Walking, Mountaineering and Climbing in the UK and Worldwide

UK Mountains Blog 2026

Clifaesty Hill 08/08/2026
To complete the week, I managed to fit a couple of Deweys in.

Parking at the Cider House not far from Newtown in mid-Wales. It was an easy walk up a good farm track until the hills came in sight. It was a bit too easy so I continued past with the intention of skirting around and bagging them on the way back.

The walk went well, although once I'd left the Kerry Bridleway, the path more or less vanished and I was cross-country. It wasn't too bad and I was soon on the slopes of Clifaesty Hill (528m). A few minutes later I arrived at the high point. There was no cairn or other marking so I found what I considered to be the high point and declared it conquered.

Clifaesty Hill 08/08/2026

Bryn Coch 08/08/2026
The second hill; Bryn Coch (518m) was a further fifteen minutes walk on similar terrain. The summit was again, up to me, so I found the high point of that one too.

The day was glorious so on the way back, I took the opportunity of locating the source of the River Teme. I found where the source would have been, but given the last few months of no rain, the source had well and truly dried up, although I could see where it ran.

Out of there and back onto the main track, I was back at the car quite quickly and enjoyed my lunch on the thoughtfully provided picnic benches in the car park.

The total distance today was 7.5km, with 250m of ascent, taking one and a half hours to complete.

Bryn Coch 08/08/2026

River Teme Source 08/08/2026

Holyhead Mountain 06/08/2026

Holyhead Mountain 06/08/2026
Today was the final Welsh Marilyn. Located on the far side of Anglesey, Holyhead Mountain is 220m high, so a long way from being an actual mountain, but nevertheless had to be done and from a distance, looked impressive.

I parked near to the RSPB centre at South Stack, although I managed to find a small area to park the car to avoid the extortionate £7.50 parking charge.

Initially the path is a steady one, not gaining too much height, but eventually goes steeply up. It is a good track right the way to the summit with no objective difficulties and I was soon on top. The views all around were superb and I spent a while admiring it.

Descending is a reverse of the ascent and I was soon back at the car. There is a small Iron Age settlement nearby which is worth a visit, as is the RSPB coffee shop.

Being on Anglesey, I also stopped off briefly to watch the air traffic in and out of RAF Valley, then over to the East side to visit Din Llugwy, another ancient settlement and much more impressive than the earlier one. From there to Moelfre for coffee and scones.

The total ascent for the day was 160m in 4km taking around an hour to complete.

Holyhead Mountain 06/08/2026

Bryn Banog 04/08/2026
An early start was required today as I was planning to park in a popular, but small car park at Nantmor. As it turned out I was the first one there so happy days. It’s also a National Trust Car Park so free for me.

It was already raining heavily when I got there so full waterproofs on and off I went. Initially down the road, over the bridge and then into the forest. I made a slight navigational error, following the footpath signs, like you do, then realised my mistake and had some fun getting back onto the actual path which was the far side of a stream.

Confident, I headed upwards and onto open ground. The path was, to say the least, thin and in some cases, non-existent, but I headed up nevertheless. I was already in cloud so had to check frequently to ensure I was still going in the right direction. As I reached 400m altitude, I checked my route and discovered I was quite close to the Bryn Banog (519m) summit, my first Dewey of the day. Here it got very steep, saving the hardest part for the end. Finally I pulled onto the top, reaching the cairn, although in the mist, other parts looked higher! I was confident.

Bryn Banog 04/08/2026

Moel Ddu 04/08/2026
I didn’t wait long and was soon on my way to the main summit of this walk, Moel Ddu (553m), a Marilyn and also a Dewey. It would be the second Marilyn of the week and the second of the final four in Wales. There was a big drop before I started the final climb and in the mist, again I checked my route frequently. Finally confident I was on the upper slopes, I headed up, the gradient had become much steeper and my legs were complaining.

A few minutes later, I came to the obvious summit. Again, I didn’t stay long, the rain that had been a feature of the day was still going and I figured if I stayed long, I would get cold. Dropping down I found a shelter from the wind and rain and decided to stop for a quick drink and some food. I also took the opportunity of adding an extra layer to keep out the cold as my waterproofs were now soaked through, as were my clothes, not surprisingly as much due to condensation as rain.

Suitably attired and warmer, I set off in search of the path and quickly located it. I followed it down to the first edge again, and having remembered the exit point on the way up, soon located it and went in. I’d passed a good shelter on the way up so decided to use that for a break. The rain had eased off, and being in the forest meant I was protected so removed my waterproofs and windproof. A quick snack and drink and I made my way down to the road again, this time, on the correct path.

A few minutes later I was back at the car park. It had been 10km walked with 940m of ascent in three and a half hours. I reflected on how hard it must have been for it to take that long.

Moel Ddu 04/08/2026

Moel y Dyniewyd 04/08/2026
As I was parked in the best place, I had a word with myself and decided to head up and ascend the third Marilyn. I argued that it was only 380m high, so how hard could it be?

Initially, it was a fine walk, heading up on a good path to Cwm Buchan and enjoyed the relative ease of ascent. Of course, it wouldn’t last and the path steepened until I came to a gate which was my cue to turn right and tackle Moel y Dyniewyd (382m). The going got much harder on a much thinner path, at times, almost a scramble and as I got close to the summit, so the incline increased - it certainly saved the worst until last!

Finally, in mist again, I summited. My waterproofs came out again as it was raining once more and quite windy, so cold.

I didn’t linger and headed down, promising myself lunch once I reached the main path again. It seemed to take an age but eventually I arrived and found myself a nice boulder for lunch. The weather hadn’t finished with me! A shower whilst eating and a couple on the way down, ensured I kept my waterproofs on right the way back to the car.

This walk was 6 1/2 km with 420m of ascent in just over two hours.

Moel y Dyniewyd 04/08/2026

Bardsey Island 03/08/2026

Bardsey Island 03/08/2026
Today was an unusual day in that my target for the day was on an island so would require driving, and then a boat trip before the ascent could begin.

Bardsey Island is off the West coast of the Llyn Peninsula in Wales and seems to be a land that time forgot. Most of the peninsula roads are thin, twisty turning country lanes so progress is slow but eventually I arrived at the car park and the short walk down to Porth Meundwy.

