Was it Michelangelo who reputedly said 'the greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark'? Whether Michelangelo would have approved of my habitual tendency of setting targets that I do not reach, is unknown. However, in 2015, for the third year in a row, I found myself scurrying around Scotland in the depths of December trying to hit my target for the year of 800 Marilyns. I failed, by four. Having said that, I had great fun trying to achieve the goal.
The year got off to a slow if superlative start with an outing under snow and clear blue skies on Shee of Ardtalnaig. Not a breath of wind and accompanied by an eagle overhead for much of the day. Many repeats and unremarkable hill days followed until an excellent outing with a large group of friends on Beinn Dearg in Glen Artney in August. Not everyone appreciated the rough ground but we were surprised at the snow patches still lying in a number of locations. I cannot think of a similar number existing so late into the summer since the mid-1980s. The aches of the day were ably anaesthetised by the annual Gargunnock beer festival the following day.
A trip to France by car in September meant that a deviation to the Marilyns around the South Downs seemed appropriate. Great weather and leisurely strolls on quiet hills provided a perfect prelude to our holiday. Passing through Ambleside in mid-December allowed me a quick trip up Loughrigg Fell in a very unseasonal 15C and a t-shirt.
The year end was spent with friends at Charlestown, Gairloch. We had some superb days out, staying dry when most of the country was reporting a deluge. Of particular note was Beinn Ghobhlach on a beautiful day with great all-round visibility. For slightly different reasons, the mighty Sithean Mor provided excellent entertainment when storm Frank passed through on 30 December, although all brands of waterproofs appeared to fail the Frank test. The year was rounded off on Meall an Doirein, which presented an easy hill but a fine viewpoint to Flowerdale, Loch Maree and Torridon. This country immediately to the east of Gairloch is one which I have not previously spent much time in but will definitely be paying a repeat visit to.
Loch Maree from Sithean Mor, east of Gairloch (photo: Martin Cole)
