Sgurr a Mhaim

Day 2 of my Winter routes was originally planned for the Ring of Steall but the weather was foul. I decided to take a look at Sgurr a Mhaim and possibly head for the Devil's ridge thereafter but as I changed into my gear at the Abhriachan car park (the only one again), it drizzled. I could barely make out some snow further up SaM but the route was easy to see and offered me confidence if the weather got worse further up. Lugging my heavy pack (I had also packed my big Maglite if my head torch failed), I began the walk up the zig-zags. The temperature was mild enough and before long, the sweat was pashing aff me. I gained height rapidly as thigh muscles complained but on I pushed. Views were at a premium and as I entered the cloud I bade goodbye to civilisation and was subjected to a cold blast of Winter air. By this point, I added my fleece and hat to the waterproof jacket as I encountered some lovely orange scree and a path winding it's way further up. This changed to red scree and then I began to trudge through some deep snow. Where was the summit? I had been padding for over 2.5 hours and felt that I was well up the hill. By this time, I was drookit and my feet were squelching as the snow got up inside my gaiters. I continued on, knackered again but eventually came across a small cairn and then eventually the summit sitting beside the great North face of the corrie, totally covered in snow. I took a rather pained photo of myself as evidence that I had had enough and the Devil's ridge could wait for finer weather. I belted down the hill, splurging my way down the now greasy and streamlike path - a wonder I didn't skite. Sgurr a Mhaim was a monster hill (1099m but only 50m of a start from sea level) and after doing the RofS, it would be a hard hill to descend. Once again, an exercise in water-proofing and endurance but a satisfying sojourn nonetheless. While such exercises no doubt inspire confidence for navigation and decision-making, they are lonely expeditions which require the ability to have conversations with oneself and be au fait with those kind of things. Or wis that just me?

Eerie Meall a Bhuiridh

I had taken some time off from le metro boulot dodo and headed North for a couple of day's Winter hill-walking. The rain was falling as I parked in the Glencoe ski car park and not a soul to be seen. Rather than head straight up alongside the unsightly ski tows towards Meall a Bhuiridh, I decided to try an alternative route, heading along the West Highland Way and then up the East shoulder of MAB. As I said before, il n'y a personne and all I needed to was find the Ba Cottage remains before heading into the mist. Well, I couldnae find them so I took a compass bearing and proceeded to head up through the murk. The amount of deer on the hills were incredible and they soon scattered as I trumped my way ever upwards. I began to make out a rocky North face and headed onwards - by the time I reached the 800m level, there was quite a bit of snow about but the weather was stable. The usual ptarmigan flew out of nowhere and scared me shitless but I began the careful approach up through the crags rather than walk up the scar of ski-tows. I had forgotten that this hill was over 1100m high and with a full Winter pack on plus a recent mouth infection, I was beginning to cramp up. Eventually, I made it up on to the level ridge and walked past a rather poignant plaque/cairn dedicated to Charles Kennedy. Not sure what happened to him but I continued on past the ski paraphernalia and touched the summit before a bit to eat back at Ski Hut. As I was eating, the wind moved all the equipment and snow fell from the lines, making odd and unanticipated noises. I felt quite freaked. There is something quite nice about hills in good weather on yer own but when it's cold, dark and bleak, it's very lonely. No-one to trump lunches with, no-one to laugh at. :-( I decided not to hing aboot and belted down past the now welcome ski paraphernalia until I hit the car park in double quick time. A quick drying out and off to Glen Nevis for my next sojourn. A tiring, cold day and more a test of goretex and sanity than anything else. Creise can wait another day.

Meall Cuaich

Hill of the cuaich indeed. Shaz and I had planned to do Beinn a Ghlo for this particular day but due to stalking restrictions, it was a non-starter. So, after Shaz drove us up to the Dalwhinnie area, we set off on a great track alongside a bizarre man-made waterway. This led us to the Power station and continuing the track past this, we reached Loch Cuaich and the small (locked bothy) beside it. I wonder who owns it, it looked in fine condition. We began the gentle ascent on to the shoulder of Meall Cuaich and it wasn't long before we were topping out on the mounded summit, with plenty of company to try and avoid during our lunch-stop. Lunch was composed of the usual for me but Shaz excelled with Brie sandwiches on finger-rolls. Little did she know what dessert I had in store. We began the walk back down the hill and before completely descending, we stopped for a wee breather whereupon I brought out....Cranachan!!! Shaz's lunch concoction had been scooped by a rather luxurious dessert, if I do say so. However, in the spirit of sharing I insisted she have some although I did forget to bring two spoons. Once I had ascertained Shaz's herpes status, I proferred her the 1st taste where she said "I'll try not to let it touch the sides". Honestly. We bounded back to the car and stopped in at the Old Mill Inn for a half pint (which touched the sides) before making our separate ways from Pitlochry. A lovely day which was bitter at the top and Winter is definitely round the corner. For once, a rather uncomplicated Munro and one to remember for the right reasons.

Beinn Achaladair & Beinn a Chreachain

These two hills dominate the view as you come down the A82 from Rannoch moor and I had always looked forward to climbing these. However, I had read much on the boggy approach and so it was that I got ye olde gaiters oot. The forecast was fab but I forgot my suntan lotion (in the basket) and I only had a litre of water - would it be enough?

Whether it was because I hadn't been on the hill for a month or my knee was limiting me, I didn't feel fit at all going up from the farm towards Achaladair. The bogfest didn't make for easy walking but after 90 minutes, I hit the bealach and turned North for the 1st peak of the day. The views across to Rannoch Moor and Loch Tulla were sensational. The higher i walked, the better it got and after a fabbydoo high level pad, I was at my first summit of the day. I took hunners o photaes, had a bite to eat and headed on towards my 2nd hill of the day. The route was clear and I began the taxing stint up towards the summit of Beinn a Chreachain. Feck me, I was puggled. I sat down and had a delectable lunch of penne pasta with courgette, sun-dried tomato and pine nuts courtesy of my lovely. So, began the descent and it was sustained until the bogfest part deux and ultimately, the hop across the river. It was against all my public health nous that I dipped my water bottle and imbibed but I simply had to, I was gasping. Goodness knows when the pathogens will hit me but numbers have been low recently so nowt like giving yerself work. A walk back along the track to the car and I met a fellow padder dae the 'deen - fit like ma loon etc? Great day out but definitely the route I picked rather than anti-clockwise. Just remains to be seen if it will be "Dear Diarama"...