From there, the boat took around 25 minutes to get to the island and we were soon back on dry land. One of the members of staff of the islands trust gave us all a brief on where to go and what there was on the island. My target was Mynydd Enlli (167m), the imposing hill directly ahead, but actually, the lowest Marilyn in Wales.

The walk up was straightforward on a good path, and the views became better and better as I gained height. On the summit, there is an excellent view of the mainland and over to Marilyns that I’d climbed some years ago, looking at Enlli - one day!

A nice easy descent bought me to the North of the island and the ruined Abbey of St Mary. There is nothing much left, but there is a church which is open for visitors. I went to have a look and noticed that it is the end of the North Wales Pilgrimage. Well, I’m not sure about that, but I couldn’t resist getting a stamp on the map that I’d picked up from the jetty.

That done, I followed the stony track past the habitation (around 5-6 houses) and onto another group of houses which featured the islands only public toilet! Slightly further down was a shop with an honesty box so I purchased a souvenir, then enjoyed my lunch on a bench outside. The weather had been and still was, glorious. Not too hot but warm enough to feel comfortable in shorts and T-shirt.

Lunch done, I headed down the track and back to the jetty. With plenty of time, I took a walk over to the lighthouse and back.

3pm and we loaded onto the boat for the journey back to the mainland. I reflected that Enlli had been probably the easiest Marilyn but definitely the nicest way to spend a day.

The total ascent was around 170m covering about 5km in 2 hours of walking. There was a lot of relaxing and easy walking but I had all day so made the most of it.

Bardsey Island 03/08/2026

Dinas Mawddy 01/08/2026
I parked in Dina’s Mawddy at the free car park in the village. Towering above me was my first hill of the day; Foel Benddin (543m). It looked steep. It was! Out of the car park, through a small woodland and via a short section of road, I came to the track. Upwards to the junction and right. I followed it along for a while, looking up for a break in the heather. Eventually I spotted what looked like a route so headed up. It started well enough, avoiding the ferns but eventually it became overgrown. I persevered. There were steep sections up to about 60 degrees which tired the legs.

Finally I came onto a reasonable path that followed the contours gently climbing but that came to an abrupt halt with gorse and other undergrowth. I had to retrace, then go direct, following narrow tracks but making progress. Eventually after climbing around 400m of ascent I came to the summit ridge and headed for the high point. I’d done it!

Foel Benddin 01/08/2026

Y Gribin 01/08/2026
I could see my second objective; Y Gribin (602m) not too far away so set off. Unfortunately there was a big drop between the hills and I found myself with another 150m of climbing to the summit. 30 minutes after leaving Benddin I was on the top .

From there it was initially steep downhill, but then I joined a wide track that zig-zagged its way down the hill. All the while I looked out for a short cut, but none came so I had to follow it all the way. My lunch stop was on one of the bends where I spent the time scanning for a more direct path - nothing.

On the final flat section it was around 3-4km back to Dinas on a reasonable path, sometimes fields, sometimes lanes but eventually I got back to the path I’d come up. It was another 10 minutes back to the car.

13km walked with around 700m of ascent in 3 1/4 hours.

Y Gribin 01/08/2026

Cheriton Hill 25/07/2026

Cheriton Hill 25/07/2026
The final hill in Kent and the penultimate one in the South. It was something of an anti-climax, being a trig point inside an underground reservoir, fenced off, although I did climb the fence for a photo!

I flew to Pent Farm, then cycled the short distance to the hill. There is a track that leads up to it, so I cycled that too and only got off to walk the short distance to the trig point.

After that, I continued on to the Battle of Britain memorial which required some fairly steep downhill and uphill cycling (in both directions) so I felt my bag was worthwhile.

Ramshaw Rocks 08/07/2026
The Roaches are a superb rocky escarpment, featuring lots of rock climbing opportunities, many of which I enjoyed a long time ago. Today I was there to bag Ramshaw Rocks (460m).

The day was start of the second heat wave of the year and it was hot!

We parked near Hen Cloud and headed off contouring around past the Roaches House. I'd spotted a stream on the map so we made our way down so Rosie could have a dip. The path soon vanished and after cooling herself, we tried to get back onto the path we needed. It was tough tussocky grass but eventually we made it, crossed a small bridge (over a dried stream bed and followed the path almost to the busy A53 where we turned up onto the lower slopes of Ramshaw Rocks. Eventually we reached the highest point which has a superb view over the valley and the road. It was lunchtime.

After lunch, we continued up, dropping down to another valley where I'd spied a stream on the map. It took a while to get down to it and it was all but dried up. Rosie managed to find enough to lie down in to cool off.

From there, it was a short walk around the North of Hen Cloud and down to the road for the final couple of hundred metres to the car.

Seven kilometres in an hour and a half with 270m of ascent. Very hot day.

Ramshaw Rocks (460m) 08/07/2026

Sponds Hill 07/07/2026
It was a pretty easy day today which was no bad thing after yesterday. Lyme Park was my chosen car park which is a National Trust property with an excellent café and very nice gardens. Being a member meant entry and parking was free so happy with that.

After coffee and cake, I headed across the field to a gate and up through the small woodland to emerge onto open ground. There was a very good track that led up to the ridgeline with the summit to the right and on the skyline.

Soon at the top, and over the stile, I turned right and followed another good track through fields of sheep and onto the final summit area of Sponds Hill (410m). The trig point was on the far side of a barbed wire fence, but a handy gate obviated the need for climbing.

Summit done, I retraced my steps down to the woodland where a lunch stop was declared, then down to the car park.

I spent an hour or two exploring the gardens which were very nice. Unfortunately due to having Rosie with e, I couldn’t visit the house - maybe next time.

A total of 6km walked in just over an hour with 220m of ascent made for a pleasant day and another tick in the box.

Sponds Hill (410m) 07/07/2026

Wolfscote Hill 06/07/2026
Hulme End made a good parking spot, right next to a café and toilets.

Heading off, there was a short section of road before I picked up a path through a caravan park and out into the countryside.

Some pleasant walking eventually bought me out onto a lane where I could see my first destination; Wolfscote Hill (388m). Following the lane down, I crossed Wolfscote Dale. Convinced I had been there before, I checked the map, and sure enough, it’s the dale that leads out of Hartington towards Dovedale. The last time I was there, it was seriously flooded. Today, a pleasant stream that Rosie took great pleasure in diving into.

