Highlight: Bidean nam Bian. This is a hill which has always seemed very intimidating to me, with its steep outlying spurs leaning over Glen Coe. Being on my own I chose a relatively easy route, climbing up into Coire Gabhail, and then on up to Bealach Dearg at the head of the valley to give access to both Munros. The return was over Stob Coire nan Lochan. Some truly amazing views on a clear autumn day, with the A82 far below.
Lowlight: Cnoc Corr Guinie (15B). Low cloud, heavy rain, lots of mud and surface water; one for the real enthusiast. Actually, given the generally poor weather in north-east Scotland last year, I was surprised to discover from my records that this is the only hill I climbed in truly foul weather.
Jonathan Appleby on the summit cairn of Creag a'Mhaim
Big day: In June I finally attempted the Cluanie double, after years of dithering, accompanied by fellow hill runner Fran Williams (who is starting to show Marilyn-bagging tendencies). We walked and jogged in the mist over the north and south Glen Shiel ridges; a total of 16 Munros and two Corbetts in 16 hours, with 5800m of climbing. Only 12 Marilyns though (all repeats), so still a long way off Chris Upson's superhuman effort in the Lake District.
Wee day: Struie (15B) is a great viewpoint, and there is a fine path up from the road, if you can find it. I ran back down to the road in 5:57 - it should be quite easy to beat that as I am not a good descender; please let me know if you set a really fast time (Jonathan.Appleby@scottishwatersolutions.co.uk).
