August 23: Up at 5.30, left at 6.30, arrived at Richard’s place about 7.15, a quick transfer of my kit into his car and we were off. For some reason I can remember hardly anything about the journey, probably talking too much. We stopped in Carlisle, where Richard did his shopping for the week. I had done most of mine so felt quite virtuous, & picked up a few bit and bobs. We then carried on North, stopped in Spean Bridge for a meal, then on to Skye, and arrived at Glenbrittle at about 10.30 in the rain and dark. I then had the first grump of the week-while unloading the gear my watch caught the door of Richard’s car and the spindle of my watch came off, and the watch fell to the ground. Fortunately the watch was not damaged, and amazingly I found the spindle the next day and managed to place it back on the watch.August 24: Nasty weather, cloud very low, Richard sensibly went off to climb Bla Bheinn, I went up Corrie a Ghreadaidh, and went on the ridge then returned to Glenbrittle. A good re introduction to Skye. August 25: We went to different venues again, Richard attempted Mhic Choinnich. I set off to climb the mountain almost visible from the Youth Hostel, Sgurr Thuilm, but turned round after a) very strong winds and b) rain & hail which soaked me within seconds, I was not wearing my over trousers at the time, a situation which I rectified immediately. I then went on up the corrie to the col below Sgurr Thuilm with the intention of climbing Sgurr a Mhadaidh. As it was a) still raining, b) misty, c) windy, and d) it looked terrifying, I decided to head for the gap at An Dorus and go up Mhadaidh the easy way (from the East) very pleasant and my first top of the week, I then went down to the gap and up the other side and climbed Sgurr a Ghreadaidh, and was on the top at 3.30. I then went on to the lower top after leaving my rucksack. I headed back as the clouds were coming down again, and back to base, got back to Glenbrittle at about 7pm- a beautiful evening. A great day.August 26: We left Skye and headed to Glen Affric, after restocking on food, and a visit to the Jacobite Café to refuel, we set off walking with big packs at about 12.00. We arrived at the Youth Hostel at about 4.30, where there was a Dutch family in residence, we had some tea, sorted our gear out, dried our wet clothing and then tried to eat all the food we had brought with us, which we managed quite easily. We chatted with the Dutch pere, he asked us what we were doing tomorrow & when we told him, he asked us how many Munros there were-1200 he asked?! Was he taking the ****? Heavens know where he got that figure from. Richard thought this was a trick question. If so, how devious some people can be.August 27th: We got off early the next day about 8.30, but my pack did not feel much lighter. I opted out of the first top Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, as I had climbed it some years previously, and cut across the corrie to the col below Ceathreamhnan, and waited for Richard, who I could see walking along the ridge. We met up again at about 10.45, and I left my rucksack at the col after eating and putting all my spare clothes on. The first top was a series of up and down which took ages to get past, and then the weather deteriorated, it started lashing down with rain and visibility was just a few yards. We then started the long drag up to the main summit. We overshot slightly, and had a good view of the lower top. We turned back and were on the main top in a few minutes at about 1.20. We did not longer long there and retraced our steps. Fortunately the weather improved and we collected my rucksack, set off across the corrie to the main ridge and back down to the hut which we reached at about 4.30. We then started the long trudge back to the car which we reached at 8.40. A long day. We drove to the Youth Hostel at Ratagan, fortunately very close by and then started cooking and sorting out the gear. A very late night and I did not sleep too well because of being over tired and some appalling snoring. Ear plugs did not keep the noise out!Aug 28h: Richard decided to have a rest day. I started off with the intention of climbing Sgurr a Mhaoraich, but after about an hour decided that this was not a good idea and that a rest day was much more sensible. We had lunch at the Jacobite and then went back to Ratagan.August 29th: Richard decided to have his foot looked at which had been bothering him all week, and drove to Inverness. He dropped me off at Morvich and I decided to do the Five Sisters Ridge. I set off at about 9, got to the end of Gleann Lichd at 10.45, and headed for Bealach an Lapain, which I reached just after lunch at about 1.10. Then I went on to Sgurr nan Spainteach, Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe, Sgurr na Carnach and Sgurr Fhuaran which I reached at 5.25. On the descent from Fhuaran I got into the clear for the first time since leaving Bealach an Lapain, nice to see where I was going at last, but navigation had not been a problem as there was a well worn path all the way. Shame. I skirted Sgurr na Saighead, then on to Beinn Bhuidhe and then to the col above Glen Shiel and then a horribly steep descent to the Glen, followed by a walk through undergrowth to the road bridge at Shiel Bridge. I then walked to Ratagan along the road and arrived there at about 8.45. Another monster day.August 30th: The start of the long journey home. Left Ratagan at about 8, ridculously heavily laden- one rucksack on my back, one large and one small rucksack in one hand and one holdall in the other. I made painfully slow progress to Shiel Bridge about 1½ miles away, but got there at about 8.45, my T shirt was wringing wet and so I changed it. The bus was on time and we got to Glasgow at about 14.30 after stops in Fort William and Crianlarich. Then a taxi to central station, and the train to London got me into Kings Cross more or less on time, where it felt incredibly hot and sticky. I was home at about 11.00, where the first thing I did after lugging the bags into the sitting room was to dive into the shower. A relief to get all my sweaty clothes off.

