My focus for 2001 was completion of the Munros and Tops for the second time. This was done with Lurg Mhor on 25 June and Ben Vorlich North Top on 21 October, while I completed the Murdos on 16 October with Stob an Duine Ruaidh. As far as Marilyns go, 2001 got off to a poor start with access closed due to the FMD epidemic. Trips to relatives and summer holidays in July and August was the first real start, with 20 of the hills in southern England and the west country bagged. Unfortunately I am still left with Carnmenellis in Cornwall as FMD 'No Entry' signs deterred us from risking a trespass on this hill. Another family holiday in late August and early September allowed me to complete a couple of sections in the Lake District. Activity then ceased until November when I realised my tally for the year would be somewhat lacking, so there was some frenetic activity on day excursions to Wales and Shropshire. My plan now is to focus on the Grahams, though by the end of 2001 my tally for these was only 26.
In spite of the FMD restrictions, visits to the hills continued on a fairly regular basis, with pretty much the same frequency as in the past few years. During the FMD outbreak it was mainly a case of tackling hills north of the central belt, hills which could be termed as not amongst the most popular. Routes were carefully chosen to avoid habitation and obvious points of access. The scope for hill days where one never encounters another soul is vast, especially when heading for hills below Munro height. Much as I enjoy being in good company, it has to be said that many of the finest experiences in the hills have been when on my own. A lone walker is far less likely to attract attention than when part of a large group; definitely a benefit during FMD when trying to avoid 'keep out' signs. However, one tell-tale sign of one's presence, which is difficult to hide, has to be the lone vehicle at the foot of the hill.
During a visit to Mull over Easter, I happened to return to my vehicle after enjoying a fine short day on Beinn Fhada. Just as I had unlocked and lifted the hatch, another vehicle swiftly drew up behind and, had it stopped any closer, could well have pinned my legs to the rear bumper. The two occupants hastily jumped out of their 4x4, flashed their badges, and announced that they were from Strathclyde Police. Strange to note that FMD and hillwalking were scarcely given a mention. Apparently my car had already been noticed parked in various isolated locations on the island, and this time they had decided to await the return of the driver. I was advised that there were some rare nesting birds on Mull, and this had led them to believe I may have been an egg collector. I was tempted to make light of the situation, but thought better of it as the more talkative of the two clearly took his work much too seriously.
One of the highlights of the year was a week on Skye at the end of March. When checking in at two of the island's youth hostels, both wardens happened to make similar comments such as 'and of course you won't be here to do any walking?' (FMD dominated news at the time). Whilst neither confirming nor denying that point, I explained that I was on the island to take photographs (I didn't care to elaborate that they would mostly be taken from above the 2000ft contour). And what a week it turned out to be for photography - pale blue skies, a touch of ground frost, a dusting of snow on the higher peaks, and a clear sharp visibility extending over many miles. Not another soul was encountered on the hills during that visit.
Another day that stands out vividly from the Easter fortnight on Islay, Jura and Mull has to be that spent tackling the Paps of Jura. Not being one who regularly uses B&B establishments, I made an exception on Jura and stayed with Mrs Mack at Knockrome. Highly recommended. Waking around 2am to find the bedroom illuminated, I drew back the curtain to witness a near full moon with the dark outline of the Paps in perfect silhouette. Surely a good omen for the morning. After a hefty breakfast I set out for the Paps, keeping at first to the south bank of the Corran River. A 'No Hillwalking' sign was clearly visible at the start of the walk. However, the sign was on the north bank. It was a day reminiscent of my earlier visit to Skye, one of those exceptional days of unbroken sunshine and amazing clarity - a real day to savour.
The position was somewhat different in July during a short trip to Rum. Even in the height of summer, or should I say the summer season, the weather can be so fickle. And so it was on Rum when the weather turned out to be the exact opposite to the forecast. Not a desperately bad day, but not one associated with summer. Indeed, had it not been for a chance meeting with a friend whilst crossing over to Rum on the Calmac ferry, I would doubtless have spent a leisurely day around Kinloch. The traverse of the Rum Cuillin was in itself a very satisfying day - definitely hills of immense character, and enjoyed in good company - but I'll have to return some day and stay awhile longer, with a clear dry day to savour those views.