From there, a steady uphill, initially on a path, then a lane until a signpost indicated a ‘permissive’ path to the summit Trig point. It had taken me about an hour and a half. Obviously a popular hill, the land owner presumably got tired of people finding their own way.

Wolfscote Hill (388m) 06/07/2026

Wetton Hill 06/07/2026
Excellent views from the summit caused me to stop a while, but then off, retracing my steps down to the dale again, this time crossing by a different bridge and following the pleasant path through Narrowdale and skirting the hill. I would have been tempted to ascent, but with a long walk and three more hills to climb, I resisted.

Across a road and onto pleasant fields, my second goal was in sight; Wetton Hill (372m). The majority of the climbing is towards the end, with a stiff pull onto the final summit point, an hour after leaving the previous hill.. There is no trig point or anything really to mark the summit, but the high point is obvious.

Again, a short break and I retraced my steps initially, then turned off to a small stream where I decided it was lunchtime and Rosie could have a dip.

Wetton Hill (372m) 06/07/2026

Ecton Hill 06/07/2026
Our lunch Done, we were off again, uphill for most of the way to the third summit which was a bit unfortunate straight after lunch.

Ecton Hill (369m) is one of those hills that seems to go on forever but suddenly the trig point appeared and I’d done it. I didn’t stop long as it was a field full of sheep so Rosie was on the lead, but as we started our descend on the other side, it was sheep free so I could let her run free.

Ecton Hill (369m) 06/07/2026

Revidge 06/07/2026
Down to the Manifold Valley, across the road, we were soon in open fields again and via various fields and stiles came to Worslow.

Through the village and out, we picked up a path, initially going wrong and scaring a lady by walking into her garden! Apparently we weren’t the first. She walked me back and pointed to the non-existent path arrow! On my way, I made a slight navigational error and ended up walking three sides of a field, but got back on track to follow more obvious paths.

Revidge (401m) is again a long drawn out ascent, but not steep and we were pleased to summit.

The final hill done, it was about 3km back to Hulme End which we made quick work of and were soon walking into the car park.

Dumped the gear, changed out of my boots and it was off for a celebratory coffee and cake.

The total walking distance was 22km with 780m of climb, taking 4 1/2 hours. Four Ethels in the bag.

Revidge (401m) 06/07/2026

Mount Famine 18/06/2026
Hayfield was the starting point for todays hill bagging. There is lots of road side parking on the way to the (paid) car park so I decided, like many people, to take advantage of it. Luckily there was a space right next to the path that I needed to take so minimal road walking which is good.

Booted up, we set off and quickly got onto the Pennine Bridleway which we would follow right to the base of Mount Famine. The walking was good and we made progress. There was even a short cut directly to the summit rather than going around - it was steep but well worth it and we soon started the steep climb to the top. Mount Famine (473m) is an excellent hill and quite a test, although being just 473m, short lived and we soon found ourselves sat on the summit enjoying the view over to the Kinder Scout escarpment.

Mount Famine 18/06/2026

South Head 18/06/2026
South Head (494m) was in sight and we set off, losing a lot of the height we had gained down to the col, but then directly up again, the summit came quickly. It was a touch and go summit as we'd previously rested on Famine.

South Head 18/06/2026

Chinley Churn 18/06/2026
It was a long stage now to the third and final hill, a combination of farm fields, very thin paths and open access land, plus a couple of roads to cross, the first being the busy A624.

The final ascent on open land was quite steep and got progressively steeper as we approached the rocks that signified the summit. Rosie of course headed off and stood on the rocks watching her master puff and blow his way up. On the crest, it was a short distance to the unmarked high point of Chinley Churn (457m). The views were equally impressive and we stood a while to admire them - and recover from the efforts.

It was around lunchtime so we headed down the other side to get out of the wind and found a nice spot to stop. It was a glorious day. Shorts and T-shirt weather and a real contrast to the cold, damp day we'd had yesterday.

Lunch done, it was another easy walk along a bridleway pretty much all the way down to Hayfield. Once there, we had a couple of roads to cross and a very overgrown path to negotiate, but then a pleasant walk along the river valley where Rosie took full advantage of the opportunity for a swim. Before we knew it, we were crossing the bridge and up the final slope to the car. Both the day, and the week done.

We'd covered 11km in two hours and forty minutes with 615m of climbing. A great day out!

Chinley Churn 18/06/2026

Holme Moss area 17/06/2026
I parked near the Holme Moss mast and headed off in a Westerly direction on a good, but quite wet track. I did question my choice of footwear (trekking shoes) but carried on regardless.

I’d identified a path a kilometre or so away. The plan was to walk over to that, then follow it to the first summit of White Low (530m).

On the way was a steep descent, followed by a big climb out. By now, the track that I had been following had all but disappeared so I made my way through Heather and marshy ground. The descent and subsequent climb out were though going but eventually I reached a kind of path which I followed more or less to the summit, the last section being on a thinner track.

There was nothing of note at the summit, it was just the highest point, having taken me around 50 minutes to achieve. A quick photo and I continued on my way.

White Low 17/06/2026

Britland Edge 17/06/2026
It was a tough walk through heather and at times, waist deep ferns, with no path, I had to invent my own route, aiming towards a car park on the road, which I couldn’t see, but I knew I could cross the road at any convenient point. At around the 2/3 point, there was a steep downhill section which saw me slipping and sliding down to the stream. Crossing it was something of a challenge and it took me some time to find a good crossing place, and when I did, disaster nearly struck as I slipped on a rock, fortunately catching myself and avoiding a nasty encounter with the water.

Eventually, quite tired, I arrived at the road. As it happened, there was a stile to cross the fence and another on the other side of the road.

I took the opportunity of stopping for a rest, taking my shoes and socks off to wring them out! They were soaked.

That done, and a brief rest and I headed off over more pathless ground and up in the general direction of my second summit, Britland Edge Moor (524m), the high point of the day. Again, nothing to show the summit so I was soon away.

