My interest in Marilyns began... I have spent the last eight summers at Cromdale, north of the Cairngorms, and have enjoyed exploring the smaller hills of Moray and Aberdeenshire and the Inverness area with my partner Irene. I noted that many were Marilyns and this sparked our interest. We are both over 70 now and she still enjoys walking, so these smaller hills such as Tap o'Noth, Bin of Cullen and Bennachie are ideal for us to climb together. I did my first Marilyn count in January 2014 and discovered that I only needed 26 more to reach the 1000 mark. When I did so, I applied for membership of the Hall of Fame.
My favourite Marilyns are... Tough question. Schiehallion is my first and most ascended Munro - such a distinctive profile. Ben Rinnes - similar profile, close to my Cromdale base, a peak I have made paintings of many times. Great Gable, top of my wish list when I was 15 years old. Ingleborough, wonderful profile. It also houses the finest collection of caves and potholes in the Yorkshire Dales. Carnedd Llewelyn, highest of my favourite range in Snowdonia. The Clee hills, despite their summit masts. Walton Hill near Birmingham, visited at least 500 times, probably many more - exact number not recorded unfortunately.
My least favourite Marilyns are... Those you can drive up, although I always try to find a walking route to them if possible.
Do I keep Marilyn bagging as a secret from other people? No.
I... can give you a brief resume of my outdoor activities. These range from family fell-walking trips when I was a teenager to rock climbing in Britain, Norway, Corsica and the Dolomites, mountaineering in the Alps, north and south America, climbing Mexico's three big volcanoes, marathon running and fell running. Also challenge walking with the LDWA (I have been a member for 40 years), caving and potholing with the Cave and Crag Club, driving from Birmingham to Kathmandu in 1971. Other interests include most sports, painting, photography, visiting art galleries and music.