Askival, Rum
Hottest days of the year had to be 7-9 May - three delightful days spent on An Ruadh-Stac, Fuar Tholl and Beinn Damh. Access from Torridon was unproblematic, with the Comeback Code posted, disinfectant footbaths and brushes provided. However the southern approach was a different matter. Yes, it was possible to walk from Annat to Coulags, but a sign at Coulags made it clear walkers were not welcome. The sign at Achnashellach advised that the route to Annat was 'open', yet the branch path leading to the bealach between Sgorr Ruadh and Fuar Tholl was 'closed.' Why? Lest walkers descend and return by way of Coulags? Had it been the stalking season with a notice posted to the effect that stalking was taking place on a given hill on a given day, then fine, I would seek an alternative.
Furthermore, at the start of more and more tracks, signs are appearing excluding bicycles or, more specifically, mountain bikes. What possible harm is there riding a bike on a track designed for a motor vehicle? Whilst not wishing to seek confrontation with any landowner, I ignored the Achnashellach sign, followed the stalker's path to the bealach south of Sgorr Ruadh, and enjoyed a hot, sticky, but nevertheless wonderful day on Fuar Tholl. It was one of those rare days when a stop was made at practically every hill burn, both to quench an insatiable thirst and to soak the sunhat and feel the relief from cool water dripping off the brim down one's neck.
Luckiest day of 2001 was 14 July on Sgurr Innse. Lunch was taken a short distance below the summit cairn in a sheltered spot out of the cool breeze. Whilst munching on a sandwich, out of the corner of my eye I noticed a coin partly hidden below a nearby rock. Sure enough, on lifting the rock, not only was there the coin I had noticed, but an assortment of eight rather discoloured coins totalling £2.77. Now there's a number - the pre-1997 Munro total. Then again, Sgurr Innse is not a Munro and never has been.
In spite of their appearance, none of the coins were very old, with the most recent dated 1996. Someone's loss was clearly my gain. Strange to relate, but were the coins actually lost? It's possible that perhaps a couple of coins could fall out of a pocket and roll under the same rock. However, apart from the one coin, which had first caught my attention, the others weren't brought to light until the rock was lifted. Therefore, the coins must have been placed there, then covered over. The question remains - when, by whom, and for what reason? Yet another hill mystery.
Exploring Murdos, Corbett Tops and Yeamans took me to the far side of familiar hills through the year, and Munro revisits brought plenty of variety despite the constraints of FMD. An abundance of hard snow and sun gave pleasant gully climbing in the spring as areas were opened up. Car parks were noticeably empty due to access uncertainty, and the corries were not busy. Taynuilt Peak from the west proved to be a tester; a long stretch of cramponing on steep hard snow.
In May, Cononish was still closed, and I was obliged for the first time to access Ben Lui from Glen Lochy. It was natural to climb the previously untrodden Beinn a'Chleibh and so the Munro set was complete. The penultimate Munro had been Sgurr Dubh Mor in 1984. As I had climbed most of the Munros twice already, I visited the remaining singles, and in December I climbed Beinn a'Chleibh again for my second completion. I had never paid attention to Munro Tops, so a fresh look at the Murdos list took me to new ridge approaches, and I had some great days in quiet places.
CTMs increasingly played a part in route planning and provided worthy additions to outings, although my daughter is not likely to agree after a grey extended day on Ben More and Stob Binnein.
The Angry Corrie party at Laggan was a treat but I was disappointed that I did not have the opportunity to offer my rendition of Lord Byron's 'Lochnagar' and sing of 'the tame and domestic Albion's plain'. Reclaiming days were sociable and pleasant, and encouraged me to think of the benefits of joining a club, but the joys of solitude are hard to beat.
Four days scrambling in Skye in September was a great success thanks to my mountaineer chum who jollied me along when the drops were big and holding on was essential. This was followed by a fine couple of days of Murdoing around Glen Sheil, with no rain over the whole week.
Six Marilyns total for the year, but only two shy of a Murdo completion. A year devoid of pine needles down my back. Will I ever be tempted to the Mullah Khin Tyre or back to south Galloway? I confess to downloading helpful hints on Mochrum Fell and perhaps my new GPS needs testing in the thick of some border forest?
Best day: 20 April; An Tudair - Beinn Fhionnlaidh; crampons and solitude. Worst day: driving away from the signs at Castles Farm (Ben Cruachan) on 28 February.