Britland Edge 17/06/2026

Dead Edge End 17/06/2026
My mapped route took a direct line, but looking at the terrain, it was clearly easier to follow the pasty that skirted the valley - quite a bit further, but considerably easier on reasonable ground. The path lasted quite well, but eventually petered out, but by then I was close enough and soon reached summit number three, Dead Edge End. By now it was lunchtime so I sat on the trig point to enjoy a lunch and try to plan the route to the fourth hill.

Lunch done and a plan in place, which was basically to follow the route I’d planned and see if there were any viable shortcuts.

Dead Edge End 17/06/2026

Snailsden Pike 17/06/2026
Due to the number of grouse shooting butts, it was reasonably easy going and I spied a route that would cut a big corner off the route. I took it and headed down to cross the River Don, which went easily, then up the other side following a wall. As I crested the rise, the trig point of Snailsden Pike End (477m) came into view and I was soon there.

Now all I had to do was to aim for the radio mast and the end. This was seriously tough going, no path, lots of up and down, lots of marsh land to get through and all the time, heather. The mast didn’t seem to get any closer and I began to lose morale, but kept plugging away at it and eventually arrived, extremely tired, at the road. Crossing that, it was just a few minutes to the car. The final section had taken me an hour of leg sapping effort to complete, but I’d done it and bagged another four never to be repeated hills.

The total journey was fifteen kilometres in four hours with 635m of ascent.

Snailsden Pike 17/06/2026

Ethel invasion 15/06/2026
Having gained a renewed interest in the Peak District with the discovery of Ethels, I decided a trip was necessary to bag a few more.

I parked up at the Mam Nick car park just below Mam Tor and headed off in the opposite direction. Via a couple of paths I came close to my first hill, Slitherstone Hill (477m). The last little bit required climbing a locked gate and heading over the field. It did occur to me that these hills were categorized by choice rather than by any height definition and the fact that many of them are not on public paths does bring into question the justification, but no matter, I’d soon bagged it and was off towards the second summit of Eldon Hill (470m).

Slitherstone Hill 15/06/2026

Eldon Hill 15/06/2026
Initially straightforward, I soon realized that Eldon Quarry was in the way and there was no easy way around. I headed down the track alongside the quarry and took a path that was declared as going to the pond only. I decided to follow it.

This bought me, after ignoring the path to the pond, into the quarry itself and I set about trying to find a way out of it and in the general direction of the summit.

One false start in the corner, I backtracked and headed up a steep stony vague path. Clearly it was nothing of the kind and I soon felt in a somewhat precarious position. A move to the left on very slippery stones bought me to bigger rocks which I used to make progress. The final moves were worthy of a rock scramble and I crested the rise, blowing a little but happy to be out of the quarry.

It was grassy slopes from here onwards, crossing a fence, we soon came to the summit, marked only by a few rocks.

Eldon Hill 15/06/2026

Gautries Hill 15/06/2026
Photo taken, we headed down, initially retracing our steps, but then picking up a path that took us across fields and down to a farm, where the path disappeared. We found a gate and headed through and eventually down to the road. By now, it was raining a little, so we took shelter under a tree to put on warmer clothes and have lunch.

That done, we were off along a road, cut left and steeply up to the third hill of the day; Gautries Hill (410m). The rain had stopped and the forthcoming effort of the steep climb made me stop to remove the extra clothes and off we went.

The hill yielded quickly and we soon stood on the summit. Another quick photo and we were on our way back to the road again, which we followed for a kilometre, then branched off left though several fields, all of which had stone step type stiles, Rosie enjoying herself climbing them.

Gautries Hill 15/06/2026

Bradwell Moor 15/06/2026
A final field full of cows and a bull, none of which had the slightest interest in us and we popped out onto the Limestone Way, a walk I did way back in 2012. I have to confess to recognising that part of the route which would have been the final day.

We headed up, branched off and came to the final hill of the day; Bradwell Moor (471m), the only peak to have a trig point, and better still, had a seat.

I took full advantage and rested a while for a drink and biscuit, and admired the view ahead over to Mam Tor and the woodland that was my car park.

Eventually of course, I had to get going and followed the Limestone Way for a while until my route turned off and headed more or less directly over to the car park.

Four Ethels done in three hours and twenty minutes, covering just over 16km with 480m of ascent.

Bradwell Moor 15/06/2026

Kisdon Hill 06/06/2026
I managed to persuade the chauffeur that we really needed to detour our homeward route to allow me to bag one of my remaining Yorkshire Marilyns. So it was with much fuss and complaint that we pulled into the car park in Keld and I set off for the nearby summit of Kisdon (499m). Apart from the initial few minutes out of Keld on the Coast to Coast path, it was fairly steeply uphill all the way. Despite reports elsewhere concerning paths, there were none once we left the main path. It got increasingly difficult underfoot with soft heather and hidden holes. There were a couple of stone walls to negotiate as well, but the builder was obviously thoughtful and placed some good stones to be used as steps. Rosie of course, leapt onto the top, then leapt off again.

The summit itself is quite an impressive cairn but apart from a photo I was soon on my way as it was quite windy and raining.

More tricky going, followed by a very steep downhill bought me onto the Pennine Way which I followed for a while until the Muker path left it. Just 1000m down a good track and I came into the village. A couple of minutes and I reached the car park and car.

My prediction for the walk was one hour and fifteen minutes. My watch told me one hour and sixteen minutes so happy with that. Five kilometres and 250m of ascent. Just one Marilyn remaining in Yorkshire!

Kisdon Hill 06/06/2026

Dunmore Hill 05/06/2026
It was a Dewey day again today. I parked at Hartside in a small car park, kitted up, then walked a short distance back along the road to a stile and out onto a path. It headed roughly upwards in the direction of Cunyan Crags although the route I found was somewhat shorter than the one I’d planned - no bad thing. I was now on no path at all but spied a gate in the fence so aimed for that. It was pretty steep, but got even steeper once through the gate.

I made my own route up to the crags, then onto a path which took me right to the summit of Dunmore Hill (569m). There was a tiny cairn marking the summit. I paused long enough for a couple of photos, then off I went as the wind was very cold. I decided I would need a second layer.

Dunmore Hill 05/06/2026

Shill Moor 05/06/2026
From there I descended to pick up a good track which I followed down to Linhope Burn. It was an easy crossing using the ford then up a little way before turning right to follow another track which would bring me to a bridge crossing the River Beamish. Along the way, we entered a field with cows and their calves who followed and pestered us for some distance. Of course Rosie took umbridge at this and it was a fight to keep her under control and dissuade the cows. Of course, they were just being curious and playful but Rosie didn’t know, or appreciate that, so it was with some relief that we reached a gate.

