A wander through the web in 2005 introduced me to Marilyns and Marhofn. The latter has sustained my interest ever since and I have looked forward with great anticipation every May to the magazine landing on my doormat. Why was I surfing the net rather than being out and about climbing hills? Well, I was recovering from a heart attack and looking for some smaller hills to climb as I felt that it was probably pushing it a bit to continue with long hill days on the Munros. Further serious illness in 2012 slowed me down more but the challenge of the Marilyn list kept me motivated. I have found myself going to parts of the country that I would not have dreamed of visiting otherwise and the whole experience has proved greatly enjoyable. Hills with wide, expansive views such as Ben Hiant and Stob na Cruaiche, or forest-covered horrors such as Strathfinella Hill (I know there are worse), each has been excitedly anticipated and enjoyed.
A huge vote of thanks to everyone who has given their time to putting the magazine together over the years, it is much appreciated.
I have been consistent, adding around 30 new Marilyns to my total each year. Consequently, my placing in the Hall has been virtually static. Nevertheless, it has been interesting to compare my progress with that of others and I hope that it will be possible to continue to publish an annual league table on line.
I had hoped to do a bit better in 2015 but the rotten weather put paid to that, as I am unashamedly a fair-weather walker. Nevertheless, I found my way to some interesting hills - Hutton Roof Crags, the Coyles of Muick, Leagag, Beinn Mhor (Lorn), Seana Mheallan (best new Marilyn of 2015) and Craiglich were all five-star in my opinion, as was my only new Sib, Davaar Island, which was visited on a lovely June day. I really need to do more Sibs.
Like many others, I will never finish the Marilyn list. However, the target of 1000 Marilyns as the entry point for the Upper Hall is still within my capabilities and that goal will certainly encourage me to keep going to the hills for as long as I am able.
