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2016
Having compiled a blog for the last few years, it hasn't been particularly enjoyable and very much like a chore so, in 2016, it will be considerably downsized!
Mid-January Peak District
On 11/1, from Bowden Bridge headed for foot of William Clough but instead of the eroded path went up the “ridge” on its east side – much more pleasant then went up through the crags. Continued to NW trig point, Kinder Downfall and Kinder Low then descended down Kinderlow End. On 12/1, started in Charlesworth and had a pleasant walk taking in Cown Edge and Coombes Edge. On 13/1, started at Rushup Edge lay by and walked to Cowburn Tunnel airshaft (looks like a castle) then on to Brown Knoll and South Head. On 14/1, started in Old Glossop and ascended Higher Shelf Stones via Shelf Benches then continued to Hern Stones, wain Stones and Bleaklow Head before returning down the Pennine Way, Glossop Low and Cock Hill. On 15/1, parked near Chunal then walked to Moorfield and up its track on to Black Moor before returning over Mill Hill and Harry Hut then descending the Wormstones ridge. On 16/1, started in Shatton and walked Offerton Edge, Smelting Hill, Anbey Moor and Shatton Edge.
Mid-January Lincolnshire
On 17/1, started in Nettleton, near Caistor, and walked up the Viking Way then on to trig point at 168 m which is the highest point in Lincolnshire. Descended down the Claxby road.
Late January/Early February Whitby
On 31/1, started from Percy Cross Rigg Lane and walked up Codhill Heights, Roseberry Topping (probably the most distinctive peak in the North Yorkshire Moors) and Captain Cook's Monument with a return via Oak Tree Farm. On 1/2, caught the bus to Staithes and walked back to Whitby along the coastal path above the cliffs with storm Henry trying its hardest to blow me over! On 2/2, caught the bus to near the Flask Inn then walked over Stoney Marl Moor to Ravenscar then followed the coastal path through Robin Hood's Bay and back to Whitby. On 3/2, walked from Robin Hood's Bay to Ravenscar via the coastal path then returned along the dismantled railway known as the Cinder Track. On 4/2, repeated the walk on 31/1 but in the reverse direction for better views.
Mid- February Peak District
On 7/2, Starting from Abney, walked Shatton Edge, Offerton Edge, Dunge Wood and Highlow Hall. On 8/2, started from Combs Village and walked alongside Combs Reservoir then up Eccles Pike, returning via the other side of the reservoir. On 9/2, went back to Combs Village and walked up Castle Naze then all around the edges of Combs Moss back to Castle Naze. On 10/2, started at Standedge car park on the A62 and walked up the old Pennine Way over White Moss to the Saddleworth Moor Road then, still on the old Pennine Way, up Black Hill. Returned via new Pennine Way over Wessenden Moor. On 11/2, started at Rushup Edge lay by and followed the track towards South Head as far as Roych Clough then walked up the south Ridge of Brown Knoll returning via Cowburn Tunnel airshaft. On 12/2, started in Edale village and walked up Ringing Roger then along the edge of Kinder, past Nether Tor and Upper Tor, to Grindslow Knoll then came down the usual path back to the new Pennine Way and Edale. On 13/2, repeated the 12/2 walk as had poor visibility. On 14/2, started at Upper Booth and walked up Crowden Clough to Crowden Tower then followed the edge east to Grindslow Knoll then walked down its south ridge back to the Pennine way and Upper Booth.