The Cruachan Horseshoe

I had heard several accounts from friends and Romans describing Ben Cruachan and Stob Diamh as a great day out. The entire route taking in several other peaks totalled 1900m in ascent and I thorougly looked forward to pushing myself physically. David C and I headed up and were on the hill for the respectble time of 0845 on a Sunday morning. No mucking about with warm-up's here, it was an unrelenting climb from the roadside and while I was glad I was quite hill-fit, David struggled initially. However, once we made our way up to the reservoir, we began to enjoy the fantastic vista and the peace which goes with it. We started up Meall Cuanail and I decided not to tell David we'd have to go down 70m after topping out on MC at 918m - higher than some Munro's. The descent off MC was tricky but once at the col, we began the final climb up Ben Cruachan's boulder slopes, which really took it out of us - check David's face in that photo - ho ho! We had lunch at the summit and with the clag right in, we felt like we were truly on the top of the world - I suppose at 3758 ft, we were the highest bodes South of the Mamores. We began the descent towards Drochaid Glas and it was very bouldery on the way down. I implored David to check the drops into the wild corries but he wasn't impressed i.e. he asked who coughed or at least that's what I thought he said. We carried on towards Stob Diamh and the views were stunning although looking back, we still couldn't see the summit of our 1st objective. Once at Stob Diamh, we began to relax and enjoyed the walk back down though by the time we got back to the initial steep path down to the car, we were almost running on empty. I turned round and saw David salivating, arms out saying "Fish supper, pickled onions, lard" on more than one occasion resembling something out of Night of the Living Dead. Back at the car, we changed footwear and congratulated each other on a good day's walking and a fine physical effort. I phoned Emma and said "Food, I want Fray Bentos...lots of food". It is only after a day on the hill that one can truly appreciate the finer tastes in life i.e. batter and lard.

Carn Ghluasaid

Or pee lucozade? On our way up to Lewis, we drove through Glen Shiel and stayed at the Cluanie Inn. However, in order to earn our reward of copious ale and grub, we decided to tackle this Munro. This was to be Emma's 10th Munro and as such, she was slightly apprehensive about it and the prospect of being labelled a bagger! The view across Loch Cluanie was fab and the stalker's path was excellent, allowing for rapid height to be gained, although a starting point of 250m may have helped. Before the zig zags up the hill, we had almost trodden on 2 toads and had a go at capturing them. Much mirth was had. Toad-trapping? Better than toot-trapping. The path was brilliant all the way to the summit plateau although by this time, the good weather had given away to rain and falling temperatures. Up until this point, Emma hadn't moaned once and was enjoying herself. Was she now a fair-weather bagger or had she really hurt her back? Cry wolf, Emma....Anyhoo, a summit photo (could be anywhere really) and it was back down the hill which was quick and no doubt the prospect of booze accelerated Emma's descent. It always does, n'est-ce pas? Once back at the car, it was midgey hell and we made a quick retreat to the Cluanie for some fantastic grub and lovely drink. The meal consisted of two great Aberdeen Angus burgers with Monterey Jack cheese, fries and a lovely side salad. Alcohol consisted of Red Cuillin (wonderful), Tempranillo wine and a wee rare whisky from the proprietor. A lovely day out once again and well done Emma on the double figure mark!

Stob Coire Sgreamhach

The intention was to set out and climb SCS via the marvellous 'hidden valley' and take in Bidean Nam Bian on the way down Coire nan Lochan. Theory and practice don't often go hand in hand in Glencoe however and so it proved on this occasion. The ladies dropped Fraser and I off along the A82 and sped away for coffee, cake, lunch and cake. Fraser and I made good pace up into the hidden valley and the weather wasn't bad at all. As we were taking the 1st day's munch, a small tit flew out of nowhere and literally sat a foot away as Fraser fed it bread. I couldn't believe the audacity of the wee thing and it happily sat eating and tweeting as we photo'd the wee bird. We headed on up the corrie towards its headwall and it was about this time that the weather began to close in. Abandon all hopes of a decent summit photo I imagined. As we approached the high bealach, the route became quite precipitous and with the increase in rainfall, the scree was very unstable underfoot. We managed up okay and it was a fairly straightforward route to the summit of Sgreamhach. We didn't hing aboot and decided in 3 stone trouser sets to head back down. The initial decline down the 'gully' was 'interesting' especially when we encountered the white trainer brigade - quelles dongues. We got back to the car park quick enough though we were pretty soaked by this time - once we were chauffeured back to the Bridge of Orchy hotel, I can honestly say that shower I had was one of the finest. As was the beer. And the whisky. A weet but sweet, tweet day.

Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh & An Stuc

I was to be on my ownsome for these 3 Munro's and as such, I took off from Glasgow at the leisurely hour of 0800, reaching the Ben Lawers hotel car park for 0930. I took off down the road and then headed up the private road beside Machuim farm, heading past a shop which said "Horn Carver" - I thought of taking something back for Emma but she would say I had given her the horn so I carried on regardless. The path was excellent and I then set off towards the obvious knoll of Meall Greigh. A steep bugger but it wasn't long before I was on the summit, an hour ahead of book-time. The cloud had moved in and views were at a premium. I didn't hang about and headed down to the bealach, following a fence to start of the incline up Meall Garbh. By this time, I could see Lochan Nan Cat but I don't see how this resembles a cat at all unless it has been run over. The ascent of the 2nd Munro was pretty quick and before long, I was tagging the summit cairn and heading for An Stuc. Having seen photos of this and reading the guide's description of a 'mild scramble', I was slightly apprehensive. Once down to the col, it loomed out of the mist but an obvious path going up the SE flank was evident. Initially, no hands are needed but about 100ft up, it becomes indeed a scramble but no worse than say that of Stuc a Chroin. You certainly wouldn't want to slip but before long, I was on the summit and it was pretty straightforward. Winter would be a tricky proposition entirely. I was glad to be at the 3rd summit (see photo) cairn and I headed down to the Bealach Dubh before cutting down the gully and towards Lochan Nan Splat and then heading for home. Once back at the car, I popped into the Lawers hotel and had an excellent steak pie (done with Ossian ale) and a bottle of Kelpie. An excellent day was had once again. 80 down, 204 to go.

2 Claise to call

I decided to head up and see the foax up in Aiberdeen and rather than the bore of the A92, I headed via Glenshee to hit the hills. The weather forecast was abysmal but I had 4 planned, namely Carn an Tuirc, Cairn of Claise, Tom Buidhe and Tolmount. It was surprisingly nice and I padded over the burn from the car park and headed along the well-trodden path. I was fair pinging it along when I began the steep climb towards the boulder face of Carn an Tuirc and the views began to open up for me from the barns of Bynack More to Cairn Toul. I was at the summit within the hour and was pleased by my fitness for a change. I then decided upon Cairn of Claise next as I figured if the weather got worse, I could come off at this stage. After having a near defecation experience due to a ptucking farmigan, I set off towards the 2nd Munro of the day by which point a large black cloud was descending upon the summit. Not only that, a rather vociferous crack of thunder blasted across the glen. Pant-piddling time. I stood looking at my walking pole and wondered whether I should leave it - momentarily, I considered my last thoughts and if I would know that I was about to be zapped by lightning. The thunder was getting closer. I began running for the summit cairn and bizarre wall of the hill and once tagged, didn't hing aboot. A high level walk round Garbh-coire and I was looking at a herd of deer of about 60-70 pelting it away from me - a lovely sight and the stags voiced their disapproval. I headed round to Sgorr Ghaibre, a Corbett (!) and then began my descent back to the car as the thunder boomed once more and the heavy rains came. It was a fine wee day out and made the journey back to the 'deen so much more pleasurable but it was definitely too Claise to call.