Bert Barnett entertaining partygoers at Laggan
I'm going to move into the forecasting business. My piece last year said '...new Marilyns are now rarer than Scottish teams still in Europe after Christmas'. Let's look at the facts: Scottish teams still in Europe after Christmas: 1, new Marilyns 0. And as even a cursory examination of the batting and bowling averages in the last Ashes series will tell you, statistics don't lie. I hardly dare mention it in such company but I'm really not that interested in climbing new Marilyns. There, I've said it.
Despite this, 2001 gave some wonderful outings, with several claimants for inclusion in the top ten of all time. Stunning February days on Stob Coire a'Chearcaill and Cnap Cruinn. Both these had been done in muggy, murky conditions first time round when I got a poor impression of them - how wrong I was, wonderful hills. The Chearcaill day culminated in going up Meall Cumhann to see the sun set. Unfortunately, I chose a horrible loose gully to go up and only just made it - whilst the Mamores turned pink I was otherwise occupied considering what the quick way down to Glen Nevis would have felt like.
Superb June strolls over the lower tops east of Brown Cow Hill and on Carn an Tionail / Beinn Direach. An August trip to the bumps between Inchrory and the Lecht. A noisy party next door saw Breac and I get up at 4am - we were on top of Foal's Crag before seven as the first rays of the sun were hitting the tors on Ben Avon. Just perfect.
A breezy September day at the back of Wyvis (Queen's Cairn / Meall Mor) watching the toffs arrive at the lodge below. Later that day at the road-end I had a chat with an old boy whose forebears had been cleared from the glen in the 1800s. Two weeks later I was on Beinn Dearg Mhor and Mheadhonach watching the cloud and light chase about over the Cuillin.
Carn na Caim in November when I spent seven hours just poking about in various corries and gullies - the very antithesis of dashing about. Another full moon Ben Cleuch with Dave Hewitt rounded off the year nicely.
A couple of memorable rough days too. Little Wyvis in February in deep snow - apart from the summit ridge with the wind screaming out of the eastern corrie. Breac got caked in ice and I could barely stand up or breath. Wouldn't have swapped it though. Also a vile day of horizontal rain and thick mist above Ballachulish where walking south from Creag Ghorm I contrived to miss the 824m west top and landed on the 1001m summit of Dhonuill instead (I still don't know how I did it). But probably the best days of all were in the Monadhliath - lots and lots of time spent between Coignafearn and Carn a'Chuilinn. Wonderful, understated country, well worth fighting for.
It's not been the best of years for walking but that goes for everyone I expect. I was down in Yorkshire three times in the latter part of the year but of course no opportunity for any walking. The best bit of our summer was spending the whole of May on the Outer Hebrides and having great weather all the time. We climbed 40 Marilyns while we were out there, from Barra to Lewis, enjoying some wonderful days out.
2001 was a bitty year for me. FMD kept me from doing anything at Easter for the first time for over 20 years. Seven trips over the border during the year to attempt to boost the year's tally finished with no view in the forest on top of White Top of Culreoch. A visit to Bardsey (at the fourth attempt), seeing some Welsh choughs to match the ones on Islay, was a highlight, as was the magical two days south of Barra in July, meeting so many of the well-known names in the Hall of Fame for the first time. Suddenly to find 20 people thrashing around at the summit was a complete contrast to the majority of my recent hills, when seeing one person in the week was a rarity. Possible sighting of capercaillies in very rough moorland on Nutberry Hill in October was another highlight.
Purchase of a home computer meant list revision, including finding an extra hill (behind Quiraing) that I had not included before. That meant my total at the end of 2001 was exactly 900, without my having known it at the time. A tremendous delight to find Ann Bowker's website, which contains the most amazing pictures to view at leisure from the comfort of your armchair.
There's no walk I enjoy more than a good solid continuous eight to ten-hour stroll around a variety of hills and tops, be they Murdos, Marilyns, Deweys, Wainwrights or anything else. Therefore, after several winter weeks with no walking following a house move, I was looking forward to chilling out in some nearby hills. With a good forecast near the end of February, I set out to complete the three peaks of Yorkshire from Ingleton on a bright Saturday with a chill northerly blowing. This is one of my favourite Pennine areas: I love the shapeliness of Penyghent and Ingleborough, the wonderful spaciousness of the area, and some of the man-made features such as Ribblehead viaduct, which seem to add to the quality of the scene. Finished up in a blizzard at dusk.