Downhill to the river and the two bridges. Unfortunately, on the far side, neither of them seemed to lead anywhere so we crossed and made our way up the steep bank to a track.

We on the second hill at this point and I spotted the beginnings of a small track which we followed.

It was steep from the get-go, very steep, up to 45 degrees in places and we had 250m of climbing to the summit of Shill Moor (528m). I was pretty tired when we got to the top, but the reward, other than the superb view, was a trig point and a very nice wind-break enclosure where I sat to have my lunch.

After lunch, we took a direct, pathless route down to meet, what was shown on the map as an indistinct track, but was, in fact, a good tarmac road. We followed this to Alnhammoor farm, past the farm and up the road and back to the car.

Two Dewey’s climbed, 16km in three hours and fifty minutes with an impressive 910m of climbing.

Shill Moor 05/06/2026

Northumberlands final Marilyn 03/06/2026
Today was an ascent of the final Marilyn in Northumberland. It also happened to be the most Northerly in England. Housedon Hill (268m) stands on its own so couldn’t be combined with anything else worthwhile. There is a very small car park at Reedsford. I’m not sure it’s even an actual car park, but it is possible to fit two or three cars in the space without inconveniencing anyone. Today, mine was the only one.

Booted up and rucsac on, we headed almost directly up via a gate and followed a good track until we arrived at a second gate. Through it and directly up. I aimed for the radio masts above me, there is no obvious path. It is quite a steep climb and I have to confess to stopping a couple of times to catch my breath.

The radio masts are not on the highest point, that is to the left, but it does make a good aiming point and there is a good track onto the actual summit which is marked with a very small cairn.

I did read about someone claiming the Northern summit so, of course, had to go there as well. It’s turns out it’s not so high so isn’t required for the bag.

Descent was a random one, heading down in the general direction of the gate, then retrace my steps right the way back to the car.

Two and a half kilometres, 221m of ascent in 45 minutes was a good start to the day.

Housedon Hill 03/06/2026

Dewey Round 03/06/2026
A thirty minute drive and I was at my second parking spot of the day at Langleeford which is at the end of a very narrow road. There is a reasonable parking area with space for probably a dozen cars. As I pulled in, there were already five cars parked which made me wonder why it was so popular, then I remembered the last time I had been here, I’d climbed ‘The Cheviot’ along with Comb Fell and Hedgehope Hill. The former being the highest mountain around obviously attracts attention.

Rucsac on and off I went, heading roughly North on a good track. My plan was to walk to the furthest hill (Newton Tors) then make my way back over the two others I’d got planned.

The route out was pleasant, mostly on good tracks, although there was a bit of pathless terrain to negotiate.

The two main waypoints were Broadstruther and Commonburn House which would set me up nicely for an ascent of Newton Tors (537m) the highest of the day.

Finding myself on the final ascent, I noticed the wind had picked up quite dramatically and with it, rain, which would stay with me for the entire day. I’d put on my waterproof jacket and trousers earlier so was ready for it.

Arriving at a small wall, I debated whether to stop for lunch, but decided to bag the peak first which was wise, as climbing on a full stomach is never a good idea. The trig point seemed to take an age to come into view but it finally arrived. A quick photo and I was on my way down to the wall and shelter.

The wall proved to be an excellent shelter from the wind and I settled down to eat my lunch, sharing some of the chicken with Rosie who wolfed it down hungrily.

Newton Tors 03/06/2026

Preston Hill 03/06/2026
Even with the shelter I began to feel cold so as soon as I had finished I packed away, checked I’d left nothing and headed off to the next hill by way of Hare Law.

It was a long descent, followed by a long flat walk in the general direction, the hill being in view the whole time. The wind had picked up even more and I found myself walking into a rainy headwind on a more or less non existent path. It was tough going to say the least.

Eventually it came to an end and I turned left and headed up. Preston Hill (526m) did not yield as easily as I’d hoped with several false summit before the final high point. It is unmarked, so a quick photo and I was off. If anything, the descent was even tougher, being really steep, very thin and on slippery ground. All the while, the final hill, dead ahead of me, began to look steeper. There was no sensible way around it, so, on reaching the valley, I had a word with myself and headed up, arguing that at least the ascent would warm me up. Unfortunately, my legs were very tired by now and keeping up a warming pace was proving difficult.

Preston Hill 03/06/2026

Broadhope Hill 03/06/2026
Finally I arrived at the top of Broadhope Hill (517m). No false summit here, but equally, nothing to see so again, a quick photo and I was away. I’d planned to head down to the track I’d used first thing on the walk, then follow that back to the car. That proved inspired and the going was very easy, although the final downhill did test the knees and thighs somewhat.

Finally back at the car, seventeen kilometres in four hours with 870m of climbing and three Deweys for the bag. A good, if very wet and tiring day.

Broadhope Hill 03/06/2026

Ros Castle 31/05/2026

Ros Castle 31/05/2026
First on the list was Ros Castle (315m). I parked in the small car park at Hepburn Woods, not the closest but I wanted to make a walk of it.

Heading out, we followed the forest track for a short way, then onto a small path that went very steeply up to the Rocky area of Hepburn crags and the ancient fort. I have to admit to being somewhat breathless at the top, having ascended about 70metres in around five minutes. From there, the gradient eased dramatically and Ros Castle was clearly in view.

A narrow road crossing and we were on the final ascent of the hill. It was a good path but again quite steeply up. The trig point came into view with a luxurious seat right next to it! There was also a metal map showing hills, mountains and cities around. To the North, The Cheviot was quite clear and obvious, basking in the sunshine.

I stayed a short while, looking at the map and enjoying the view before heading back down. The return route was a case of retracing my steps as there was no real alternatives and I was soon back at the car and heading off for my second hill.

A total of just over 3km in 45 minutes with 170m of climbing.

Comfy Seat 31/05/2026

Long Crag 31/05/2026
Twenty minutes later I was parking in a small car park in a lane off the main A697 at Thrunton Wood for Long Crag (319m).