Beinn a Bheithir

Forecast - mince. Enthusiasm - total. Shaz and I proceeded to head for Ballachulish without the flu-stricken duo of Fraser and Dave C. We had long admired these 2 hills and both felt the pressure of the book's description "these 2 Munro's are ALWAYS done together". Failure was not an option. We decided to tackle the two M-points as described in the SMC guide, not as Shaz had read in Cameron McNeish's guide. Shaz doesn't have a copy of the former (hint to any Rannoch members about potential Xmas presents). We headed up the forest road and arrived at the posts which would indicate the path through the forest. Excellent. A scramble up the red scree and we were on the ridge, 1 km West of the actual summit of Sgorr Dhonuill. The views down to the Atlantic were stunning, wisps of cloud and turquoise waters making for a beautiful panorama (quelle bollocks). We ascended to the first M-point of the day and were told by a couple of FEBs that "it was a bit scary further on". Pah! No mention of this in the book so on we went confident in our abilities and supreme experience. What was this? A path right beside a 200 ft drop, straight down? Exposure, here, with my reputation? Indeed, a very dramatic vista and on we proceeded to the bealach between the two hills. Lunch was had and on we climbed towards Sgorr Dhearg while Shaz was convinced she saw a duck in a lochan, which turned out to be a stone. Perhaps influenced by the hill just descended (Donald's peak?), perhaps too many Nurofen for the arthritis-riddled toe? Who knows what goes on in Shaz's mind? We disappeared into the clouds of Sgorr Dhearg and eventually summited to meet a couple who had a stove going for a cuppa?!! Tea anyone? The descent was straightforward enough until we took an interesting meander* through the forest but eventually got back on track and hit the road for the car. *got lost. All in all, a great day out and some good craic. Once again, my sandwiches won the 'sandwich du jour' competition with cajun chicken breast and dijon moutard on 'la fierte de la mere' bread. To top it off, a fine pint in the Lade Inn before I got in at 2100 but nae tea made! 'Twas enough to make you go quackers.

Sgor na-h-Ulaidh

The weather forecast for the 27th May was uncharacteristic - potential snow showers and sunshine. Fraser, David C and I all headed north to bag 'the hidden peak of Glencoe' and it was a promising start to the day. We headed up the farm path and bade hello to the farm owner who promised us that it would be hoaching with like-minded folk. The walk up past the burn was very pleasant indeed but I knew that we were in for some steep climbing further up as the craggy North face loomed of Sgor na-h-Ulaidh. We took to the slopes of Stob an Fhuaran and the climb was pretty unrelenting and arduous. Meanwhile, the sun shone and all was quiet in the glen with a few folk well behind us. Hopefully, we'd have the summit to ourselves. The only sounds were the laboured puffs of me and my compadres and it seemed an age before we attained the latter peak. A great place for a spot of lunch afforded fantastic views down Glen Etive, to Ben Nevis and Bidean nam Bian - the views were fantastic and we all ate in wonder at the silence of it all (apart from the munching of Thai Pringles). We headed down to the bealach and before long were heading up the final pull to the summit cairn by which point it had begun to snow. We didn't hang about. The descent was rapid but sustained on the thighs and we were back at the car in 5 hours - a very decent time. A wee hauf in the Bridge of Orchy hotel (who now have their own beer - fine) and a great day was had with some fine banter and flake-catching.

Last train from Corrour - Carn Dearg and Sgor Gaibhre

It was to be a hot one in Scotland on the 3rd May and so I decided to hit the Highlands albeit by taking the train from Glasgow to Corrour - this got me to Corrour at 1120 and the return train was at 1828 - 7 hours for 27 km of walking should be do-able. It was a nice journey if not slightly long but in today's eco-friendly climate, it seemed good not to be adding to the ozone layer via petrol. Once off the train, I hit the path at the end of Loch Ossian with Beinn na Lap on my left and thought I might get this one in for later, legs pending. It wasn't long before I was heading up the 'Road to the Isles' and after an hour, I was at Peter's stone. Quite a poignant plaque of a young guy who had died here, though how I'm not sure. Anyhoo, I began the trek up the 1st Munro and was greeted by a herd of deer, who (deer, me deer, gay deer, no deer) were watching me curiously. Man, I was unfit although by this time, the sun was fair beating doon on me so I shouldn't have been so hard on myself. After a couple of hours, I saw a large summit cairn and made my way up to this, to be greeted by 5 folk sitting and chilling out. We had a good gab, all drunk on the pleasant weather and idyllic surroundings. Photos were exchanged and I doled out plenty of advice, with one lady commenting "I just love the pronounciations of the hills". Fitever. I descended to the Mam Ban bealach and then whapped my MP3 player on to start the ascent to the 2nd Munro of the day, Sgor Gaibhre. In no time, I was on the summit (quite sandy?) and I thought I'd hae my lunch. Not a chance. The midges were unbearable, even at 951m and I had to make a quick descent back to a breezy part of the hill for luncheon. Chicken with chilli and garlic seemed to keep the Draculesque-like beasts away - 'I renounce you in the name of Garlic-god' etc. By this point, I'd taken 3 hours and had potentially 4 hours to get down, circle the Loch and try for Beinn na Lap. However, the walk-out along this loch was looooonng and by the time I got to the SY hostel, my legs were knackered, even though I still had 2 hours till the train. There really wasn't any decision to make, folks. There was beer waiting at the Station restuarant. And that Corrour Gold was probably one of the finest beers I've ever had. Some banter with a couple of guys whiled the time away before I was on the train back to Glasgow. A superb day out and I'll back for the Beinn Na Lap-dancer in Winter methinks.

Meall Buidhe (Glen Lyon)

So, on the Easter weekend, Emma and I decided to head up and take a pleasant stroll up this Munro. A longish drive but conditions were good and we set off from the Dam, up the land rover track. Camera shot looked good for Stuchd ad Lochain but the battery was flat. Baws. However, we carried on and it wasn't long before we were heading up towards Meall Phuill. The going was quite easy and once we had started heading along the 1 km walk towards the summit, we both felt as if we hadn't really been up a Munro at all. The visibility was spectacular, with views across Rannoch Moor to the Buachaille and across to Schiehallion. We would liked to have had lunch behind the summit cairn but the ladies were not for moving so we touched the cairn and headed back to luncheon at a lovely spot on a large prow of rock much further down the hill. Back at the car in 3 hours and hard to accept that another Munro (70) was in the bag. A fine day oot and probably never an easier Munro with good conditions and fine banter.

Dreish and Mayar

To the 4th day of my MarchMunrofest. As per, we hit the car park at a mighty long road in only to discover that lovely weather outwith the glen was not the same once in it. Anyway, we headed off through the woods, past the Youth Hostel and took a left along the land rover path. Before long, we saw a staked post with 'Kilbo path' on it and followed this through the forest. 'Twas an excellent path and as we continued higher up, the weather got better and better. As we exited the forest, we spied the path rising up above the glen to the bealach - it was a very picturesque corrie and still had some snow on the higher parts. Getting up to the bealach was very easy and an excellent walk compared with the 2 previous hills. Once at the bealach, we were fair buffeted by the winds but we decided to opt for Dreish first and before long, we were sitting in the shelter with the OS trigpoint, happy to have lunch and enjoy the views across to Mount Keen and the other hills. Afore long, we headed back the return route and once past the bealach, aimed for Mayar, a km walk from the bealach. The path again was very clear and followed a fence towards the base of the summit. However, we did pass a pole which must have had a sign on it at some point - amazed someone hadn't sawed down the eyesore. By the time, we hit the summit of Mayar, we didn't hing aboot as the weather turned wintry. The return route to the car was no problem and a nice wee pint about 3 miles from the car park was had in the Glen Clova hotel - they do some interesting ales and have a great wee fire going.