The following week the foot-and-mouth restrictions came in and another four months passed before the chance came to take a long weekend in the Morar area with the RHB group at the end of June. The Friday morning was very wet so I made a one-off ascent of Glas-charn from Loch Eilt whilst seeing how the weather would go. At mid-year, this was my first new Marilyn and my only Graham of the year. By noon the weather had turned round completely so, in full bagging mindset, I did the round of Creag Bhan, Beinn nan Cabar, Sidhean Mor and Cruach Doir'an Raoigh (all 10D), avoiding use of the train.
Most of the Saturday was spent with the RHB group on Carn a'Ghobhair and Sgurr Bhuidhe, while on the Sunday I decided to have a look at the causeway to Eilean Shona. The mud on the beach of Shona Beag was thick and horrible but the yellow and red bladderwrack, together with stones stained yellow and red, were very attractive. There are about ten holiday bothies, and I had an interesting chat with one of the holiday-makers and found out the tide times. Time was pressing, mist low and raining, so I decided to return on the Monday to visit the top. I waded through about six inches of water and spent three unhurried hours there, with the tide still way out as I returned; I reckon I could have had about four hours. Once on Shona Mor, having found the path up through the woods, which are thick on the lower slopes, there was no further difficulty.
In late August the FMD restrictions around Coniston were lifted. Living in Lancaster and working in Barrow, I picked the best late summer evenings to revisit the Coniston area Marilyns and 2000ers. I consistently met no-one else on evening outings to these very pleasing and familiar hills. I van-camped in choice locations next to Coniston Water or in the Duddon Valley before reporting to work the next morning.
Made a trip to Dumfriesshire in late October, taking in the remaining Marilyns there, and in November a trip to the 'foothills of Cadair Idris' revealed the autumnal glory of the Mawddach estuary. The delightful SubMarilyn Bryn Brith has a car park as big as Tesco's alongside Llynnau Cregennen, yet on a walk at dusk at this time of year, I had the hill to myself.
In early December I had the good fortune to be invited to Alan Dawson and Roderick Manson's 'last New Donald' expedition to Whitehope Heights. As a bonus to the unquestionable bonhomie that comes with such an occasion, this was the clearest hill day I've had for some years. We enjoyed views from Hart Fell of several highland hills, the Cheviots, Cross Fell, Wild Boar Fell, Skiddaw and Grasmoor, and past the Galloway hills to Arran.
The year's final walk was on 30 December in very cold, snowy and bright conditions with friends from the south: a round of Wetherlam, Swirl How and the Old Man. My water bottle, which I had filled with tap water before leaving home, grew ice crystals during the walk, despite the constant movement in my rucksack. Maybe no novelty to Scottish winter enthusiasts, but it must be over 20 years since that had happened to me. We finished with an icy descent by the tourist route back to Coniston.
Wild Boar Fell
Good start to the year with a survey of Baystones to confirm its new summit and status, a new Hewitt (Place Fell) with Mr Hewitt, convivial company on Top o'Selside, a wary stroll under the whirring blades of Kirby Moor, and an atmospheric evening ascent of Little Mell Fell in frosty misty blackness. This was spoiled only by an inquisitive police constable wondering why a blue van was parked on a lonely road at night - one of four routine PC interrogations in the first half of the year.
Having given up working to spend more time walking (amongst other reasons), I was looking forward to a jobless spring for the first time in 25 years, with the freedom to head off to the hills whenever the weather was irresistible or I just felt like it. I managed one stunning afternoon, 1 March on a shimmering icy Cruach Ardrain, before the countryside curfew set in. It was only seven weeks till the next hill, but in a March of near-perfect weather it felt much longer. Even then the drive to Ben Gulabin took longer than the walk (breaking a general rule) but it was worth it to find somewhere walkers were still welcome.
By May it had become possible to find hills to climb in the Highlands (with careful choice of route) but it wasn't easy, and the lurking unease at possible discovery and confrontation removed the feeling of freedom which was one of the main reasons for getting out in the first place. Still, it was better than being in England, and the few havens of welcome, such as Invercauld and Ardgour, were greedily consumed.
Sociable occasions at Laggan and Morar were thoroughly enjoyable and memorable, but by the time my 1000th Marilyn came along in mid July I was ready for a different sort of summit celebration, happy just to lie down on the top and look up at the clouds for a while.
