thick new snow on a stunningly sunny winter day on the Five Sisters of Kintail; an incredibly cold day on Morven and Scaraben (16C); Meall nan Eun (10B), probably my favourite Graham (but I am hopelessly biased towards Knoydart); close encounters with golden eagles on Beinn Tharsuinn (12A) and on Skye's Trotternish ridge; making the most of a beautiful April with three rough-camping expeditions and a sensational temperature inversion above Loch Lyon. Some recent Marhofns have extolled the virtues of SubMarilyns - I should like to add Stack of Glencoul (16E) to the list of gems.
There were some lowlights, the most depressing being due to forestry not shown on my maps. I wish I could attract creatures higher up the evolutionary chain as well as I can ticks; I pulled my first in March and then almost every time I strode out in shorts. Being blown over onto rocks north of Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill (16B) and enduring a long walk back to Loch Stack with a cut and badly bruised leg was certainly not pleasant, nor was rescuing a lamb from a bog on the ridge between Glen Gloy and Loch Lochy, only to watch it breath its last in front of me. I also suffered my first ever GOML experience in Scotland - at Garrow Lodge in Glen Quaich.
My most challenging day was undoubtedly being roped over the Corbett Tops of Sgurr a'Mhadaidh and Bidein Druim nan Ramh by two experienced climbers, although even they got somewhat confused when the mist rolled in. Alone, I was delighted to reach the allegedly difficult Graham Tops of Suilven and Beinn Bhan, so there is a little life in the old scrambler yet.
Having always concentrated on Scotland, my main target for 2008 is to collect my 19 remaining English Hewitts. I should also like to reach 1000 Marilyns and get close to finishing both the Grahams and the Corbett Tops; I need 44 of each. However, other commitments and the need for more recovery time between outings means I will be delighted to achieve 50% of my 2007 activity.