Meall a Chrasgaidh

Ah, the Fannaichs. Weather pending I had 3 Munro's ear-marked for this day and we got to the car park for a rather late starting time of 1030. We set off for this hill and not long before we were into the trek, we realised we had come off the main road too early and another bogfest started. We made for the shoulder of the peak and made good progress up on to this. The views began to open up nicely across to An Teallach, in the distance and to the other Fannaichs. We plodded on up towards the summit, which got inexorably closer but it did take a bit of time to reach it. By this point, we'd had some mixed showers and sunshine but once on to the summit, the blast of icy air rocked us and we scarpered for the small shelter which had been created, not far from the summit. Sgurr Nan Clach Geala loomed over us and looked mightily impressive as it was covered in snow along it's ridge and face. We took some lunch here and decided to push on but as we began the descent to the bealach (which also leads to Sgurr Mor), the cloud turned black and obscured our views - it was coming for us and we walked into a snowstorm. We were at decision time again - should we climb the 200m, along the ridge to SNCG in desperate conditions or should we turn back and head into the 'place of the fattening' and home? We decided to turn for home as it was bitter and again although sad not to have gone on and claimed another Munro or prolonged the experience, it was the correct decision. A pleasant walk back down into the glen and we saw many deer and a fantastic wee pool with about 10 frogs in it 'defending' their spawn. Hilarious. Once past Loch a Bhraoin, we hit the road and made for the car - of course, the weather had become nice again but c'est la vie and the hills will aye be there.

Stob Choire a Mheadhion

March 12th 2007 - had been really looking forward to having a few days off and doing some hills that I'd fancied but never had the opportunities. With Fraser, we set off from Glasgow at 0730 and got to the bottom of this one for 1040. It wasn't that great a day but with waterproofs on, we set off up the book route and it was clear quite quickly that it would be a bogfest at the lower level. After about an hour and a half, we reached the pillar and took a rest. The steep climb up the 1st real slope looked good and we decided to follow the path up to the 'chimney' for a bit of scrambling. Excellent scramble and a nice variation to the bog. Once over this, we encountered snow on the plateau and the slow rise to the summit, which was some way off. However, the snow got deeper and the rain turned to snow as we ascended and we began to tire after 3 hours of walking. We decided if we didn't hit the summit by 1400, we'd turn back. Eventually after 30 minutes of thigh-deep snow wading and bitter winds, not to mention huge cornices (pictured) we summited but didn't hang about as the wind had turned our jackets into icy cloaks. We set off back down into the corrie towards the river and the return route advocated by the book. If you're doing this in Winter, prepare for a bogfest part deux. We got back to the car at 1640 and while I was disappointed not to bag the close neighbour of the hill, Stob Coire Easain, it the was correct decision to walk off and leave it for another day. After all, we still had a 3 hour drive past Dingwall to get to for our celebratory pint.

Stob Ghabhar

In October last year, Shaz and I decided to get this one as we had both recently done Stob Choire a Odhair. It was supposed to be quite a steep hill in places so we prepared well and were at the car park early. We took the route you would normally take to walk up to the former peak but rather than head up the zig-zags, we carried on up the corrie towards the col, in the distance. We then headed up towards the steep pull before the Aonach Eagach - check Shaz in photo on much steepness. This AE ridge isn't really that narrow and was a nice airy walk but apparently is nothing compared with the Glencoe Aonach Eagach - I'll keep this one till later this year.
Once over this, it was another pull up past the craggy North Face, which was quite spectacular and in Winter is a great ice climbing crag apparently. We had a spot of luncheon at the top (Orkney mature cheddar and Wholegrain mustard sandwiches - lovely) and then began the return route, this time heading back North along the broad shoulder to the burn and retracing our steps back to the path beside Stob C a Odhair. A fab day. This hill was notable for the loud rutting noises of the stags - really was quite something.

Schiehallion

Back in 2005, I had been asked to go along and do this hill with the director of my company who was doing this as his last Munro. As Tim faffed aboot in the car park with his mates, I decided to bugger off and get him at the top. The Braes of Foss car park leads to a superb path, recently 'laid' by the good people who have the patience to do this kind of stuff. It wasn't long before I reached the plateau and I was heading across the boulder field - care was needed to traverse across these huge boulders but it was an excellent day with views all round. I rested upon the summit on top of one of the large bouders and waited for Tim and his cronies (and champers). However, 30 minutes later he still hadn't arrived and I was beginning to get a little cold. Sod it, I ran back down the hill and wished him well 2/3 of the way up. An excellent hill especially for the beginner. What an unsociable sod I am.

Carn a Mhaim

Last September, I decided to head back from my folks via the Cairngorms and I made it to the Linn of Dee car park for a rather cold 0800 at 2C. The intention was to walk past Derry Lodge, head over the Dee and take to the slopes of Carn a Mhaim before possibly attempting Ben Macdui. In retrospect, a bike would have been a good idea but with my MP3 player on, I made it to the summit after 3.5 hours, which was pretty good going for an 11km hike. However, once at the top, the weather deteriorated a bit and I wasn't confident of going further along into the Cairngorms just before midday. I headed back to the car park and it was a long walk out but a fantastic day and that part of the country is just amazing, so isolated and untouched. The view up to the Ben had been spectacular and the corrie and crags was very impressive. Another day perchance.

Beinn Bhuidhe

In January 2007, I wanted to tick this one off and complete the 1st set of hills from the Munro book. I hadn't read favourable comments of this hill so I wanted it out of the way but was keen to see what its challenge was - see my face above for how much of a challenge it had been. Fraser and I arrived at the car park at 0930 and set off on the 7 km walk to the hill. This was quite pleasant but I'd advise you walk along the East side of the river than than towards the quarry - it gets very boggy later. Once at the lodge, we had a drink and began our ascent up the burn and into the hill itself. The problem was that it was uncharacteristically mild and so the sweat was pishing off me even before we reached the headwall at 550 m. Once over this, we were on to the high corrie and the snow was getting quite deep. The clag was down so we followed a compass reading of NNW for the ridge - eventually we got on to this but it had been tough-going. We headed back SW along the ridge until the final pull up towards the summit - by this point, I was experiencing cramp in both calf muscles - a legacy of the walk-in, steepness and mild conditions for Winter. I had noticed that Fraser hadn't been eating much and once we were back down to the headwall, he began to feel nauseous and so I told him to eat. However, 5 minutes later, he was violently hill and so it took us a while to get back to the car thereafter. It had taken us 8 hours and I could see why people hadn't written favourably about this Munro. A couple of lessons were learnt that day - take plenty of water and salt for a day out and keep on top of the calorific intake whilst being out. Quite honestly, I'd never repeat this hill again and I'm sure Fraser would agree as he'd spewied on Bhuidhe (voo-ee).