Late February Lake District
On 22/2, decided to drive up to the Borders for a round of Cauldcleuch Head (climbed previously in thick fog!). Good round but rough underfoot. On 23/2, drove past Dumfries to near New Abbey and had an easy ascent of Criffel but very poor ground underfoot. On 24/2, drove the eastern end of Borrowdale – a valley which links the A6 and M6 to the north of Kendal. Walked the Whinfell Ridge, returning through Borrowdale. Lots of rough ground, steep ascents and big gaps between the tops make this a strenuous day despite none of the tops reaching 500 m. On 25/2, headed for Whinlatter Pass and Scawgill Bridge. After a very steep descent, had a pleasant walk over Graystones, Broom Fell and Lord's Seat. Clear enough to see as far as Criffel across the Solway Firth. On 26/2, headed for The Tongue near Troutbeck then up Orrest Head above Windermere. Both give excellent views. On 27/2, headed for Satterthwaite and had a pleasant walk in Grizedale Forest taking in Carron Crag – its highest point. On 28/2, repeated the November walk up Pen-y-Ghent from Horton-in-Ribblesdale – this time in good weather.
Early March Peak District
On 6/3, after heavy snow, headed for Dovestone Reservoir and a round of Alderman's Hill, Broadstone Hill and the Obelisk overlooking Greenfield. Very boggy low down and tough going in the snow high up but great views of the local edges and reservoirs. On 7/3, having realised that a walk from Butterton, in 2013, had no photos, went to repeat the walk. It is one of the most demanding in the area to navigate and made worse by rough and boggy ground. Some would call it “The Walk from Hell”! On 8/3, poor weather suggested a walk up Cock Hill to Glossop Low then down its ridge to give a circular walk. Thick mist and lots of soft deep snow. The track on Glossop Low was hidden by the snow near the summit. Somehow managed to lose a hat which was on my head all day, one thought, but not there at the end! On 9/3, still with poor weather, went to look for the lost hat without success! On 10/3, the weather was supposed to be better in the west so headed for Pendle Hill, surprisingly never ascended before. An easy route with a long steep section during the ascent. The mist came down on the summit! On 11/3, headed for Crowden and a walk up Black Hill under deepish snow. Made a point of visiting Hey Edge trig point above Crowden. Going was slow and demanding and was on the borderline of needing snow shoes. On the return the slabbed Pennine Way was buried and very difficult to follow in places. On 12/3, headed for Upper Booth in Edale. Walked up Crowden Clough (no relation to the Crowden on 11/3!) to Crowden Tower then descended its S ridge to the pack horse bridge at the foot of Jacob's Ladder. A fair amount of snow still lying but a lovely short walk.
Late March Lincolnshire
On 26/3, headed back to Nettleton to walk to the county top via the edge path on Nettleton Hill with a return via the Viking Way. Very pleasnat walk.
Late March Galloway Hills
On 27/3, left home at 4 am and drove to near Minigaff for an ascent of Cairnsmore of Fleet. Easy walk but severe gales with heavy showers, some of hail! On 28/3, had similar weather for a long strenuous day from Glen Trool over Craignaw, Dungeon Hill, Mullwharchar, The Merrick and Benyellary. Some very rough and wet ground with “interesting” river crossings. On 29/3, headed for Auchinleck, near Newton Stewart, for a round of Larg Hill, Lamachan Hill, Curleywee and Millfore Hill. These form a natural horseshoe from the south but is another long and strenuous round. On 30/3, completed the high Galloway Hills with a pleasant horseshoe of Tarfessock and Kirriereoch Hill from the picnic site at Kirriereoch. A more pleasant weather day.
Early April based in Killin
On 2/4, headed for Blair Atholl for a very pleasant day on Beinn Mheadhonach with views as far as Cairn Toul. On 3/4 , a poor morning suggested a later start so headed for Tillicoultry and the Ochils. Weather cleared early afternnon and a pleasant walk was enjoyed. On 5/4, headed for Glen Douglas for a tough round over Tullich Hill, Ben Reoch and Beinn Bhreac. Superb views to The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Ben Lomond. On 7/4, headed for Glen Croe and a tough steep round over the two Corbetts of The Brack and Ben Donich in mainly good weather with great views. On 8/4, had a pleasant easy walking day on the eastern Ochils from Glen Devon. On 9/4, headed for the Hell's Glen and an ascent up the nose of Stob an Eas – interesting with snow on it! On 10/4, headed for home via a long walk along the border taking in Windy Gyle and The Cheviot where the slabbed path is essential!