July 26: Drove north, arrived South Laggan at 9.45, a very hot evening.July 27: Drove along Loch Arkaig, parked at the road end. Long drive, not much room to park, but set off at about 10.30. Took a wrong turn at first, and went on an endless path through the forest. Realised my error, and walked back to the junction of the paths. Got onto the right track and got on track behind Glen Dessary House, then dropped into Glen Kingie. Followed the stalkers path to the col between An Eag & Sgurr Beag. Carried on up to Sgurr Mor, reached the summit at 6.30 in cloud and put my jersey on for the first time. Then descended to the col below Sgurr an Fhuarain, dropped down into Glen Kingie again then retraced my steps to Strathan & the car, which I reached at 9.45, still full light, reached the bunk house at 10.45. The first of many late nights.July 28: Drove to Fort William to buy new headtorch, then on to Glenfinnan. Boiling hot day, chatted with a couple in the car park, then set off at 11.30, on top of Sgurr Thuilm at 3.30, then on to Sgurr nan Coireachan by the ridge, which I reached at 6.15. Then started the descent back to the Glen, ran out of water & coffee on the descent, went without fluid for 40 minutes, not pleasant,  back to the car at 9.25, then drove on to Mallaig. Ghastly night in a dreadul hostel, never again, resolved to write a letter of complaint.July 29: Took the morning ferry to Inverie, stayed at the Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse. Let the Bunkhouse at 12.30 for Ladhar Bheinn. Walked through the village, then on Glen Guiserein, then up Corrie an Asgaill. Joined the ridge East of the summit, then on to the summit at 6.35, dropped down to the Glen then retraced my steps, arrived back at the bunkhouse at 10.30.July 30: Set off at 9.45, walked to Mam Barrisdale, then had lunch at 1pm, just beyond the Mam. Cloud closed in at about 2, reached the summit of Luinne Bheinn at 3, then went on to Meall Buidhe, long way, lots of up & down, in cloud all the way, reached the top at 6.30, descended by the ridge, took ages to get off the end of the ridge to the river. Back to bunkhouse at 10.30.July 31st: Set off at 8.30, v. wet morning, headed for the Mam again, The rain stopped at 9.00 a.m. Reached top of pass at midday. Reached summit at 2.00pm, left at 2.30, headed back to Mam, by the route I had used up yesterday. Had major feet problem on the way back, really hurting, took both boots off bathed them in a stream, beautiful, but had massive blisters on both heels. Stopped to look at the Brocket Memorail, it took some effort to get to it, absolutely huge, room to stand up inside it!  Got back to the bunkhouse at 7.45.August 1st: Stopped at pottery shop for coffee & sandwiches with Raquel & Richard, caught the morning ferry, raining, then back to Mallaig at 11.30. Stopped at Fisherman’s mission for lunch, rather greasy, then took R&R back to Glenfinnan. Drove on to Fort William, then spent the night in Crianlarich.August 2nd: Breakfast at the railway station in Crinalarich. Left at 9.15, then got home at 9.30. Great week.