Meall Corranaich & Meall a Choire Leith

In December 2006, I obviously hadn't put Fraser off as he was back on the hill with Shaz and I. We thought a high starting point of 1400ft would be a nice Winter's day out. After parking at the Ben Lawers car park, we headed up towards the col between Meall Corranaich and Bheinn Glas at 800m. It was bitter and we pressed on up the steep face, following in the footsteps of some kind gent. Once on to the summit, we didn't hang about as we wanted to get along towards our 2nd objective of the day. The ridge walk along to the bealach was as cold as I've ever felt and I thought my nose was going to fall off. However, the views across to the Ben Lawers range were fantastic and it wasn't long before we were heading up towards the lower Munro of the two, Meall a Choire Leith - there certainly was sunshine on this hill but the summit cairn was quite bleak. Some grub, a wee cup of tea and we headed down towards the road. From here, we walked back along towards the car and it was a great day out. We stopped off at the Lade Inn, near Callander - fabby beer and then off back to Glasgow. A good year for hills and thanks to all those who came along and made the hills so enjoyable - Shaz, Emma, Fraser, Norah and Gav.

Beinn a Chroin

And so to the penultimate excursion of 2006. I had always fancied doing Beinn a Chroin but was loathe to repeat this from the Glen Falloch side and so opted to tacke it from Balquhidder. This time, I invited two colleagues from work to join me, as well as Shaz. Fraser and Norah were both keen and we took to the path, through a shoitey farm and around past some interesting cattle. From here, we headed up alongside a burn and once across this took to the slopes to try and head up through the crags. It was tough and by the time we got on to this knoll at ca. 700m, we were quite tired. However, we pressed on and headed up the final 200m, which again was quite steep until a strong wind buffeted us as we made our way along the ridge towards the summit. We didn't hang about and continued on to the end of the 1km ridge before heading back down under the South-facing crags. It was a very pleasant walk back to the car and we drove a couple of miles back along to the pink looking building called Monachmyle Mhor Hotel - a great place to have a wee pint and I quite liked the look of the food. A great fire place too to enjoy that post-coital Munro feeling.

The Glen Lyon 4

The next day, I drove down the A9 and along Glen Lyon to Invervar. I parked about 500m past the village and walked back towards the red phone box to let Emma know I was starting my walk. I wasn't entirely clear where to start because a large horse was behind a gate but once I'd negotiated my way past the beast, I walked up through the woods and followed a path, alongside the burn. The flies were nae real. However, once I'd crossed the burn and padded up the grassy slopes towards the 1st Munro of the day, Carn Gorm. This is quite a slog of a hill but it does afford great views across the Glen Lyon range and to the Ben Lawers hills and you do go past some weird posts with stuff tied on - perhaps for the deer? Everytime you think you're going to find the summit over the brow, it's another incline until eventually you do come to the OS trigpoint, which is on its side. I took 5 minutes here to get my breath back and then ran down and up past An Sgorr and on to the 2nd Munro of the day, Meall Garbh. A strange summit cairn consisting of old fence posts and rocks. Rather unsightly to be honest. From here, it was a good high level walk along to Carn Mairg, a bouldery summit. From here, it's quite a sharp descent past the crags and along to the bealach before the 4th and final hill of the day, Meall Nan Aighean. From here, follow the path over to the peak, just 200m further SW and then from here follow the path down towards the forest, where you start from - great for pegging it down the hill. Once back at Invervar, a great feeling of satisfaction is had - I would defo do these 4 again.

The Drumochter 4

I decided to head North for a couple of days bagging on my tod. Emma was glad that I was buggering off, I think. Staying at the Balsporran cottages, near the A9, it was a large breakfast and then off on a very hot day (I took 5 litres of water with me) up Geal Charn. I should have given my breakfast half an hour as I was fair puggled, going up the hill. By the time I had bagged the 1st Munro though, I was on form and making good time. I had the hills all to myself and I thoroughly enjoyed the solitude. I headed down to the bealach, then began the ascent towards A Mharconaich, which seemed surprisingly easy to get to. I was well ahead of time and took a time out to survey the ugly scar which is the A9 running through the highlands. And now they're thinking of putting huge pylons through Drumochter now in aw'. I set off down to the 3rd Munro of the day, following the line of fence posts to Beinn Udlamain, which affored great views across to the impressive Ben Alder and it's surrounding peaks. From here, it was down to a boggy bealach and a multitude of deer (maybe 100?) before the pull up to Sgairneach Mhor and the last Munro of the day and an OS trigpoint. I had lunch here and then began the descent to a land rover track and ultimately heading back alongside the A9, which was a soul-less end to a great day. This 22km trip took about 6 hours and I was back at the Balsporran in time for tea!

Ben Oss

We picked a lovely day for this hill and took the route described for Beinn Dubhcraig up to the bealach. However, it did take us the best part of 4 hours to get to this point. I was annoyed with Emma for faffing aboot and let her know we needed to get on. In retrospect, I think she was actually suffering from heatstroke and so I felt quite bad about harassing her. Anyway, once over the bealach, we made a steep decline before a steep incline towards Ben Oss - this is fine in summer but in Winter would be quite a dicey proposition. We got up the summit and joined the hordes - can't believe how busy some of these hills are. A wee photae and it was off back down to the Caledonian forest before stopping for a fish supper on the way home - yum! Em straight to bed and right enough, it had been a bit of an epic. Poor sowel.

Stob a Choire Odhair

In May of 2006, my grandpa passed away so I decided to go and climb a Munro in peace. After parking at the Victoria car park, nr Bridge of Orchy, I fair galloped along the path towards the green shack, where the path up to this hill starts. It was a fairly boggy affair initially but higher up, it began to dry off. I took to the hill proper and made my way up the zig-zags before striding out for the summit, across some snow and boulders. It was fairly blustery at the top and I didn't hang about, although I did commemorate the hill to grandpa and said a wee word to him. I took off back down the hill and was back at the car in 3 hours from leaving. A great wee hill but one tinged with sadness. The view across the glen to the Etive hills was quite pictureseque (photo shown).

Buachaille Etive Beag

Ah, the little shepherd. Shaz, Emma and I picked a day in May where we would head oot and get 2 Munro's in Glencoe. Once Em had trekked 3 km for a pish, we decided to follow the route recommended in the guidebook and began a steady push up towards the bealach. It wasn't long before we were there and we headed back towards the 1st summit and took our lunch there - very nice indeed. Emma had made a lovely concoction of pasta, chicken and vegetables while we watched Shaz watching us, with her sandwiches! Back to the bealach and then up the 2nd Munro, a bit farther to reach - here we discovered two dogs, one with cancer, the other healthy. The owners were in good form but clearly, one of the dogs was suffering. There was nothing for it. I picked the dog up and tossed it off the ridge....no, I didn't, I'm making that up. We said goodbye to the owners and dogs and then made our way back to the car - a fine, fine day. Apparently out of mine earen, Shaz and Emma discussed the fine points of pints for the last hour down the path. Oh dear - where's the ethic in that?

Beinn Eunaich and Beinn a Chochuill

Hey Jude.....