Mid-April based in Glossop
On the way over, 17/4, parked at Langsett Barn and had a pleasant, albeit boggy, moorland walk over Margery Hill and Outer Edge. On 18/4, headed for Crowden and probably the best circuit, from the south, which takes in Black Hill also including Hey Edge, Laddow Moss and Lad's Leap. The ground was reasonably kind but a cold strong wind wasn't. On 19/4, the wind had dropped and the temperature rose so it was very pleasant. Headed up the long Jagger's Clough which is a lovely, but slow descent, in a dry spell. On 20/4, in glorious weather, went back to Langsett Barn to repeat the walk of 17/4 with the addition of Horse Stone. On 21/4, headed for the upper Derwent valley and King's Tree for a walk up Linch Clough then on to Grinah Stones and Barrow Stones. Rough and boggy in places but great views. On 22/4, headed for the mouth of the Westend River by Howden Reservoir for a pleasant walk to Alport Castles, Bleaklow Stones, Grinah Stones and Barrow Stones.
Late April in Hartsop, Ullswater
25/4. On the way, stopped off in Malham for a very pleasant walk taking in Gordale Scar and Malham Cove. On 26/4, drove up to Moffat and walked the Blackhope Hills which include Hart Fell. Very unseasonal weather of bitterly cold northerly gales with frequent hail and snow showers. Massive wind chill. Great views during clear spells. On 27/4, started in Glenridding and headed for Lanty's Tarn then walked up Grisedale then up Nethermost Beck and on to the E ridge of Nethermost Pike via some steep ground and a good final ascent. Continued to Dollwaggon Pike then descended The Tongue down to Rithwaite Lodge and back down Grisedale. Great views.
Early May, Llanystumdwy near Criccieth, North Wales
Camping for first time this year. The site is a fair way from the big hills but it is a nice place to stay and off the main tourist track. The forecast for 4/5 was tops clearing by mid-morning with wind slightly buffeting. The tops did not clear until mid-afternoon and the wind was consatnt gale force gusting severe gale! This made it almost impossible to walk along the crest of Crib Goch although both its tops were visited. This was half the full Snowdon horseshoe with Y Lliwedd omitted with the return made down the Miners' track which is quite rough high up. On 5/5, headed for a full traverse of the Carneddau – 7 tops over 3000 feet – quite an undertaking! A long, hard day! On 6/5, went for a walking only route over Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach & Tryfan. Good path via Devil's Kitchen but horrible scree slopes to ascend Glyder Fawr and descend Glyder Fach & Tryfan. On 7/5, did an extended ascent of Elidir Fawr from Nant Peris with the addition of Mynydd Perfedd and Foel-goch. Great views.
Late May, Skye
One often goes to the “Misty Isle” in hope of good weather but expecting the worst! For once, it was a good weather week. On 23/5, the worst weather day of the week, headed up the nose of Sgurr Dearg for the Inaccessible Pinnacle before continuing over Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and a very slippery Sgurr Thearlaich. On 24/5, started in Sligachan and headed up Sgurr a' Bhasteir then on to Sgurr a' Fionn Choire before ascending the Bhasteir Tooth via Collie's Route from Lota Corrie then continuing up on to Am Basteir then returning down Coire a' Bhasteir. On 25/5, slogged up the badly eroded paths of Coir' a' Ghrundda then up even worse paths on to Sgurr nan Eag before returning the same way to encounter a group of Germans who thought they were in Coire Lagan! On 26/5, drove down the Elgol road to Loch Slapin and did a circuit of the North and South Tops of Bla Bheinn (Blaven). Exposed traverse between the tops. Great views of the Cuillin ridge. On 27/5, had a pleasant horseshoe over Beinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn na Caillich above Broadford. On 28/5, completed all the Skye hills, again, by ascending the West Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillean and the East Ridge of Bruch na Frithe.
