In the gathering darkness of an October evening on Beacon Hill (31B), I finally reached the door and quietly closed it behind me, to be condemned, maybe forever, to the dark abyss of the Corridor of Obscurity. Over the years, because of pursuing other walking ambitions and having other commitments, my Marilyn total has crept up slowly. However, 2007 was the year I made a real effort to enter the Corridor - 340 down and 60 required. Travelling prevented any bagging until April and then, in between other foreign trips, Wales and Scotland contributed to the majority of new Marilyns.
Some of the highlights in Wales and England included finishing in the early evening on The Begwns (31B) and looking south-east to the wonderful light and shade on the Black Mountains, and similarly on Mynydd Bodafon with the view across Anglesey towards the tremendous panorama of Snowdonia. Odd experiences were mingling with golfers on Y Golfa (30E) and Bradnor Hill (38B), after parking in the clubhouse car park. On Stingwern Hill (31A) I found that someone, probably a Marilyn-bagger, had cut the barbed wire and folded it back to allow an easier climb over the fence and access to the summit. Thorns in my side for many years, Moel-ddu (30B) and View Edge (38A) were completed without too much mishap.
Scotland again provided magnificent days. The long sought-after round of the five Auch Corbetts was achieved during May, in wonderful conditions with the two Johns from Lancashire. A trip to Torridon with Ronald included a superb traverse of the pinnacled ridge of Liathach from Stuc a'Choire Dhuibh Bhig to Mullach an Rathain. One of the best views of the year was from Ruadh-stac Beag, looking into the huge curved mass of Beinn Eighe after climbing to the summit through the rocks from the north - wonderful! Later met up with another friend Alan at the superb Sail Mhor Croft independent hostel. Highlights included walking past Shenavall and completing the round of Beinn Dearg Mor and Beinn Dearg Bheag. Also managed the Corbett of Sail Mhor itself from the hostel, a lovely shortish walk, especially if taking in the waterfalls and gorge of Allt Airdeasaidh. On the down side there were a couple of soggy, misty A9 Munros, but these were compensated somewhat by a superb fish supper at the Happy Days hostel in Kingussie.
In all, 135 new summits, including 71 Marilyns, 29 foreign ones, others off various lists and the inevitable repeats. I am often asked why I do not concentrate on one list. The answer is quite simple. I love being out in the hills, be they Corbetts, Grahams, Deweys, Birketts or not bagging at all. Another great year. Life is good.
'I really enjoy all the stories and tips for the top as well as the superb photos, especially now some are in colour. Especially love the opportunity for cellar dwellers to join in. There are a lot of us out there madly bagging away even though we haven't met the magical 600 mark yet.'
Phil Dant