This song will never be the same for me again. Gav, Shaz and I headed along to the post office for some provisions before we started this and saw a sign for a lost dog called Jude. Says it all. After a fairly muddy walk up to the bealach at the end of the glen, we then took a steep right up thr hill and began the walk up towards the 1st summit. By the time we got up towards the summit, there was a fair bit of snow and we the proceeded on to the 2nd Munro. This was even steeper but before long we had bagged it and were heading back down to the car park before long. Gav was convincing me to go along to Hotrock but the more he tried to convince me, the more desperate he seemed and eventually like a young virgin, sensing testosterone overload, I thought no.

Was Gav really pulling Shaz up the hill??? Or was that my Munro-fatigued mind?

Stuchd an Lochain

Notable for Shaz leaving her car at Dobbies, Stirlingshire and us getting back late at 1900, just in time for the overnight gate to have been shut and her car being kept in overnight. Also, for lots of snow (even at the car park) and some guy trying to convince Shaz to sell her ice axe on ebay for hundreds of pounds - sorely deluded and he just about fell through a cornice on the way back from the summit - apparently he only had 20 Munro's to go. Really? And I'm Jimmy Saville, now then, now then, how's about that then? What a tube.

Apart from the odd scary moment, Shaz and I enjoyed the day immensely. I think. Shaz?

Meall Ghaordaidh

In January 2006, Shaz and I decided to tick a few Munro's off in Winter and test out the ice axes etc, purchased at Christmas. Meall Ghaordaidh, wasn't far from Killin and we presumed it would be quite a gentle hill in Winter - while there was no snow at road level, we were soon to meet quite a bit halfway up the peak. For the last 1/3 of the hill, we were trudging through thigh-deep snow and it was quite arduous though very enjoyable. Before we reached the summit, a returning walker warned us that it was quite windy at the top. He wisnae wrang. We walked into a South-blowing arctic blast and stood getting photos for all of 10 seconds before about turning and getting back below the summit. A very unusual ice formation had formed on the OS trigpoint and it was quite beautiful - is there a German word for this, I had been told about it before but couldn't remember - Rheinmeis or the likes? We made our way back down, me testing my ice axe and generally faffing aboot. Back to the car, a wee pint on the way back to Dunblane and then hame. Another grand day.

Beinn Dubhcraig

A few months after Shaz had been on the ill-fated trip with Bish, I offered her the chance to come with Emma and I up this hill, just South of Tyndrum. Once we set off from the car park, we walked alongside the trainline and then over the gated bridge to start the path proper. However, rather than take an immediate right (which eventually takes you over the burn and then through the Caledonian Forest), we missed it and continued up the Land Rover path until we'd realised our mistake too late. An attempt to cross the burn/river and much mirth was had at the ladies' expense. However, once over this and we had made it to the deer fence, we joined the path proper. It was a bit of a slog attaining the ridge and then we headed South-West back along the ridge to the eventual summit. It was quite a long day (about 6 hours) for 1 Munro but we had a real feeling of satisfaction once back at the Rod and Reel, in Crianlarich.

The Tarmachan Ridge

Just efter I'd got my Phd (fit'll a loon dee?), I was asked to do this one as part of a charity day thingy for the Yoonie. I have to say it was a fairly uninteresting hill until the scramble up towards the summit - my friend's dog couldn't get up the bloody slope - we had to push and pull it until eventually it fell towards the corrie - I hated it anyway. Luckily, it survived and eventually joined us after we had bagged the hill and were doing the round. I'm making most of this up but it did seem quite precipitous at the time. I got home, had 3 pints of beer and vomited everywhere - never drink on an empty stomach, especially efter a hill. Not one I remember with much fondness, partially due to weather and due to it's emetic effect. Just a lightweight.

Beinn Chabhair

Rather than go into work in the morning, I decided to get up the next day and thrash up this hill, being as it was quite near to Glasgow. If things went well, I could be back in work by 1400 and no-one would know any different. I hit the trail at 0730 and took the path up beside the farm, which heads up past towards the waterfall. Once over part, the path heads along a flat, bog-like direction towards a lochan, with a wee boat on it. From here, it's take your pick as you try to get on to the ridge which will take you up to the summit. I headed due North/NE and once on to the ridge, it was a straightforward pull to the summit, with nice views across to Beinn a Chroin and An Caisteal. A sprint back to the car and in work by 1400, thanks very much. What a joyous day. Until the lassie at reception asked if I'd enjoyed my hill-day!

Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean

During the descent from Ben More, I had seen Cruach Ardrain from a distance and quite fancied it. I went with another mate of mine, Hayden, who wasn't a renowned hill-walker but he loved a physical challenge - usually in the female form. However, he convinced me that he'd be ready to go the next morning, even though he was going out for a few beers the previous night. Upon entering the car, I kowked from the smell of booze and asked him just how much he'd had the night before. "A quiet night Kev, 6 pints and 10 vodkas." Later, as we were walking up the hill he began to sweat Smirnoff, I have never seen or smelt the likes since. To his credit, once we summited, he got down and did 10 press-ups, a ritual he goes through every time he does a Munro. Being a fine day, we decided to take in Beinn Tulaichean as well. We ran down CA and along the high bealach before hitting the summit of the 2nd Munro. How this is a 2nd Munro from CA is beyond me but Hayden got down and did another 10. I joined him and before long, we were off back to Glasgow, while he dozed off, the daft sod.

Stob Binnein and Ben More

It took me a wee while to get over the death of Bish and as such, I waited until Winter was past before contemplating heading back on to the hill again. When I did, I headed out past Crianlarich and drove down the A85 to the side of the road beside the imposing Ben More. Instead of tackling it head on via it's North face (very unrelenting), I decided to go up by the stream and instead headed for the bealach, which separates Ben More from Stob Binnein. Once on the bealach, I opted for SB first and headed into the cloud. Now, until this point I'd never had a cloud inversion before but as I began to emerge on to the summit, I felt the heat of the sun on my brow and once I attained the top, a look back showed a few of the big hills poking through, including Ben More - it was fantastic. I sat and chilled at the top for 10 minutes enjoying the peace before the descent down to the bealach and then back up Ben More - the summit here was a lot more rocky and I by this time, it was getting on to lunch-time - and busy. I raced down the route I had come up and by the time I got back to the car, it had turned into a fine day. An excellent day on the hill and one I really savoured.

Glas Maol and Creag Leacach

In early February, Dr M and Dr P headed up to the Glenshee hills for a fantastic day's walking. It was cold and frosty but a high starting point and sunny conditions meant it wasn't long before we were heading up to the great dome of Glas Maol. Once on to the summit plateau, we walked a good kilometre to get to the cairn. It was bitter and we had all our winter clothing on. The views were outstanding and we swiftly made our way over to Creag Leacach. We were back at the car within 5 hours and enjoyed our lunch on a grassy knoll. With two in the bag, we texted Shaz, who was attempting Sgreamhach in Glencoe with her friend Rhona and her husband Bish. When I didn't get any response, I felt something wasn't right and the next day, I got news - the unthinkable had happened. Bish had tripped and fallen descending from the Hidden Valley and had died the previous night. I was numb, shattered and so very sad for Rhona's loss. It goes without saying that there are no words to convey what I felt for Bish's family and friends.