Late May/Early June, Fort William then Shiel Bridge
With the good weather continuing, on 31/5, headed for Loch Quoich and a lovely walk over Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach. On 1/6, had a similar good day on Sgurr a' Mhaoraich just to the west. On 2/6, a similar good day on Buidhe Bheinn which is a twin Corbett. On 3/6, a similar good day on Meall Nan Eun. The heat was unrelenting. On 5/6, relocated to Shiel Bridge. On 5/6, went into Knoydart from Arnisdale by boat for Ladhar. On 6/6, went back for Slat Bheinn and Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe. On 7/6, went to Ben Aden from the Kinlochourn road along the shore of Loch Quoich. What a slog! On 9/6, cycled up Glen Elchaig then did a very stenuous horse shoe over Mullach na Dheiragain, Sgurr nan Ceanthreamhnan and most of their tops – very, very strenuous. On 12/6, cycled up Glen Elchaig again to Iron Lodge for the remotest hill of all the Munros, Corbetts and Grahams which is An Cruachan. Included Carn na Breabaig on the way back. It's a tough day but Ben Aden seems more remote an dharder to reach. On 13/6, back to glen Elchaig for Aonach Buidhe and Faochaig. On 14/4, back again for Sguman Coinntich. On 15/6, over the Bealach an Sgairne for Sgurr Gaorsaic. On 16/6, back by boat into Knoydart for Beinn na Caillich. On 17/6, back again for Luinne Bheinn and Meall Buidhe. Still hot! 18/6 was last day and last hill accessible from Shiel Bridge. This was Druim Fada above Arnisdale. A very tiring 4 weeks.
Late July/Early August, Dingwall
Camping in Dingwall as midge free and can funnel out in different directions. Seem to have arrived in a wet spell! On 26/7, ascended the Graham of Meall na Faochaig at the far end of Strathconon. It was clear but the normally excellent views of the higher peaks were ruined by low cloud! On 27/7, headed up to near Helmsdale where dry weather was promised, falsely! Good walk over Beinn Dhorain with great views north to Morven and Scaraben but hit with some hefty showers and one big storm! On 28/7, the weather was better but the tops of the Munros were in cloud so headed for the tough Corbett round of Meallan nan Uan and Sgurr a' Mhuillin in far Strathconon. Stayed clear and dry all day. On 29/7, with the poor weather continuing, headed for Ardgay and Strathcarron for a very rough ascent of Carn Salachaidh. Not recommended unless you have to do it! On 30/7, the best weather seemed much further north so headed to Braemore, near Dunbeath, for a pleasant but tough ascent of Morven but still had a few heavy showers! On 31/7, had a similar day on Scaraben but much windier! On 1/8, weather forecast was better but still had low cloud and heavy showers. Had a good day on the Eastern Fannaichs of Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich, Sgurr Mor, Meall Gorm & An Coileachan. On 2/8, the forecast was brilliant but, yet again, the weatherman lied! The cloud was down for much of the day, winds were constant gale force and there were showers. None of these were in the forecast! Mam Sodhail is quite easy to reach unless one wants to include its four tops which turns it into a major undertaking as much of the route becomes steep and pathless. Still some great views. Unfortunately, hydro works, supposedly in the name of the environment, but, actually, to allow landowners and contractors to make a financial killing are ruining Glen Affric. Paths and tracks have been wrecked. Access is being restricted and these greedy people are being allowed to get away with it. On 4/8, a promising forecast was again wrong! Headed for Glen Strahfarrar and An Sidhean, Saw very little! On 5/8, had the best weather day so far, not brilliant but dryish and no gales! Cycled up Glen Affric for An Socach and Stob na Coire Cloiche which is a top on Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan and best included with An Socach rathe rthan the huge round from Glen Elchaig. On 6/8, the forecast was mixed but turned out to be horrendous! Headed for the central Fannaichs and Meall a' Chrasgaidh, carn Na Criche, Sgurr nan Clach Geala and Sgurr nan Each. The river was easily crossed on the way out but impossible on the way back due to the 5 hours of rain but this was anticipated and the river crossed higher up! With no better weather on the horizon and gales all day on the Dingwall campsite, will head home on the 8th.
