It started in July 1999 when somebody at work suggested hiring a bus and going to Arran to climb Goat Fell. I didn't know what it involved, but thought it sounded like a good idea to pass a Sunday. The bus turned into a car, and four of us managed to get to Brodick and find the path up the mountain. It was a lovely day and I was hooked. The next few months saw me stumble my way around the central Scotland Munros in trainers and shorts, before winter arrived and I realised that I might have to get some decent gear to continue with my new pastime.
The word Marilyn appeared very early in my hillwalking life. Don Reid, a present Hall of Famer and a fine hill runner, works beside me, and he kindly invited me to his last Munro bash, on Schiehallion in September 1999. On completion, he told me that he was now bagging Marilyns, and enlightened me as to what a Marilyn was. Sounds really good I said. Something for the future. Good luck. I'm off to my next Munro.
Before long I was nearly halfway through the 284, and decided to set myself a target of four years to finish the lot. Quite a short time-scale for someone working full-time, but having an understanding wife, and being in charge of my own annual leave, I was determined to achieve my objective. I was lucky enough to succeed and so proceeded, as one does, to the next list, the Corbetts. Again I set myself a challenging target of three full years, although I had already climbed around 40. I found the Corbetts really enjoyable, with their clear differentiation and wonderful locations taking me to less visited parts of our beautiful country.
As I neared the end of the Corbetts I began to think of the next list, the Grahams. My future motivation was severely tested on my last Corbett in November 2006, Creag Uchdag (1A), when Don presented me with a copy of Alan Dawson's RHB book and opened up a whole new world for me. I have since climbed 19 Marilyns in 2007, although my main objectives are Grahams, with my total at 92 by the end of 2007, and totalling 535 Marilyns. The Hall beckons for 2008.
Brent Lynam on the col between Binnein Shios and Binnein Shuas (photo: Alan Dawson)
Highlights of the year were Binnein Shuas and Binnein Shios on a lovely summer day, with great views of Creag Meagaidh and Ben Alder on either side. The ground between the Grahams is hard going though, with deep tussocky grass and numerous holes and ditches. Hunt Hill (7) is a gem of hill, with the well-defined path up the side of the Falls of Unich thoroughly recommended. On a misty day with lots of water around it's a highly atmospheric and tranquil place to spend some time. The best day of the year was a round from Braemore of Maiden Pap, Morven, Smean and Scaraben, on a July day with sun, rain, mist, hailstones and a howling wind. The only downside was the profusion of wind farms observed from the summits, a blight on such remote and unspoiled land.
Richard Wood near the frosty summit of Morven, with Smean and Scaraben beyond (photo: Alan Dawson)
Lowlights were obviously the poor weather, and trying to avoid several million black flying things on the way to Beinn na Gainimh (1A) from Glenquaich Lodge. And a little tumble on the lower slopes of Druim Fada near Arnisdale, involving 15 metres, two somersaults, a drive to Broadford Hospital, 22 stitches, and a six-week sabbatical. If anyone meets a fellow on the hills with a two-inch scar running NE to SW down the centre of his forehead, please say hello.
