Marhofn 93.05 - May 2003

Cellar Field:

David Rawden (212)

I advanced a few more steps up from the cellar with 54 Marilyns in 2002. Trips to north and central Wales enabled me to complete 30A, 30B and 30C (except for Hope Mountain), and to make serious inroads into 30E. A short trip to Scotland meant that I doubled my number of Munros by ascending Ben Lomond. Trips to Yorkshire and Herefordshire were profitable too, so I also completed 38B. Thanks to the Tips for the Tops in previous Marhofns I had no trouble with Seager Hill or Ruardean Hill, though the latter was a non-event (as was Hegdon Hill).

Lowlights of the year:

• Mwdwl-eithin (30C).
• Slipping and sliding along the 'Occupation Road' after descending Great Coum (35B).
• Having to abandon an attempt on my 36th English county top, Mickle Fell, due to an uncrossable raging torrent of a stream.

Highlights:

• Mickle Fell from Hilton later in the year (in spite of thick mist developing).
• Ingleborough from Clapham on a lovely afternoon following torrential morning rain.
• Getting to Bardsey Island.

I also spent a pleasant morning doing Bradnor Hill (what a splendid viewpoint for the golfers) and Hergest Ridge. I also enjoyed the ascents and views from Mynydd Mawr (30B), Garn Boduan and Gyrn Ddu (30A). The ridge walk from Barbon to Calf Top (35B) was delightful, and visits to Cadair Berwyn (30E), Post Gwyn (a Hewitt) via Pistyll Rhaeadr, and to Kerrera for Carn Breugach were all most enjoyable.