Mid August, Peak District
Always fancied going to Swain's Head so, in the middle of a dry spell, went to see the low point between Howden Edge and Bleaklow; it was pretty boggy. Had to pull a guy out of a bog near Outer Edge!
Late August/Early September, Killin & Braemar
On 25/8, headed for Glen Shee for a round on The Cairnwell side. Misty early on but turned into a fine day with great views apart the ski area eyesores. On 26/8, headed to the other side of the Cairnwell pass and had a long day over Carn an Tuirc, Carn of Claise, Tolmount, Crow Craigies, Tom Buidhe and Druim Mor. Good weather apart from a long heavy morning shower which was not forecast! On 27/8, headed for Beinn Bheula above Loch Goil. It is a very fine but rugged mountain and the ascent is tough and mainly pathless but there are great views. On 28/8, headed for the Spittal of Glenshee/Dalmunzie Hotel for a strenuous walk over Glas Tulaichean and Carn an Righ with some great views but the bridge in Gleann taitneach is now destroyed which will be awkward after rain. On 30/8,had a very strenuous round over Stob Na Boinne Druim-fhinn and Beinn Lochain above Loch Goil. Very rough and pathless. On 31/8, with a mixed forecast, headed for Lochgoilhead for a shortish walk up Cnoc Coinnich recently promoted from Graham to Corbett status. Gales gusting severe on the summit but enough clear spells for a few decent photos! On 1/9, headed for Ben Gulabin above the Spittal of Glenshee. Easy but steep ascent. Great views when it is clear especially to pointed peak of Carn Bhinnein. On 2/9, had an easy walk up Monamenach from Glen isla. Great views when clear! On 4/9, returned to Glen Isla for an easy ascent of Badandum Hill. Would have had great views had it been clear! On 6/9, headed for Braemar climbing An Socach on the way. Great views including almost all the Cairngorms. On 7/9, with a good forecast, headed for Glen Muick and a full traverse of Lochnagar which involves many detours and one big re-ascent to include its four subsidiary tops. On 8/9, did a long walk up from Auchallater to Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach and their tops. Very windy, constant driving rain, thick mist and featureless terrain made it a demanding day. Normally would have had great views. On 9/9, headed to White Bridge, from the Linn of Dee, for a pleasant traverse over Sgor Mor, not the highest peak around but it does offer some of the finest views. On 10/9, headed for the Linn of Quoich and Carn na Drochaide. Unfortunately, there was a notice saying all bridges across Quoich Water were down or unsafe but the footbridge across the gorge seemed okay so was used. Easy ascent on gentle tracks and paths and stunning views in all directions. On 11/9, headed back to Glen Muick for a traverse of Conachcraig which sits next to Lochnagar and gives excellent views.