March 15: Left home at 10.30, the day developed into a shopping trip- stopped off in Carlisle, then again in Perth, getting very forgetful. Then arrived in Wester Caputh where I had booked in for the night.March 16: Left Caputh at about 9.00 for another shop at Pitlochry, arrived at Cluanie at about 11.30. Ater some faffing deciding where was the best place to park, I left the car by the Cluanie at 11.45, and headed for Aonach Mheadhoin, in the first snow at about 500m. Went via Sgurr an Fhuarail, and reached the top at 2.30. Met two people, Barry & Richard, who were staying at Ratagan coming in the opposite direction. I then went on to Sgurr a Bhealaich Dheirg, which took ages, deep snow and poor visibility. Reached the summit at 4.50-a distance of about 2k maximum. Summit cairn was big, then walked along the N.E Ridge, very narrow, when it ascended took the easy way out and dropped down to the valley, to the E, in deep snow, then ascended to the bealach, had to walk for some distance along the bealach then headed South towards the Cluanie, made it back to the car at 8.00, then on to Ratagan, where I saw none other than Mark Smith in the sitting room.March 17: An attempt on the South Cluanie Ridge, debating whether to attempt the whole ridge in one go or do it in separate attempts. I decided to see how I progressed. I parked at the Inn and set off at 9.30. I made good time on an excellent track, in fact the old road to Tomdoun, now interrupted by the flooded Loch Loyne. I left the track and headed up a well marked path up the SE ridge of Creag a Mhaim, which I reached at 12.55. I then had some lunch in the sun, then headed on to Druim Shionnaich, Aonach air Chrith, spectacular summit, which required a sharp turn to the SW. Then on to Maol Chinn-Dearg, which I reached at 5, decided to call it a day there, and descended back to the Glen-a very quick descent, back at the road at 6.30, then a walk back along the road for 40 minutes and back at the Clunaie at 7.10.March 18: Cluanie Ridge Part 2. Left the car a short distance W of the point where I met the road yesterday. I set off from the car at 9.10, as it was snowing. A bit of a grim start to the day. I ascended by yesterday’s descent, a bit of a grind but got to the summit at 12.15. I joined the ridge, and dropped down to Sgurr Coire na Feinne, then on to Sgurr an Doire Leathain, the first munro of the day. I had some difficulty finding the summit, as it was some way along the northern spur of the ridge. Then on to Sgurr an Lochain, (No 250), then descended to the col below Sgurr Beag, then descended back to the road, and back to the car at 5.20.March 19: Set off at 9.10 for the first top of the day, Faochag, an unremitting slog, v hard going up steep ground, then headed on to Sgurr na Sgine, and had lunch just below the summit. I descended the summit to the South on bare rock, tricky with crampons on, then NE to the col below Sgurr a Bhac Chaolais, then ascended steeply to its summit. Then NE to the bealach, then on the long ridge to Creag nan Damh the last top of the South Clauanie Ridge. There were about 6 false summits on the ridge, plus a very exciting descent from the last bump on the ridge to the summit. I descended to the North after clearing the summit crags, ascended Sgurr a Chuilin, and then down some very steep ground to the NW and back to car, with no walking along the road. The end of the South Cluanie Ridge, after 3 days!March 20: Lousy weather so took a rest day, went into Kyle, a pretty dreary place, then went to Eilean Donan, finally went over the Mam Ratagan to Glenelg, where the ferry to Skye had just started up. Then drove a little way back and walked along the beach. Went back to Ratagan via Glenelg and investigated the camp site at Moyle.March 21: Set off from Morvich at 9.00 am, geared up at the car park straight away as it was raining. Walked down Glen Licht , and passed the hut at the end of the Glen. Crossed the river by a new bridge, the old one had collapsed at a slightly drunken angle. Walked towards Camban on a superb path, although uphill. Left the path at some waterfalls and spent some time avoiding crags, it might have been better to stay on the path a bit longer and avoided the crags and doubled back, but ran out of patience, as usual. Then headed on the line towards Saileag up the South Ridge. A bit up and down in difficult weather, very windy and snowy felt a bit cold in spite of having all my layers on. Put the crampons when the angle allowed and made the summit at 2.10. Headed towards the col, faffed around deciding on what was the best descent route, decided to get to the lowest part of the col, then descended without drama. Got to ground free of snow, which was absolutely saturated. Got back to Glen Licht House then headed back along the path I had walked along earlier in the day. I was walking into a head wind and it was snowing, I got back to the car at 5.50, excellent day, although a bit trying at times.March 22: Home day, set off home, good conditions no traffic jams, but a long drive home.