A couple of hundred metres along the lane and we turned off onto a very nice Forest Track which was followed for just over two kilometres, gradually gaining altitude as we went.

Not long after we started, I was bought to an abrupt halt by the sight of a juvenile adder! Making sure Rosie went nowhere near it, we passed cautiously by and headed off.

Of course, every twig, stick and tree route looked like a snake so my senses were on full alert, but of course, they are a rare sight so seeing two in one day was highly unlikely. For anyone reading this and worried, we didn’t see another one, and the one we did see was gone when we got back!

At the end of the track, a much thinner path continues up through the woods to emerge onto the final climb. Another good track and ten minutes later I arrived at the trig point. Another excellent view of the hills and mountains around but also quite windy.

As with the morning walk, we retraced our steps right back to the car.

This time, 7.5km in one hour and twenty three minutes with 165m of ascent.

Long Crag 31/05/2026

Lincolnshires Finest 30/05/2026
It wasn’t the easiest bag ever but pretty close. I parked at Acres Farm and after asking permission from the very nice lady there headed off, initially following the Viking Way, then, after some difficulty crossing the fence, headed up the field to the summit trig point of Normandy Top (168m) which is not only a Marilyn but also a County Top.

Coming down was even easier, as I reached the fence, I turned left, following the tractor lane which I correctly figured must lead to the farm and be much easier. It was.

All done in under 30 minutes and just two kilometres with 36m of ascent.

Normanby Top (168m) 30/05/2026

Shropshire Way Stage 3 08/05/2026
As I am doing the walk in no particular order, even though this is the seventh section of the Way, it is labelled as Stage 3 to coincide with the official route.

I walked from Clun to Bishops Castle, around 12 miles of nice Shropshire countryside. The weather was superb and the walking excellent. a full report appears on the Shropshire Way pages elsewhere.

Carnedd Wen 07/05/2026

Carnedd Wen 07/05/2026
By yesterdays standards, today was a doddle. I parked at the entrance to the forest track to the West of the summit and headed off.

The great majority of the ascent is done in the first two kilometres so by the time the trail flattened out, I was already at 470m.

It was a circuitous route around the lake, Llyn Coch hwyad - not even a clue how to pronounce that one! Anyway, an hour and a half after leaving the car and just over 6km walked, I came to where the trig point should have been. No sign! I was certain there was one as it had featured in a FB report a couple of weeks ago. I had to go hunting so climbed the obvious mound that formed a small quarry and lo and behold, hidden behind it was the trig point and summit of Carnedd Wen (525m). I think the Ordnance Survey were having a laugh here.

The usual photo and I headed back to the main track, although this time around on some flatter ground as my ascent route up the side of the quarry wall would not have been pleasant going down. Some soft ground and obvious marsh (of course) but I was quickly back on the track. A quick goodie bar and drink and I set off back down, retracing my steps.

At the top of the big climb, which of course, was now the big descent, with a magnificent view, I decided to stop for lunch.

That done, it was a further fifteen minutes back to the car. I’d walked just over 13km in just under 3 hours with 440m of ascent. A very nice day out.

That’s it for hill bagging on this trip, tomorrow I am walking a section of the Shropshire Way which has no hills of interest, but no doubt, has hills! My total for this trip is two Marilyns and seven Deweys so happy with that.

View from the main track 07/05/2026

Llan Ddu Fawr 06/05/2026

The biggest day 06/05/2026
Today would be the big one! I expected it to be tough and I wasn’t disappointed.

I parked the car near to a cattle grid South of Llan Ddu Fawr. It was immediately uphill. There was a vague path that I followed for a while but it soon petered out to nothing and I found myself picking my way through and around the tufty grass. This would be a feature of the entire day!

I found a fence to follow - I often find that the going is easier near to fences and today was no different. Crossing the fence with some difficulty, especially having to throw Rosie over, I headed towards the obvious summit. On top there is a trig point, slightly hidden in the middle of a shelter but easy to find. This hill has two names and indeed has two apparent summits. Llan Ddu Fawr is 593m and a Marilyn, and was the one I was stood on. A short distance away was Waun Claerddu (594m) a Dewey, to which I headed neither gaining nor losing any height between them, well, apart from the one metre difference!

Waun Claerddu 06/05/2026

Through the fires 06/05/2026
The going was now significantly harder, although it was easier than it might have been as a result of some ground fires, the extent of which led me to believe it was not deliberate ‘slash and burn’ but wild fire. Either way, underfoot was not easy, but easier than it might have been.

My original route had a dog leg, but having looked at the terrain, there seemed to be nothing saved so I made a direct line towards my next destination of Geifas (572m), another Dewey.

To give me something to aim at, I fixed on Domen Milwyn (555m), a hill not affiliated to any group, but had escaped the fires so was a quite obvious summit of green against the blackened hillsides.

As I got close, I decided it would have to be climbed and so up I went. It was well worth the effort but I decided I would need a rest!

Domen Milwen 06/05/2026

Lunch time 06/05/2026
The going was now significantly harder, although it was easier than it might have been as a result of some ground fires, the extent of which led me to believe it was not deliberate ‘slash and burn’ but wild fire. Either way, underfoot was not easy, but easier than it might have been.

My original route had a dog leg, but having looked at the terrain, there seemed to be nothing saved so I made a direct line towards my next destination of Geifas (572m), another Dewey and would be the high point of the day.

To give me something to aim at, I fixed on Domen Milwyn (555m), a hill not affiliated to any group, but had escaped the fires so was a quite obvious summit of green against the blackened hillsides.

As I got close, I decided it would have to be climbed and so up I went. It was well worth the effort but I decided I would need a rest!

I’d covered just over half the distance from the last summit so moved off and back into the charred ground, being forced to make my own route over. There is a final pull onto the summit of Geifas and I was relieved to be there. No trig point, no markers of any kind, but my altimeter showed me I was at the required height and there was nothing higher around. I bagged it.

It was lunch time so I found a bit of greenery and made myself comfortable. As we tucked into our lunch I looked around for the next hill but it was a long way off and there wasn’t much height change near the summit.

Geifas 06/05/2026
Geifas

The final push 06/05/2026
Lunch done, off we went, again through featureless ground with no footpaths. This section was made even tougher by the regular boggy marshes requiring detours and careful footing. Pant-Llwyd (549m) finally appeared with the usual final climb to the actual summit, again unmarked.