Lochnagar, Boxing Day 2005

The Christmas turkey, the booze, the puddings. I'd bulked up enough and was ready to tackle Lochnagar from my folks in the 'deen. It was to be cold but stable, which was just as well as I was going it alone. On arrival at the Spittal car park, the thermo on the car read -4C. Aye, bitter indeed. I raced off up the track and past some deer who stared at this dude out at 0800, with the place to myself. I wound my way up to Meikle Pap and then headed up 'the ladder', which was very icy indeed. However, I made terrific time and was soon skiting on towards the summit 'cairn' - more of an agglomeration of boulders really. I had a quick look down the black cleft and moved on, deciding on heading back via Loch Muick. I was very lucky with the weather, it held and it was just a great, cold Winter day. The walkout back along the Loch side was sore due to blisters on the tootsies but that's what I got for racing around. A fab day.

Beinn Dorain

Not long after our previous excursion to Beinn an Dothaidh, Emma and I decided to try this one as we had seen its cone-like summit and really fancied it. Conditions were frosty and the glen was rock hard - excellent, which meant no bog to walk through. Looking up at the col, we could see it but visibility to the summit was non-existent. It would be a day for the map and compass. The route was exactly the same for that of Beinn an Dothaidh to the col but then we began heading directly South and followed a path up the hill. Not long after though, we lost the path but I stuck manfully to the compass reading and after about 1 hour, we reached the false summit -another 100m onwards and we found the real one. The photo shows how cold it was at the summit. It wasn't unfortunately a straightforward descent. We followed the path due North but because we were happy to have summitted (Emma's first Munro in Winter conditions), I forgot to take a compass reading after 10 minutes and we found ourself heading down a rather steep slope. We had gone off the path and confusion set in - admittedly, we panicked a bit and headed back where we thought we came from but to no avail, we seemed lost in the clag. If this has ever happened to you before, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about but I began to worry about getting us off the hill. Luckily, we heard voices not far from where we were and within seconds, people appeared and we walked behind them. It was a valuable lesson to keep checking the map and compass while in clag. The rest of the descent was fine apart from watching someone fall flat on his face, as both his hands were hand-bound with his walking poles. We felt sorry for him and asked if he was okay but tried hard not to laugh. A nice pint with an element of relief back in the hotel was had.

Beinn an Dothaidh

Once Emma had come back from Canada, I was eager to get her back on to the hill and we decided on this one, as primarily, the Bridge of Orchy hotel has a nice bar. Also, we had seen this and it's neighbour, Beinn Dorain, every time we had gone up to the Highlands. It was a fairly driech day and we walked up a gentle path to the col. The part just before the col is quite steep in places but once on the col (ca. 700m), most of the climbing is done. However, by this point it was dingin' it doon so we headed off for the summit in a hurry. I took a compass reading and checked the map to ensure we were heading towards the correct summit cairn, as there appeared to be at least 3. Once we found our cairn, we didn't hang about as it dropped in temperature and the wind at the top was bitter. A quick descent back to the car and ultimately the hotel saw a rather fine pint being had and that lovely warm feeling of being dry and having experienced a miserable day on the hill. Aaahhh.

Ciste Dubh and Aonach Mheadhoin

As part of the Glen Shiel weekend, Charlotte and I decided to hit these two - I had particular fondness for the former as it had an impressive North East face and was supposed to be airy near the top. We followed the path from near the Cluanie Inn and walked all the way to a bealach, a gentle walk. From here, it was due North and up quite a steep route but once on top of this, it was quite straightforward although near the summit, you do get a great feeling of exposure. From here, we headed back down to the bealach and then headed up the hill (Sgurr an Fhuaruail) beside Aonach Mheadhoin - it was quite an arduous climb but once we bagged the 2nd Munro, we headed back to the Cluanie via Sgurr an Fhuaruail for a nice short day out. Coffee and cake was had here and then once we changed, it was back doon tae Glasgow, with the glorious sunshine making it happy day indeed.

Saileag, Sgurr a Bhealaich Dearg and Sgurr na Ciste Dubh

On the 1st May 2004, I and another compadre decided to bag a few Munro's on the North side of Glen Shiel. It was to be a balmy weekend and on the first day out, we decided to do some of the Five Sisters. Initially, we headed over to Saileag and then East to get Sgurr a' Bhealaich Dheirg - we decided to leave Aonach Mheadhoin to another day anc combine that with Ciste Dubh - next post.

After S a BD, we passed Saileag and then on over to Sgurr na Ciste Dubh, the 1st of the Five Sisters. By this point, quite late in the day, we decided to head back thinking we had done at least 4 Munro's. Wrong! We had merely bagged a top on the way to S n CD and so for a 9 hour jaunt, the tally was 3. However, it was a great day and the summit cairn on Sgurr na Ciste Dubh was fecking huge - I danced on top of it.

The South Glen Shiel Ridge

In Glen Shiel, there are a group of Munro's (seven) which can make for a great day out of high-ridge walking. Or, if you go in a typical Scottish summer, you can be soaked for hours on end, taking in the spectacular views of mist, drizzle and your compadres some way off in the distance. I attempted the ridge with Shaz and Big Al as well as two others, who wandered off on their own to bag the Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine at the end of the ridge. Team spirit, don't you love it?

We made our way up the private road from the Cluanie Inn. As an aside, this is an excellent place to stay, eat superb food and enjoy some fine beers (Black and Red Cuillin on tap). The owners, Alex and Cecilia are the hosts with the most. Moving on, we made our way up the path/stream towards the 1st Munro of the day, Creag a Mhaim. With the hard part over, we continued onwards to the 2nd Munro, which wasn't far off at all (Druim Shionnach) and then made our way swiftly to Aonach air Chrith, the highest and steepest of this particular section of the ridge - a herd of deer flew past us from the corrie below - they can fair move. At the 4th Munro, and 2 of our triumvirate soaked, we made the correct decision to head down the stalker's path and get back to the car. It was 1500 in the afternoon, we'd been on the hill 6 hours and we were only halfway - 2100 was not an acceptable getting off time in high winds, battering rain and dusk at 2000. At this point in time, we passed a party of 3 walkers who were making their way up. They assured us they were going to do the remaining half and seemed well equipped but it appeared, in my opinion, to be a late start.

As it transpired, later that night while chilling out in the Kintail Hotel, we heard a helicopter and then again, early the next morning. Someone had fallen on Sgurr na Sgine, at the end of the ridge and unfortunately died. It was a stark realisation of the conditions we'd been walking in and I think a correct decision by our group. It certainly alerted me to the fact that the Scottish hills in summer are far from benign and made what was an enjoyable walking weekend, quite a sad experience.

The Cairnwell Three

It sounds like a gang of baddies and the fact that you can tick these three Munro's off in a fairly short time with little effort, is fairly criminal. There isn't much in terms of a sense of achievement, if you start off at the car park, just past Glen Shee ski centre. Also, The Cairnwell and Carn Aosda as hills are tarnished by the ski paraphernalia so you don't feel any degree of isolation until you get to Carn a Gheoidh, which I enjoyed as I ate my lunch in the sheltered cairn. I did these on my own so I didn't hang about for long and got on my way again. If you want to bag 3 Munro's but not in a memorable fashion then this is the place to come - why anyone would want to repeat them is beyond me. I'd rather eat a yard of my own poo.