Oct 27: Travelled up minus Vaughan and Mark, to enjoy the last week end before the clocks changed.  Unfortunately rucksack rather heavy about 35 pounds, had to take the large one even though I had an absolute minimum of food. An uneventful journey train reasonably empty escaped to the quiet coach for most of the trip, quick change in Newcastle and arrived in Haltwhistle at about 5.20. Then started walking partly on roads and paths, and arrived Once Brewed at about 7.15. Checked in and asked what the time the pub stopped serving food to be told that it would not be “before 8”, which meant a bit of a scramble. When I got there I discovered that they served until 9, so panic over. Good meal, and then prepared for the rigours of tomorrow.Oct 28: Set off about 9.30 made reasonably good time along Hadrian’s Wall, and arrived on the outskirts of Greenhead at about lunchtime. Then skirted round the edge of the golf course crossed a very busy road and then was on fairly featureless moorland. I got diverted and took a long dog leg to the East then did a little bit on the road, then crossed the Hartley Burn after a lot of up & down, then on less hilly ground. However running out of time as it was now 5 and about to get dark, rang up the place I was staying and told them I was going to be late. I started walking down the road, then it started to rain, then it poured, someone stopped and I accepted the lift gladly-they took me into Slaggyford Village.Oct 29: Went off on the disused railway for a while then joined the PW. Went on a bizarre roundabout route then walked into Alston and topped up on my supplies. Then carried on into Garigill, arrived there in good time. I was convinced I had booked into the Post Office, complete confusion on the owner’s face. I walked down the main street passed a B&B –Bridge View- wondering where to stay, saw a note to me in the window, obviously some foul up over booking. Eventually made contact with the owner who was out at the time I arrived. Went out to the local pub for a meal that night. Did not feel that well that night, probably the result of a v heavy rucsac and a long day yesterday.October 30: Set off after a huge breakfast, still not feeling that great set off for Cross Fell, beautiful day. Started the drag up to the top, seemed to be going OK, lunch at Greg’s hut with the weather deteriorating fast and the cloud descending fast. Made it to the summit in zero possibility, then made a massive navigational foul up, managed to get completely lost, eventually got sorted out and got to Great Dun Fell. And the hideous mast on top. Started off down the road but then made for Knock Old Man in awful weather, then managed to make another navigational cock up, should have headed SW but headed in same direction. Soon realised my mistake and got on the right track just as night was falling. Phew. Lost height and got into Dufton, hardly any lights in the village eventually found the YH. Bad news the pub was shut, but the warden kindly made some food.Oct 31: Set off from Dufton for High Cup Nick, long drag but the wait was worth it, really spectacular. Then cut across country along Maize beck, but my feet were killing me could not work out why, my feet were boiling, took my boots off, and took my insoles out. Magic, instant relief. Joined the main road at Langdon Beck, unfortunately could not get into the YH or hotel, so had to stay at the High Force Hotel. Pretty awful place, but was past caring, ate there that night.Nov 1: Walked down the road and joined the PW, then walked up to where I left it the previous night, passed a quarry then reached the place where I had left it. Paused, then turned round, passed the quarry again, then looked at High Force quite spectacular, very pleasant path, by the river almost the whole way, cut across some fields almost a wrong turning, then reached the end of the path. Passed a cattle market then into Middleton In Teesdale, found my B&B quite easily, Brunswick House, a fabulous place.Nov 2: Caught the bus to Darlington, then caught the train south. Good trip, but next time must take a smaller load in my rucksack.