Blaen Rhestr (547m) was the last summit and the one that stood out, being both green and rocky it was an obvious destination and soon arrived at.

In my head, it was now an easy walk down to a track and just follow that all the way back. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

Initially the track was good, but it soon deteriorated into a thin path, then became torture by bog! No sooner around or through one and the next one was upon me. This carried on for far longer than I’d hoped. I was having a minor sense of humour failure. I guess it might not have been as bad as I thought, but I’d looked forward to an easy finish.

Eventually I came to a wider track that would lead down to a drivable track, but even that had a few surprises in the form of huge puddles that required skirting around.

At last I came to the better track and followed that to the tarmac road. Even that had a few stings with some steep inclines along its way, but just as I reached for my phone to check my location, the car appeared!

19.8km walked, just over 5 hours of walking, 617m of ascent and four Deweys, One Marilyn and one additional hill was a good bag for the day, but I was totally exhausted.

Pant Llwyd 06/05/2026

Blaen Rhestr 06/05/2026

Radnor Forest 05/05/2026
An hour and a half after leaving home I parked up in New Radnor and got my boots on ready to ascent Whimble (599m)

There was a short section of minor road before the path headed off and upwards. I followed it, gaining height until my route headed into the forest, skirting the edge until it came to a wider track. I turned off and onto the sting in the tail. The last section was extremely steep and whilst I cannot claim a total surprise, it was somewhat harder than I thought it was going to be, so the summit came as a great relief.

I sat for a while, enjoying the countryside and reflecting how, the last time I was here, I was bagging the Radnor Forest Nuttalls just over 10 years ago, two of which were just over to my right.

There was a cold wind so I didn’t stay long and soon found myself on a steep descent - much steeper than my ascent, I’d clearly picked the best route (anti-clockwise). At the bottom of the steep descent was a warning sign about the danger area ahead. My path skirted it, but I seem to recall 10 years ago I ignored it! Ah, the youthful rebel in me.

The rest of the walk was on a good track which became a tarmac road and bought me all the way back to New Radnor and the short walk back to the car.

I’d walked a total of 6km in one hour and twenty three minutes with 362m of ascent.

Whimble 05/05/2026
Whimble

More of Radnor 05/05/2026
It was a short drive of 10 minutes or so West to arrive at my second starting point, a car park maintained by the forestry commission at the end of a rough track. Clearly popular, there were several cars already parked up.

I was soon away, walking down the forest track to pass the ‘Water Breaks its neck’ waterfall, then up on a steep path through the forest. To simply go to the summit was too short, so I’d contrived a longer walk to get to the top, then a shorter way back.

Following various tracks and paths through the woodland, I eventually emerged onto open ground. The plan was to walk out to a ford, then almost a hairpin turn and back along a track, then summit. It all worked well but rather than continue on the track, I broke away from it and headed over pathless ground but less steep towards the obvious summit. Not too long later, I crested the rise, crossed a fence via a broken gate and arrived at the summit of Nyth-grug (538m) where I touched the trig point (it was just the other side of a barbed wire fence and I couldn’t be bothered to climb it!)

Admiring the view for a few minutes, I took the obligatory photo, then headed more or less straight down to meet the track I had been following. Along that for a while and I was presented with choices of route. Choice made, I followed the path that would bring me parallel to the waterfall path. I’d no plan to visit it, my diary from my last visit recorded that I was distinctly unimpressed!

A short walk along the forest track and I was back at the car, job done.

A total of 6.5km in one hour and thirty minutes with 290m of ascent made for a very pleasant walk.

Nyth-grug 05/05/2026

Kents Finest 24/04/2026
Taking advantage of the excellent weather, I flew down to Rochester airfield, unloaded my trusty bike and headed off for the 12km ride to Detling Hill. The initial stage was on quite busy roads but I soon turned off onto quieter lanes and enjoyed the Kent countryside. The final section close to the hill was, not surprisingly, steep uphill but I managed to cycle all the way to the car park at the top. It was then a short walk along woodland tracks to, first of all, the trig point, and then the highest point - a random point along a track.
Returning was the reverse and I was soon back, loading the plane for the flight home.
What a superb day out!

Detling Hill 24/04/2026

Another great bag 12/04/2026
A very successful trip around the country bagged me eleven Marilyns, three Ethels, two Deweys and two County Tops which was even more than I had planned so very happy with that. It also keeps me on schedule to finish the Marilyns this year.

Upper Park at last! 11/04/2026
It had been a long time coming but I’d finally got the chance to climb Upper Park (352m). It’s on private land and the landowners don’t often give permission so I was delighted to find that an Amateur Radio group had secured access and that I could join them.

We assembled in a small car park, received a briefing from the group leader who basically told us to make our own way up, stay as long as we liked and make our own way down!

Upper Park 11/04/2026

Upper Park 11/04/2026
It’s a consistent slope all the way up, never steep but noticeable. 2 1/2 km on a good track mostly through woodland and I emerged onto open space that was the summit plateau. I’d worked out the high point which was just to the far right of the small woodland but of course standing there, the woodland itself seemed higher so after a couple of photos I walked around to the woods and found the high point there. My watch claimed a metre lower and it did look as if my original summit was higher - don’t they always on plateaus!

More ascenders arrived, some radio amateurs, some Marilyn baggers like myself.

I stayed for a few more minutes, then retraced my steps back down, arriving at the car park a shade over an hour after leaving it.

5 1/2 km, just over an hour and 214m of ascent, my 319th Marilyn and the last for this trip.

Upper Park 11/04/2026

Clwydian Hills Completed. 10/04/2026
Off to Wales for the penultimate Hill of my trip: Eglwyseg (511m) This time a Dewey not far from Llangollen.

I parked in a very small car park just above Worlds End, a rock climbing venue I used many years ago. The car park was a lot smaller than I remember it, but it was probably 30 years ago!

We headed off on an initially steep track which soon eased off to a pleasant path. I could immediately see my destination on the horizon and walked along on the track, but soon realised it was veering away from the woodland which I needed to be closer to. I soon located a path that bought me to the corner and confidently followed it up in the general direction. It soon petered out to nothing and I was let bashing my way across the heather in the general direction of the summit. It went quite easily, but later in the year when the undergrowth was higher, or in inclement weather and it would be a lot tougher.