The Barra trip in late July was amazingly successful, and I became so engrossed in the superb surroundings that I forgot to keep track of various bagging landmarks until the summit of Sandray, which turned out to be a 500th, a 1200th and a 1300th, as well as Ann Bowker's 1545th. Most memorable for me was Muldoanich, where the combination of rarely-visited island, difficult landing, steep ascent and lowest hill all helped to provide a buzz of excitement and satisfaction.
Eaval on North Uist was also spectacular, not quite as inaccessible as the map suggested, a superb hill perched on the edge of everything, with crystal views over ribbons of land and loch, and beyond to the fantasy islands of Hirta and Boreray.
The weather stayed so good that I ran out of hills unexpectedly early on the Uists, even including a subbie and 124m Rueval, and had to evacuate to Skye for four more new hills, reaching 44 for a frenzied month of bagging, compensating for the enforced idleness of spring.
Western Isles apart, some of the most enjoyable walks were those where only one hill had been planned but the weather and time available made the siren call of a second summit irresistible, e.g. Creag Dhubh / Creag Liath (9B) and Stob an Aonaich Mhoir / Beinn Mholach (5).
Even more satisfying was the unlikely but intended combination of Beinn Dubh Airigh with Beinn Bhreac (19A) from the shores of Loch Awe, sniffing out viable routes though the forests guarding both summits. After enjoying a long track plod through fine rain and mist, the sight of a surprisingly large Beinn Bhreac looming above the gloom was quite uplifting. The return along the Kames River brought even greater reward, as it turned into a tremendous steep-sided gorge, with the only feasible descent route veering wildly from one side to the other, then clinging uncertainly to the steep vegetation way above the torrent, with tightly-packed trees masking potential escape routes.
The most voluptuous hill was Sron Smeur (4B), whose steep northern slope was so densely coated with varied and unknown plants that I looked carefully at each foot placement, trying to avoid standing on something rare and delicate. What a difference a fence makes.
Most arduous terrain was undoubtedly on the east side of Cairnsmore of Fleet, approached via the Clints of Dromore to facilitate Donald-mopping. Bad idea. Even in late October the lower ground was barely walkable, so at the height of summer the vegetation must be impassable. (I admit I had been warned - 'it's brutal in there' - now I believe it.) Only on nearby Cairnsmore of Dee have I found such vicious, frustrating and almost bottomless terrain. However, the most unpleasant summit by far was Hill of Persie on 21 July. Nothing wrong with the hill, but the combination of excess fly density and no breeze made it close to unbearable, even on the summit.
The most unexpectedly enjoyable hill was An Cabar (14B) in late May, where the pleasant forest track led up to unspectacular big wide open grassy spaces, a joy to wander over - steady rhythm, solitude, freedom of movement, peace of mind (or was it just relief to be dry after a dowsing on An Staonach). From the rocky summit the glimpse into the back of the Fannichs provided an unfamiliar aspect of well-trodden territory.
I was pleased to be present for the initiation of three new Hall of Fame members during the year: Lynda Woods, Helen McLaren and Alan Castle. Three quite different types of hill in different parts of the country with different groups of people, but all united by an intangible bond of something or other. And the year was rounded off by my own entry to Donaldistadom on a perfect December day, with another motley collection of well-wishers. May there be many more such occasions.
Lynda Woods makes her way up steep rock on Sgurr Bhuidhe,
baby in one hand, dog lead in the other
Highlights of the year? In chronological order, Garbh-Bheinn, Clach Glas and Bla Bheinn under testing conditions at Easter. A couple of days later, with snow showers blowing in from the north, I had a excellent run from Sligachan to Coruisk, via Ruadh Stac and back over Sgurr na Stri. Highlight was rounding a corner on the coastal path to see into Coruisk, just as the clouds blew clear of Gars-bheinn, leaving it streaked with snow. Followed that up with a excellent longish day on the hills north of Kintail, doing as many hills as FMD restrictions allowed, plus one. No new summits but a classic and beautiful ridge walk.
Followed the Easter trip with a long weekend in Ardgour in early May, which was hard work at times but rewarding. Later in the month I had a second bout of load-carrying through Knoydart, starting at Lochailort and working round to Inverie, linking new summits with old favourites. I was hoping to get out to Rum but the weather broke, putting an end to hopes of completing the Corbetts by the end of the year. Thereafter I didn't have the best of luck with weather, except for a couple of days in the Galloway hills in autumn and two weeks at Killin around Christmas. Low point of the year was pitching tent in the teeming rain in Gleann Beag, then realising there was no wind and that the tent also served as a useful shelter for the local midge population. In the circumstances there was no choice - I went up Carn Ban, despite the rain.