August 18: Eventually left home at about 11.30, latest departure ever, only to have to turn round after about 15 minutes then managed to take the long route to the Motorway, i.e. I got lost. Eventually I got on the A4, then on to the roads leading north. Crossed the border at about 6, another latest and then bombed it and arrived in Pitlochry, my overnight stop, at about 8.45. I checked in and decided to find somewhere to eat. This brought on the first grump of the week, could find no pub/hotel serving food at this outlandish hour, eventually went to an Indian takeaway for which I gave thanks.August 19: Did not hang around in Pitlochry, was on the road north by about 8.30 (a bit more like it) and passed Dalnaspidal, Dave Pogson’s home at 9. Turned off but decided not to visit, a wee bit early still. This turned out to be a good decision. Stopped in Inverness for petrol and last minute shopping and then onward, reached Braemore Junction at about 12, and then started getting ready to get out on the hills. This was a rather lengthy process but got going at about 12.45 and headed round the northern shore of Loch a Bhraoin and then at the head of the Loch started the week’s first real climbing, reached the summit of A’ Chailleach and then on to Sgurr Breac, then down to the col and back to the car at about 8. Then on to Dundonnell and Badrallach, my home for the next week where I was camping. I eventually got the tent up, started cooking, opened the beer and all felt well-no midges.August 20:Eididh nan Clach Geala, Meall nan Ceapraichean. A slightly late(ish) start (10.20) due to unpromising looking weather. Just getting myself organised when the owner of a nearby house asked me if I was the electrician. Hmmm. Set off in unpromising weather but no rain, on a decent path, but I was too low, so had to scramble over a fence and then slog up the hillside through thick heather. Grump #2, caused by navigation error. Eventually I gained the ridge and on to the summit of Edidh nan Clach Geala at 2.20. Then on to the next summit of Meall nan Cepraichean which took 2 hours, very steep and rocky, and I reached the top in the cloud, first time this trip, which for some reason took me by surprise, then down via a good path to the car, in the rain, the prospect of a soggy camp site did not appeal, and I felt very depressed at the prospect. However I later found out that we could cook in the accommodation building on the camp site - the bothy - and everyone else was doing the same so quite a jolly evening followed.August 21: Weather had still not improved in the morning so a very late start. Decided to head for the Fannichs, a range to the South to do two Munros which I I had missed doing in my last visit.
I did not set off until about mid day (!) decided to head for Meall Gorm and An Coileachan, skirted round the base of Benn Liath Mor Fannich and then headed for Loch Li over some very rough heathery ground and then after the loch very steep slopes, reached the main ridge just before 5 and the first top Meall Gorm at 5pm. Then on to An Coileachan in clear weather, good views, at the summit at 6.10, then back to the bealach and the long trudge back to the car, which I reached at 8.40, and then a drive back in damp misty conditions. Another late cook but in dry(ish) but misty weather.August 22/23: Up early. Was this the stunning day we had been promised for a few days? Not a promising start as mist was down but it could be sea fret. I got ready and left at about 8 a.m. for another drive through mist, but half way along it cleared with stunning views to the West, it had to be Fisherfield. While getting ready I overheard a conversation, one man was talking bout the difficulties of crossing the stream at Shenavall. He said that on one occasion it was “ a raging and a roaring”. Typical optimistic Scotsman! I left Corrie Hallie at 8.45, and was across the river and at the base of first top at 11.30. A long trudge with a lunch break en route, plus one very rocky section meant I reached the summit at about 2.20. Then on the ridge, one slight “problem” was that I had no sunglasses, and as I was walking South, I was walking into the sun which was dazzling, an unusual problem in Scotland! I headed on to Sgurr Ban, Mullach Coir Mhic Fhearcair, and a long descent before the 4th top, Beinn Tarsuinn, which I reached at about 6. I then descended below a ridge leading from the summit, down a descent gully where I managed to get some water, and then descended to a very wet, and alas, low col. Then the long drag up to the next top, A’ Magaidhean, after going some time, I saw some deer on the summit ridge who seemed miles away. At about 7.15pm, I had the presence of mind to ring the campsite I was staying at & told them I would not be getting back tonight. I eventually reached the summit at 9, with the light starting to fail. I then removed some of my sweaty clothes, dried them, and then put them back on again, not too uncomfortable. I descended carefully to the next bealach, taking the easiest angled slopes I could find. I was alarmed to see some very steep crags below the summit of the next top and decided to bivouac at the base of crags. I then settled down for the night. I dropped off almost instantly; I must have been really tired, woke up at about midnight, then slept until about 1 am. That was the end of my sleep, but had a great night, the stars were a wonderful sight, and also the moon was huge.
