April 2001: FMD denied us access to Strath Vaich, and the alternative to the easy 16km cycle ride was to take the first part of the 'Am Faochagach' route from behind the inn and then head off east to Loch Vaich and the Corbett Beinn a'Chaisteil (15B). The terrain of deep heather, tussocks and peat hags is not recommended, particularly in new boots. Of course, I got blisters, it started to rain and then blow hard. The day was twice as long as anticipated. Also, I lost my favourite baseball cap.
June 2001: From Inverie to Beinn na Caillich and then SW to Meall nan Saighead and the superb north-south ridge of Druim na Cluain-Airighe (10B) - 5km of great walking to Scottas, with stunning mountain, sea, loch and island views. Magic!
Jan 2002: Stob na Cruaiche (3A): We were geared up to confront the Black Corries Lodge landowner, but it seems the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society had agreed with the local council and landowner to divert the right of way north round the lodge copse. A bit of an anti-climax, but welcome in the continual rain and westerly gale. A long hard trek over sopping moors to a lonely summit with a spacious feel. Occasional glimpses over Rannoch Moor, Blackmount, Glen Coe, Mamores, Corrour and Orchy hills made it worth the effort.
A modest ambition for 2002: to reach 40% (a pass when I was at school) and to break my duck in Wales and the Isle of Man.
