As in 2009, I continued to concentrate on the bigger hills and therefore only accumulated a pathetic seven new Marilyns. Beinn Reidh was a second attempt, an earlier New Year's Day sortie having started too late. Meall Coire an Lochain did provide the bonus of a confluence point (58N 5W), although it was very hard going to reach it from the summit. Having lived in Glasgow for 33 years, I finally got up Meikle Bin, and An Cuaidh near Poolewe was my lowest ever Marilyn at 296m.
Meikle Bin from the north (photo: Alan Dawson)
The one new English Marilyn was Great Whernside, climbed during an annual weekend meeting with my brothers. Those guys cause me problems. After Buckden Pike we crossed Wharfedale for a high-level return to Kettlewell, but they refused to take in Birks Fell, claiming there would be no time for a pint before the hostel dinner. The previous year we stayed on a path bypassing the summit of Ilkley Moor for a similarly feeble reason. They just do not understand.
On the bigger hills, second ascents of Corbetts are up to 171, after-age-60 Munros 127, and a new third round of Munros is at 219 (CW: I am on 219 on my first round!). A new target I have created is a round of Munros after age 50. I have only 22 of these to go, all simple ones. Worrying situations arose twice on late snow. Having carried an ice axe for several weeks and not needed it, I left it at home for a trip to Shenavall and Fisherfield in May, but a circuit of An Teallach had a nasty moment. In June the exit from the corrie approaching Mam Sodhail from the south-east needed great care with bendy boots and poles.