At about 4 the sky started to lighten, although it had never been totally dark, I could see the outline of the ridge I had come from quite clearly all through the night.
I explored the area and was relieved to see a path leading through the crags. I set off at 5.15 a.m. and was on the top (the last) at 5.45, to a fantastic sunrise. I left the summit at 6, and then started the long walk back to civilisation. I replenished my water supply, my thirst had been becoming serious and tried to ignore the fact that I hadn’t eaten since 9 the previous evening! After descending some very steep ground, I got on a stalkers path, then headed for the bothy at Shenavall. This involved crossing 2 very deep streams, boots off, and shoes on, with a bog in between the two for good measure, then I was attacked by some very sharp gorse on the river bank. This route certainly had everything! I was in the bothy at 10, which was empty but some people were clearly staying the night there, but not me! I left at about 10.15 and started the long trek to the road, on an appallingly boggy path, which was quite steep to start with, reducing my already slow pace to a crawl. I reached the junction with the main path after about 2 hours which I had last been on about 26 hours ago. I celebrated with my last remaining food, a sandwich from yesterday which I could not face before now. I passed a few people coming in the opposite direction, then after a toilet stop, finally got to the car, a sight I had been hallucinating about for some time. A quick change and on to the Dundonnell Hotel for lunch, my first meal for a long time.
N.B. The circuit of the 6 Fisherfield Munros took 15 hours, (10½ hrs to bivvy under Ruadh Stac Mor, then 4¾ hrs to Shenavall) - the walk in & out took an additional 5¾ hours, an amazing expedition.August 24: Felt surprisingly refreshed after a long sleep- a good morning so set off for my remaining 3 peaks in the area. I arrived at Inverlael at about 9.30, and had been walking for about 10 minutes when I was given a lift to the end of the track. Excellent. Started on the main route up the Glen, and headed for the col which was very windy and cold. Headed for Beinn Dearg which was in the cloud, and then followed the enormous wall, and then through a breach to the summit which I reached at about 2pm. Lunch, then a return to the col and then on to Cona Mheall, also in the cloud, up some rocky ground then round the cliffs at the lip of the corrie to the summit which proved to be the last one of the trip. Then back to the col again, third visit of the day! Then down the path I had come up, the cloud was now a long way down. I reached the end of the path and was about to enter the forest when I saw the man who had given me a lift up in the morning who very kindly gave me a lift down and I was back at the car at 6.45, and cooked in the light so a big bonus.August 25: Looked out of the tent doors and decided it was not a Seana Bhraigh day, my last remaining Munro in the area. Decided a day away from the mountains would be a good idea, and hired a mountain bike and cycled to Scoraig up the coast, I was also attracted by the fact that they were holding a fair which meant FOOD! Arrived there and found it a bit too hippyish for my liking, so made the return journey after a short day. Packed up the tent, unfortunately wet, and headed South for Aviemore, via Aultguish for a meal & bought some postcards. Arrived in Aviemore to find motor cyclists everywhere. Managed to get moved out of a room which had 2 bikers in, and fortunately got a good night.August 26: Left at a reasonable time headed down the A9 for Dalwhinnie, wrote and posted the postcards then called in at Dalnaspidal on Dave Pogson. No sign of Dave’s car outside 2 houses then went over to the Lodge, not looking like Dave’s place so back to the other houses, called on his neighbour who told me he had gone out. I was just walking back to the car when the man himself drove down to the house. Had a cup of coffee and exchanged chat, gossip & scandal, then headed south, an uneventful journey although long and was back home at 9.30pm. A good end to an excellent trip.