Best new Marilyn of the year (arguably best ever for sub 2000-foot hills) was Sgurr na Stri. The best view in the country? Coruisk, Bla Bheinn and Rum on a dazzling May morning, with inversion cloud over half the sea of the Hebrides and pure sun-gold on the other half. I would seriously recommend any would-be Marilynist to consider this for a final hill, since it is the essence of what Marilyns are about.
Everything else memorable was in the west too. My annual end-of-May boat trip bagged Scalpay, which was memorable not so much for Mullach na Carn (in mist and rain) as for the night in Crowlin harbour afterwards - utter peace and apartness - and the night after, stuck in the boat in Arisaig harbour, too windy to go ashore in the dinghy.
Two raids on region 19 gave some gems, of which Beinn Mhor opposite Seil was the finest. Across the Firth of Lorn, An Sleaghach and Beinn a'Chaisil (18C) gave a great winter round, with a camp on the west shore of Loch Linnhe. Probably the biggest surprise was meeting a large party of walkers coming up from Ardtornish as I was heading out. Cairn Table (27C) gave a wonderful September morning, with a 100% inversion cloud-sea blocking out the sight and sound of the open-cast workings. Craiglee above Loch Doon is a fine tangle of rough ground, with tussocks, loose hidden rocks, bracken, brambles and ticks all combining to satisfy the masochistic bagger. I even managed to drag my mother up Hill of Stake en route to Scottish Opera's Die Walkure in Glasgow (more memorable than the hill in mist).
Really though, this was the year of Corbett Tops for me, with only five or so hill days to go to completion by the end of the year. Most involved repeat ascents of Marilyn Munros and Corbetts. A few highlights: February ski tours taking in Mount Keen and all the Ben Tirran tops, with a night at the shieling of Saughs, and the Beinn Mholach / Stob an Aonaich Mhoir group - I guess not many people think of those as highlights, but in perfect snow conditions and sun they definitely were. I hope I will have more to report on the Marilyn front in a year's time, but maybe that's not too likely, what with the Corbett Tops to complete, a fifth Munro round not too far off, and the looming, mind-blowing threat of Graham Tops.
Despite a couple of early trips to the Lakes and a January cross-border raid for a couple of hills, the first half of 2001 is best forgotten. FMD and the panic closing of the countryside put paid to that. Apart from a couple of days in hotspots in the second half of the year, I have never seen the hills so quiet. Even allowing for the fact that many of the hills I visit these days could be regarded as obscure by some, I only saw other walkers on or around the tops on a couple of days. Where did everyone go in 2001?
Anyway, the best two trips of the year were to Scotland, again in mostly good weather. The most satisfying day of the first visit was on Baosbheinn and Beinn an Eoin - big open country and seemingly untouched but, if the plans for the area are approved, not for long. My second visit was to Jura, where the quartzite underfoot seemed even worse than usual but where the remoteness, views and scenery more than made up for it.
A damage limitation year, with all 49 new hills north of the border. A long overdue trip to the Isle of Man planned for March was the first casualty of the FMD outbreak (rather ironic after procrastinating on a visit to my nearest island for the past 30-odd years). A trip planned for mid May in Cowal and Luss was put back a year, while an autumn trip to the Welsh borders and mid/north Wales was also put back a year.
Despite these setbacks I enjoyed two great trips north of the border in June and July/August. Was pleasantly surprised to find that Rum was open in June, and even someone with a Cumbrian address was welcome. Had three good days on the island, climbing all the major summits plus Orval (local sea mist spoiled the views). Lunch on Sgurr nan Gillean with magnificent views was probably the highlight of the trip. A re-ascent of Ben Sgritheall with its neighbouring Graham and lower Marilyn on a marvellous day was a close second.
A trip to the far north was also very enjoyable, with mainly lower hills being the order of the day, the pick being Creag Riabhach and An Grianan (16A) followed by a descent to Sandwood Bay in bracing weather and a cliff-top return above Am Buachaille, complete with great skua escort (fortunately outside the breeding season).
