Problems with my dad's health and subsequent care meant that 2010 was a less productive year, with only 71 summits attained and two lost. With practically the whole of Britain in deep snow in January, I managed to work out that the only place without snow was the Kintyre peninsula, where my cousin and myself had an enjoyable few days in amazingly good weather. I then had to cancel a couple of trips north, arranged for March and April, before having a great week in Ardnamurchan, Sunart and Moidart, walking with Alan Whatley, followed by a few days on Skye with my old work colleagues.
I completed region 26 and had some great days walking with my cousin Gordon and his son Gavin. On returning to the Dalrigh car park after climbing Fiarach, we actually encountered one of the members of the Danish female naked volleyball team, after many years of looking for one (it's a long story involving some strange fantasies that are better kept in private). The weather was good all week and I finished it with a big day completing Beinn Uamha, Cruinn a'Bheinn and Beinn Dubh, south of Loch Chon (1C). I descended from Beinn Dubh through the forestry towards the loch, which was a big mistake. It's extremely steep and very slippery.
October involved a trip to Loch Ossian hostel. I forgot to take my compass, whistle and hat. The first day out it poured in the afternoon. Rannoch Moor is not a place to find that you've left your cagoule back at the ranch. A bin liner had to suffice. I received some strange looks from the staff at the posh lodge at the east end of the loch as I sheltered from the deluge amongst the granite outhouses. The following day I was at the south end of Loch Treig before I realised that I had left my map at the hostel. Fortunately the weather was clear, I had managed to borrow a compass, and I had studied the map in detail the previous evening, so at least my memory worked well enough to climb the remote Creag Ghuanach and Beinn na Cloiche. However, I was beginning to feel that I wasn't safe to be let out on my own. Barbara concurred with this opinion.
I then drove over to the Angus glens, which were busy with stalking, but the gamekeepers were very helpful when asked about walking, happy to provide safe routes that didn't interfere with their work. My final trip north was round the perimeter of the Cairngorms, completing regions 7 and 8 in November. Full circle in the year weatherwise, with deep snow on Cnap Chaochan Aitinn, Geallaig and Mona Gowan. I enjoyed three nights at the Habitat hostel in Ballater; excellent facilities and great value for money. I met Jim Bloomer (the only walker encountered on 19 hills) on Carn Glas-choire (9A) and we nattered for ages before being joined by a friendly gamekeeper in his Land Rover. More nattering until we all got cold and went off in our different directions. Jim had his mountain bike with him and I regretted having left mine in the car, as it is an excellent track for 4-5km before reaching the steep bit.
Start of the track up Mona Gowan (photo: Alan Dawson)
I completed the year in thick mist and snow on the flat plateau of Carn nan Tri-tighearnan (9A), which required very careful navigation. Despite this success I've succumbed to buying a second-hand GPS. This should be a great help in the future, assuming that I don't leave it behind in the tent.
