With a total of only 272 Marilyns it seems a little impertinent to be writing something for Marhofn. But, encouraged by the example of others...
High point: Ben Nevis again, for the annual hill race. The appeal of the Ben never wanes, and there are few years when I don't manage at least a couple of ascents.
Low point: Crogearraidh na Thobha - a small hill with a big name and a bigger view. Don't be put off by the fact that only about 60,000 people can pronounce it - the Ordnance Survey weren't.
Highlight: The Isle of Jura fell race, which includes five Marilyns. I am fortunate in being a slow hill runner, so when the clouds rolled away on the way up Beinn a'Chaolais, I walked with a clear conscience, drinking in the scenery and water from the burn. What an awesome view from the top!
Lowlight: A run in torrential rain and clag from Unasaraidh to Stulabhal, returning over Airneabhal and Trinneabhal. On Stulabhal I could hardly stand up because of the wind. Airneabhal was a navigational nightmare in the mist, with its multiple tops. Trinneabhal wasn't a Marilyn but gave the most trouble, as I chose the wrong line for the descent and ended up rock climbing on greasy gneiss - not nice. I found these hills more intimidating than most Munros, with a real feeling of isolation on Stulabhal.
High jinks: Beware Beinn Corradail on a poor day. Encountering some confusing topography on the descent to the bealach below Hecla, it dawned on me that there must be a magnetic anomaly around this summit; enough to cause consternation in thick weather.
Least effort: Burgiehill (9A) must be about as easy as it gets (in Scotland anyway) - 22 minutes round-trip from the public road, and no need for a compass.
A memorable year, with 29 new Marilyns climbed on the Scottish islands, and the usual generous helping of heavy rain, snow, high winds and poor visibility. I'm hoping that 2005 brings some more island trips.