The far north-east also gave rewarding days in, for me, a completely new part of Scotland (no Munros or Corbetts). Bens Griam Mor and Beg were superb vantage points, dominating the lochan-speckled landscape and, as usual with smaller hills, harder work than expected. Morven, along with the knobbly tops of Smean and Maiden Pap, made a fine excursion in remote country. Unfortunately Scaraben was still out of bounds, even in August, so being a law-abiding soul I left it for another day despite seeing neither man nor beast all day. Let's hope that this year returns to normal with no more access restrictions.
Didn't make a start until March when we visited relatives near Aberdeen. Fitted in three Corbetts; Carn Ealasaid while younger generations were sledging on the remains of Lecht ski pistes, Conachraig along with three generations, and Carn Liath solo.
En route to the boat at Helenburgh did Moncreiffe Hill after much shilly-shallying from the Woodland Trust as to whether it was open or not. FMD limited things while fitting out the boat but I had a good day doing The Brack (officially out of bounds) with Cnoc Coinnich to the south of it. Another 'breaking the bounds' found me on Cruinn a'Bheinn to the north of Ben Lomond. The forest round Meikle Bin was open but notices said keep off the hill. I went up anyway and met two guys who said they'd rung the FC the day before and it was open.
Then came sailing. Called at the east coast of Skye for Beinn Bhac-ghlais and on to St Kilda - wonderful - for Conachair and a look at the others. Dun might be possible for ordinary mortals but the others - no way. Back to Outer Hebrides for an assorted twelve - Pabbay saw 24C completed. Anchorages in Loch Shell netted Beinn Bhreac, Fierihisval, Guainemol, Muaithabhal, Beinn Mhor and Gormol.
I jumped ship from the Shetlands. First a satisfying five-day solo backpack from Glen Finnan to Corpach for three Munros, three Corbetts, and four Grahams. Spoke to no-one from Monday am to Thursday pm, and saw no-one either.
Then a ten-day backpack with company from Sligachan to Glen Coe. Awful weather in the middle so we rode the buses. Reeled in Ben Meabost on Skye, Stob Ban (Grey Corries), Creag Ghuanach (saw two foxes, great view and nice rocky bumps at the top) and Glas Bheinn (4A).
Back to the boat for Lofoten Islands and down the west coast of Norway to finish up in Denmark. Fabulous scenery and some good walks.
Back to Scotland in September. Walked across from Strathcarron to Dornie for Carn nan Iomairean, Creag Mhor and Beinn Conchra. Soggy going from heavy rain and more rain while based at Sheil Bridge for A'Ghlas-bheinn, Sgurr Mhic Bharraich, Sgurr na Sgine and Beinn a'Chuirn.
Long weekend in the Lakes in early December. Four days of blue skies and hard frost was wonderful. Skiddaw, Grisedale Pike and High Rise plus a good crop of Hewitts.
Daughter's cheap flight to Dublin with Ryanair prompted me to follow suit with a pre-Christmas fling to Prestwick. David went to Denmark on a cheapie to check the boat and I hired a car so it was hardly cheap in the end. But eleven Marilyns in three days was a good end to the year, all in east Ochils and Fife area. Enjoyed outwitting a shooting party on Cairnie Hill. Fun doing East Lomond in the dark.
Highlights, apart from reaching 600, were at last to have climbed Stac Pollaidh and Suilven after first seeing them over 20 years ago and passing them many times since.
Lowlights: only one new English Marilyn (Muncaster Fell, 34D) and one new Welsh Marilyn (Moel Ddu, 30B) during the year. Trevor and I had hoped to bag the rest of the Northumberland Marilyns we needed but FMD prevented that.
A promising start was made with three Scottish trips before the end of February, but soon after returning from the last of those there was news of an outbreak of an animal disease that would curtail progress for a while. In order to get some walking in we put together a trip to the Costa Blanca mountains which kept us going until things began to open up in the Highlands.
A productive visit to Ardgour with clear bright conditions in April, and one to the Angus glens in December (where we had several days of temperature inversion), gave the best conditions during the year. The several trips between were on the whole disappointing weatherwise, though two days of light wind, sunshine and utterly clear air; one on Beinn a'Chearcaill, the other on Ruadh-stac Beag, stand out as most memorable. The remarkable bouldered sandstone acres of the summit of Beinn a'Chearcaill, with its view to the northern corries of Liathach and Beinn Eighe, bring visions to haunt one's dreams.
