Ben More (Mull) 6 June 2016

A hot humid day at the start of our Hebridean Odyssey, and an ascent of Ben More from the north side on the main tourist route. Increasingly impressive views as I reached the summit ridge, especially east to the knife edge of A'Chioch, seen dramatically from the summit at 3,170'. Munro number 179 bagged.

Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chleibh 28 May 2016

I met up at short notice with Keith, Matt and Jen to join them for the last day of their May trip - Beinn a' Chleibh and Ben Lui. The early low cloud steadily lifted as we walked up through the forest and up the open hill to the Bealach, so the summit of Beinn a' Chleibh at 3,005' was clear, with views S to Arrochar and Lomond, W to Ben Cruachan and N towards Glencoe. We then crossed the Bealach and ascended the slopes of Ben Lui, the narrow rocky summit giving intermittent spectacular views in the mist - the 27th highest Munro at 3,707'. A very enjoyable walk, Munro total up to 178.

2016 kicks off ........ Spidean Mialach 27 May 2016

A beautiful day in the Northwest Highlands, blue skies and a light breeze - the road to Kinlochhourn passes through a stunning glen, very scenic, with ash and oak woodland, and getting out of the car silence is the first thing noticed. I've previously climbed Gleouriaich, so this time I ascended the SW slopes of neighbouring Spidean Mialach on a stalkers path, then climbed directly up heathery slopes to the summit at 3,268', with extensive views down Loch Quoich to Sgurr na Ciche and a distant Ladhar Bheinn. A wonderful airy feeling of solitude. Munro no 176.

Monadhliath - Carn Dearg, Carn Sgulain and A'Chailleach 30 Oct 2015

An excellent last walk of the year with Keith, on this fairly featureless moorland area - the weather was increasingly good throughout the day. First target was the highest of the 3, Carn Dearg at 3,100', which has a nice curving summit ridge that was clear of cloud, and gave nice views across towards the east Highlands and the Cairngorms. Then a pleasant high level plateau, and a lengthy though straightforward crossing to Carn Sgulain, rather featureless at 3,018'. The last peak, to the south was A'Chailleach, 3,051' and the descent from this third peak of the day, in beautiful sun, was enlivened by 3 (!) superb Golden Eagles that appeared from the north, in deep flapping display flight - and unbelievably were joined by a third bird, presumably in territorial dispute. Very close views, and Keith got some shots on his compact but my camera was safely back at the accommodation! A nice finale to 2015 that leaves me on the nice round total of 175 Munros, with 29 completed this year.Three summita and three views today!

Sgor nam Fiannaidh 19 Sept 2015

This western end of the Aonach Eagach was done in isolation in cloud this morning, the clearance never arriving......drifting cloud made Glencoe look rather brooding, with brief suggestions of immense rockfaces appearing through the mist. A very stony, and at times steep and slippy, ascent to the summit at 3,173'. Munro total now 172.

Sgor na h-Ulaidh 18 Sept 2015

A totally stunning day of blue skies, starting with the Aonach Eagach across the glen, and then a fairly steep ascent of grassy slopes, with increasingly impressive views of Bidean nam Bian and Beinn a' Bheithir. The final ridge to the summit was breathtaking, with amazing views down Loch Linnhe towards the Hebrides, and then a small summit table (3,261') giving an amazing panorama - Glen Etive round to Rhum and the Cuillin, north west towards Fisherfield, and the Mamores and Ben Nevis north across the glen. One of those days that I will always remember. Magical. Munros now 171.

Binnein Beag 17 Sept 2015

A really enjoyable day to complete the Mamores - starting with a cloud inversion on Loch Leven, then the fog clearing as I walked below Sgurr Eilde Mor, then eventually up the slopes of Binnein Beag, fairly beag, at 3,084' but rather rugged, and a good viewpoint in the showery conditons, especially north to the Grey Corries. The rain didn't set in til I was half way back. Munro total 170.