Ben Chonzie

How you pronounce this is entirely up to you - Ben Y-Hone or Honzie and there are two ways to climb the hill in a'. I recommend the one we didn't do. However, Emma (my lovely) and I decided to head up via Loch Turret, which involved a nice walk in until we started the climb up towards the main ridge. This being Emma's first Munro, I hadn't realised that she would curse, swear and generally slag me off for lulling her into coming along. I decided never to come walking with her again but once she had seen a Ptarmigan fly out of the the undergrowth and induce an MI in ME, she lightened up somewhat. A walk along the posts ultimately led to the summit and a typically Scottish day on the hill yielded a rather unfulfilling photo - Em proud after her 1st Munro. We decided to walk back along the ridge above the Loch and we saw many wild hares on our way back to the car. Apparently the other route is much more straightforward. A lot of people slag this hill off and call it boring and while it lacks character of some of the classics, it's a great wee hill to do in Winter or on a shorter spring/autumn day.

The Buachaille

Twa wiks after the An Caisteal epic, it was back for more and where more impressive than the mighty Buachaille Etive Mor - you can check out this hill via an excellent webcam at the following site - http://freespace.virgin.net/kings.house/ - sometimes a van is unhelpfully parked in the car park but the site is updated every twa oors so check again.

Anyway, I set off with wee Shaz, Dr M and a Swede who obviously didn't know the meaning of 'team' - we headed past Lagangarbh - I was ever mindful of the great Scottish climbers who had stayed here - Robin Smith as an example who had set up some cracking climbing routes on the Buachaille's face but like so many other great climbers, had perished young. As we continued up the red rock, the inclination became quite steep until we reached a 'chimney' of snow and kicked steps all the way to the top of the ridge. Once at the top, we continued towards the summit and enjoyed some luncheon. However, job half-done, we continued on to the 2nd Munro (about 7 km) of the BEM hill and it was quality. The descent via the Lairig Gartain was extremely boggy however and we were a' glad to get back to the car.

An Caisteal

In 2005, I undertook this hill with my recently-acquired friend, Shaz from the Rannoch club.
The forecast wasn't the best and there was a fair bit of snow on the top - Shaz's account of this should suffice and I recommend you check her story out on the Rannoch site -
http://www.climbrannoch.co.uk/ShazWrites/RiverDance.htm

I remember seeing a sheep on the way up, which was in the fast-flowing burn and had obviously perished but it's back legs had been caught on a branch and it was bobbing up and down - I took a photo but it didn't come out. I'm continually amazed by all the surprises you find on yer way up and down a hill.

The remaining Munro's of 2003

During the next few months I did a few Munro's on my own. These were Ben Lui and Beinn a Chleibh; Ben Vorlich (Lochearnhead) and Stuc a Chroin; I did Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers with Dr M and we encountered a wind at the top of the 2nd peak like a hurricane. We were literally haudin' on to the OS trigpoint for fear of being swept away. Magic, man! We also bagged Beinn Ime and Beinn Narnian starting out from just South of the Rest and Be Thankful - a good route if you're bagging both hills but midge-infested at first and quite a slog to get to the bealach. Notable for Alison's arse-bearing if I remember rightly. Last Munro of 2003 was Ben Wyvis with Big Al and Wee Iain - I was determined to keep up this time. I managed fine but it was onwards to the Rannoch club dinner in Ullapool that night and I was in my bed by 2300 - what a lightweight.

Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)

I did this back in 2003 with my good friend, Dr Alison Michie (here, shown on my left). It was a fantastic day in May and we took 6.5 hours to complete our route. You could see as far as Ailsa Craig, the visibility was that good. Upon our return to the car, we found that the owner of the Ardlui hotel wisnae best pleased we'd been parking in his parking lot and he showed us the other one across the A82 - lesson no.1. After we had vowed to drink his bar dry, we quickly learned lesson no. 2. A pint after a warm day on the hill infuses the brain with booze to the extent that one feels rather pissed. Hence it was a good hour before we got on the road again but not before some guy asked if we had found his GPS on the hill. What a foo!

Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond (view from summit shown) is situated about 22 miles North West of Glasgow and while Sauchiehall Street ends in Glasgow, you could be forgiven that it extends to the summit on a good day. However, don't let that put you off. It's a great hill and has a very good path to take you all the way to the top. The climb to the summit via the Ptarmigan direction is good and the last 200 ft to the summit provides a small degree of exposure but nothing too testing. The challenge is probably getting parked at the car park down below! I remember an English family coming up the reverse route and in order for us to get past, they moved off the path - this incurred the wrath of a Scottish man and his young son - "You'll make the path 5 feet wide, if you walk off the path!" While he had a minor point (erosion on hills is a problem), I felt embarassed for the family and later on I jokingly told them that if they wandered off the path, they could make the path 100 feet wide! Some people need to get a grip.

Cairn Gorm

This was my 3rd Munro and was done in Winter. I can't say I enjoyed this one either because the hill is fairly scarred by the ski runs but once past this and on to the summit, I enjoyed a rare sense of isolation (away from my ex-girlfriend). It is easy to see why people get lost in the Cairngorms - it is very easy to lose all sense of direction and luckily, there were some good posts all the way up to the summit - at this point my navigational skills weren't the best and i freely admit, I probably shouldn't have been up there. I recommend that anyone who considers going on the hill in Winter know how to use a map and compass. You'll hear this ad nauseum but it's so true. Again, another photo-less hill due to my lack of digital camera in 2003.

Ben Vane

This is the smallest Munro in Scotland and barely makes it at 914 m high. Don't let that fool you. Once you have parked at the Inveruglas car park on the A82 and you begin your walk past the Sloy power station, it's not even that long a walk-in to the hill. However, once on the hill you have about 1800 ft of a 45 degree angle to negotiate and it's relentless. I walked up this hill with Big Al and Wee Iain and they fairly galloped up it - as I reached the summit (bit of scrambling to be done), they began their descent and I could only follow at their pace as best possible. We got up and down in just over 3 hours and to me, while it was a great physical test, I can't say I enjoyed it. But, from then on I was hooked!

Ben Nevis

The Ben is Britain's largest hill and stands at 4,406 ft (1344 m). Many an experienced walker has perished walking off Ben Nevis' cliffs and while there is a great path which takes you on to the summit plateau, it can be treacherous while heading on the plateau, especially if you don't how to use a map and compass properly and are ill-prepared for the potentially awful weather. As with all Munro's, if you're heading on to the hill, take plenty of warm (and waterproof) clothing, food and water.

I did the Ben as my first Munro back in 2002 and I loved most of it (zig-zags aside), heading up the 'tourist' path. I wasn't prepared for what people wore on the way up. Sandals, shorts and all this in May, while there was still quite a bit of snow on the peaks. Take decent shoes and enough clothing FFS; it will take you between 5.5 and 7 hours to get up AND down this baby. It's not technically difficult but in Winter, this is a major undertaking - consider that for every 100m climbed, this equates to a 1 degree C drop in temperature - the summit will feel at least 11 C colder than the car park and add in the wind chill and you could be venturing up into very cold conditions indeed.