During last year we noticed that though Sue and I ended 2001 with Corbett totals of 125 and 131 (quite over half of them), neither of us have any of the ten highest. So a target for this year is to bag them, or at least as many as we can.
Not a bad year despite FMD and a month on the John Muir trail in the USA. My main memories of 2001 are of finding some pretty obscure tops. I am trying to avoid asking people or reading about the easiest way up hills, so that I can make the ascents more interesting. I was very fortunate in finding tops which I hear others have failed on. Ones that come to mind are:
My most alarming experience, which I have never had before, was coming off Mochrum Fell through the woods in a gale with the ground under me rising and falling by nearly two feet as the tree-roots tried to rip out. I have to admit that some of the above experiences have persuaded me to buy a GPS to check on the actual summit where there is no trig.
Ailsa Craig: Essex-like sea for the 90-minute sunbathe in the back of the boat, fascinating island paraphernalia, marvellous bird-loaded cliff columns, Ann B's 99% completion dram, and a sea-cooled beer for the return from the inspired Mr Clarke.
Arkle: A great day on an absolute classic with the straydogs. Paul and I both got through the kind of route which gives us day-mares. Still ridiculously happy at showing almost normal levels of bottle despite being a confirmed non-dangling rambler. Alison Richardson nominated for supreme patience in the face of blousy quaking by the humble males in the party.
Carn a'Ghaill (Canna): Rum's verdant flanks on one hand, and Skye's Coir a'Grunnda ember red in the fading sunset on the other. Visual quality overload.
Beinn na Gucaig (4B): A so-so climb via our route (forest road ramble followed by a grass slope up like the side of a house), but from the southern top back to the forestry park a marvellous Catbells-like rolling ridge down. Balcony views over the Corran ferry, and down a silvery Loch Linnhe to Mull.
I did lots of hillwalking this year but mainly Munros, with a friend who is concentrating on completing them. On the Marilyn front the highlight was a trip to the St Kilda group of islands - very impressive. The only summit attained was Conachair on Hirta, this being the only Marilyn of the group that you are officially allowed to climb. The low point of the trip was being defecated on by a bonxie (great skua). The bird was an excellent shot and spattered my face with the foul contents of its bowels, and of course some of it got into my mouth, which I spat out as quickly as possible. At the time I was mildly amused by the accuracy of the bird's aim. That was until the following day when I was to suffer from a severe attack of diarrhoea. As nobody else on the boat had similar problems, I had to put it down to bonxie excrement being the cause.
I didn't get off the mark until 17 October on Lamachan Hill (27B). I did get up Swinside this year - the 'Private' signs are still up - but I had a pleasant ascent on the track on the west side and saw no-one. Highlight of the year was probably Hutton Roof Crags where I enjoyed a couple of hours poking around the summit plateau. It's a wonderful wild spot and I disturbed quite a few sheep which had obviously escaped the cull.
A very quiet year with only 25 added to the total after three over-60 years. FMD was of course a major factor, such that I reached only seven new Corbetts (though including Stob an Aonaich Mhoir in company of Marhofn editor and Dave Hewitt) and a mere five new Grahams.
Having lived in Dundee from age 3-10, I'd regarded the Sidlaws as part of the scenery but had never ascended any until January when I visited all three Marilyns, reaching two milestones; my 1000th Marilyn (including repeats) on Turin Hill and my 600th Scottish Marilyn on King's Seat, where I found the long stretch from Dunsinane tougher than many higher hills.
There was also a visit to the Sgurr a'Bhac Chaolais / Buidhe Bheinn pair which, with Sgurr na Sgine added, gave 1700m ascent for one new Marilyn, fortunately on a fine day with marvellous views, especially from the Buidhe Bheinn ridge. In contrast, I was also on the previous 'Corbett pair', the much flatter Corrieyairack Hill / Gairbeinn traverse, though I racked up the ascent a bit there by adding some Corbett Tops. I wonder if anyone has done all the Gairbeinn tops in a day?
It took me till June to get going (FMD largely to blame but also golf and botanising) - sincerely hope 2002 is better. The 'star' has to be Sron Romul on Scarp, west of Harris, on a day that saw the Hebrides at their best. The easiest, also section 24, was Forsnaval - 30 concrete steps up from the top of the road. And the biggest 'bugger' if I can use the word has to be the dreaded Hill of the Wangie (9A). Why did God invent conifers?