For me, 2012 was quite an eventful year, travelling and walking long distance routes at home and abroad and with lots of hillwalking in England and Wales. I climbed 143 new summits from various lists, but made slow advancement on the P150 front. There were another 24 foreign hills, including eleven minor summits, while backpacking the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland. Two trips to Scotland brought most of my new Marilyns, while advancing my Munro tally.
On our annual Munro week during May, twelve new Marilyns were added, including Gleouraich, Spidean Mialach and Sgurr Mhaoraich from Loch Quoich, the latter being quite entertaining through mist and deep snow. A superb weather day, with crystal clear views, included Beinn a'Chlachair and Geal Charn. Later in the week, the three Monadhliath Munros from Shepherd's Bridge were added, but only one Marilyn, Carn Dearg.
In late October, in between and during quite desperate weather, eight new hills were added to the list, the pick of these being Beinn an Dothaidh, Beinn Dorain, Beinn Mhanach, Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a' Chreachain from Achallader Farm.
I never tire of being out in the hills, the rewards when bagging, whatever the list or not bagging at all, bring about great satisfaction and fulfilment. Funnily enough, one of the best views of the year was from the Dewey, Craig Ddrwg in the Rhinogs. Simply wonderful.
Spidean Mialach and Gleouraich from Meall Dubh (photo: Michael Earnshaw)