October Braemar, Fort William & Ayr
On 6/10, headed for Braemar, taking in Duchray Hill on the way. Good weather and great views. On 7/10, with a gloomy forecast, headed for Auchallater and had a short but pleasant day on Creag nan Gabhar which is an excellent viewpoint. On 8/10, repeated the walk of 8/9, this time in lovely weather with great views on Carn an t-Sagairt Mor and Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach. On 9/10, the weather was glorious so repeated the walk up Morven, above Braemar, but made it a circuit this time. Superb views as far as Cairn Toul, Braeriach, Ben Macdui, Lochnagar, Glas Tulaichean and even Beinn a' Ghlo. On 10/10, headed for Fort William via Drumochter to revisit Carn na Caim which has had a new Munro Top added. Most will have walked past it on the obvious track but missed the highest point by about 4 m!. On 11/10, headed almost to Kinlochourn for a strenuous but straightforward ascent of Sgurr nan Eugallt which now has a path all the way to the summit. Great views including Eigg and Skye. On 12/10, headed for Glen Morriston and the high moorland Grahams of Carn Mhic an Toisich and Meall a' Chrathaich. Good tracks used to take one close after which rough and pathless high moorland took over. Unfortunately, much of the area is now a huge construction site for a large, even by Scottish standards, windfarm and this has created many more roads some on top of the existing tracks! On 13/10, headed for Glen Cannich for a steep ascent of Sgorr Diollaid with mist rolling in on the summit which is one of two close rocky knolls. On 15/10, moved south to Ayr. On 16/10, walked up Corserine in the worst weather of the year so far and saw very little! On 17/10, had a similar day up Meikle Millyea whose summit has now been moved to the south of where it was formerly! On 19/10, headed for Mitchellslacks and a strenuous walk over Queensberry, Earncraig Hill and Gana Hill in fairly good weather. On 20/10, had, at last (!), a very pleasant day on Meikle Millyea and Corserine before moving on to Ettrick Bridge. On 21/10, had a reasonably good day in the Ettrick Valley on Ettrick Pen, Croft Head and Capel Fell. On 22/10, had a strenuous day taking in Lochcraig Head and White Coomb in gradually improving weather. On 23/10, finished off with a linear walk along the ridge from Bodesbeck Law to Andrewwhinney Hill and Herman Law, ending the day with a 6 km road walk up the Ettrick valley.
Early November, Glossop
On 7/11, headed for Edale and Nether Booth for a first ascent of Lady Booth Clough with a descent of Ringing Roger. Good views but an awkward path in Lady Booth Clough. On 8/11, drove over to Barley for a longish circuit of Pendle Hill with some rough moorland walking. Better views than last time! On 9/11, walked up Higher Shelf Stones from Old Glossop in thick mist and after overnight snow which blanked out the paths. On 10/11, repeated the ascent but returned via Crooked Clough and the Doctor's Gate path which is very unpleasant in places. On 11/11, repeated again but included Bleaklow Head and more of the Doctor's gate path. On 12/11, headed for home and had a pleasant walk up Pike Lowe from Langsett Barn.
Late November, Abington, Scottish Borders
On 20/11, headed for the Lowther Hills which are really rough in places with lots of deep gaps between tops. Progress is slow but after fresh deep slow even more so. Freezing fog descended half way round so not many photos. On 21/11, did part of yesterday's walk but from Wanlockhead. Access a lot easier but not feasible for a full round. On 22/11, after more fesh overnight snow, headed for Hudderstone in the Culter Fells. Very hard going in the deep and soft snow. Good views to Tinto but not to the south. On 23/11, was hoping to walk the Ballencleuch Law hills from Daer Reservoir but there was too much snow and ice on the ungritted road so, instead, climbed Faugh, an outlier of the Lowther Hills, and it is a lovely little hill with great views. On 25/11, had a round of Dun Law and Lousie Wood Law from Peden to get photos not possible on previous walk over these tops. Route much tougher than it looks on the map especially under fresh soft snow which was like walking on flour with snowshoes virtually ineffective!
December, Glossop, Peak District
Back in the Peak District. On 14/12, had the best weather one can expect in December: dry, sunny and mild. Had a lovely walk up Ollerbrook Clough, on to Ringing Roger, Nether Tor, Upper Tor and Grindslow Knoll. On 15/12, blanket gloom and fog descended so headed for the lowish Coombes Edge above Charlesworth. Even this was in thick cloud! On 16/12, the gloom has lifted so headed to Edale and walked up Grindsbrook Clough then over Upper Tor and Nether Tor then to the 590 trip point searching out the aircraft wreckage to it south east before returning Rowland Cote Moor and Ollerbrook Clough. Good visibility most of the way. On 17/12, there was fog in the valleys and low cloud on the tops so headed for Holme Moss and walked to Black Hill which is the shortest and easiest approach. Didn't see athing including the huge aerial mast! On 18/12, drove over to Barley for another pleasant ascent of Pendle Hill with a longer return down Ogden Clough. On 20/12, repeated the Black Hill walk from Holme Moss, this time in good weather!