Egwylseg Mountain 10/04/2026

Egwylseg Mountain 10/04/2026
I soon summited and looking back, I could quite easily see Worlds End, and even the car.

The usual routine of looking around, taking a couple of photos and I was on my way back. I decided to follow the more obvious path as the weather was pleasant, and I was in no hurry.

I came across a couple of walkers and we exchanged pleasantries and also discussed at some length, Marilyns, Deweys and Nuttalls. I think they were reasonably impressed with my hill climbing achievements. One of them being Welsh, took the time to pronounce the name of the hill for me…Egg Gul Wee Seg (Eglwyseg). They also told me of a memorial to RAF pilots not too far away. Armed with the location, I thanked them and headed off. About 20 minutes later I found the cross that was the memorial and promised myself I would research it for more information.

Worlds End 10/04/2026

Airmens Monument 10/04/2026
It is an Airmans Monument commemorating WWII RAF air crew who died in crashes on the hillside.

It is in the shape of a cross, probably 3m x 2m made up of local stones.

After paying my respects, I left to find a suitable place for lunch.

That done, it was around 10-15 minutes back to the car.

The total distance was 6km, taking one hour and fifteen minutes with 200m of ascent.

Airmens Monument 10/04/2026

Easy Day 08/04/2026
In a sea change, I decided on a relatively flat walk today. Yesterday had been quite a tough day and my legs were feeling it, so I headed out to Dove Stones Reservoir on Saddleworth Moor.

I was not alone! It is incredibly popular with the car park almost full when I got there. Luckily I managed to find a space and once the ticket was purchased I headed off on a clockwise tour of the reservoir. Hills above and all around enticed me upwards but I managed to resist, even those classified as Ethels - next time!

Dovestones 08/04/2026

Dovestones Reservoir 08/04/2026
Heading out from the car park, there is a good track leading over the wall of the reservoir and then along the Western Banks. Rosie enjoyed her walk, at times exploring the woodlands, at others, heading into the water for a cooling dip - it was a superb day, nice and warm, no wind and no cloud.

At the end of Dove Stones reservoir, the path continues along past Yeoman Hay reservoir which we followed until the huge wall of Greenfield Reservoir where we cut across and started our way back. This time the path was not quite so good with a final very muddy crossing - somebody would most likely fall into that! Not me, I safely negotiated my way past and came onto more solid ground.

It was time for a break and then off along another good path, soon cutting down and through some woods which provided some shade and allowed me to get Rosie into the water again for a drink and to cool off.

A little while later we came around to the final section past the Yacht Club and along to the car park. We’d taken a very leisurely hour and a half to cover around 6km. There was more or less zero ascent involved.

Dovestones 08/04/2026

Claiffe Viewing Station 07/04/2026

Claiffe Heights 07/04/2026
Claiffe Heights (270m) was the first target. Unfortunately, the ferry across the water decided to take its mid-morning break just as I got there so I had a 40 minute wait for the 10 minute crossing!

Once over, I headed up, past the rather nice viewing station which is a small turreted house with windows surrounded by stained glass which makes for a very nice viewing platform for Windermere.

The route heads up very steeply for the first kilometre or more, then flattens off for a while before heading up again on the final section. The path is a good one with only a few muddy sections. The summit view makes the walk well worthwhile and I paused for a while to take it in.

Returning is the reverse. It was 50 minutes up and 50 minutes down so happy with that.

Just over 7.5km round trip with 353m of ascent.

Claiffe Heights 07/04/2026

Grayrigg Forest 07/04/2026
Walk two took me right to the Eastern Edge of the Lake District to climb Grayrigg Forest (494m). I parked overlooking the M6, in fact, the car park was marked as the M6 viewpoint. Rucsac on, I headed over the road and through a gate. It was relentlessly steep all the way, at times, hitting at least 45% and no actual path! Finally I climbed a wall and crested onto the final plateau with the trig point 50 metres or so away.

The wind had picked up and I needed to sit on the lee side of the trig point for a drink and biscuit.

Eventually it was time to leave again and I more or less retraced my steps back down, although I walked a bit further along the top ridge before descending, hoping for an easier time. It wasn’t to be and I had to bite the bullet and descend on the steep slope back to the road and the car.

The total distance was 4km, taking me one hour and a quarter with 350m of ascent. My tenth Marilyn of the trip and a bonus as it was not part of the original plan so happy with that.

Grayrigg Forest 07/04/2026

White Path Moss 04/04/2026

More Ethels 04/04/2026
It was a Peak District Ethel bagging day today. Being Easter it was busy and the car park I wanted to use was full,m so parked a little further along, above the Burbage Escarpment and walked back along the road to break off in the direction of Stanage Edge.

It had been fairly flat but there was a small climb up onto the top of the rocky escarpment and the Trig point known as White Path Moss (457m). It was a reasonable day with good visibility and the Edge could be seen disappearing into the distance. To the right (North) I could just make out the pole that is Stanage Pole, my next Ethel destination. Walking along the edge was easy going on a good path, but once I started to cut across, it became quite wet and boggy. Nothing serious but there were a few moments where the route had to be changed to avoid the wettest section. I soon came to the pole and my second bag of the day. Stanage Pole stands at 438m so lower than the previous one but not by much and hardly noticeable.

My return to the edge was the longer way around but it had the benefit of being a very good and very dry path and I was soon headed back along the ridge accompanied by dozens of walkers.

The rest of the route was my outbound route in reverse and I got back to the car in two hours, having covered eight and a half kilometres with 213m of ascent.

Stanage Pole 04/04/2026

Kirkby Moor 02/04/2026
The first bag of the day was Kirkby Moor (334m). I parked in a small lay-by on the main A5092 and headed up. There was a good track that wound its’ way up, avoiding the heather and undergrowth of a direct assault. It also fell in line with the recommendations of the map at the start of the walk so happy with that.

The weather was excellent and so the views were spectacular as I gained height. Over the crest I could look out over the Morecambe Bay to Arnside Knott where I’d been a couple of days ago.

The summit is an obvious rise next to the wind farm access track, marked as it is with a small cairn, so also easy to get to.

Some photos and a few minutes looking at the view and I was on the way down, retracing my steps all the way back to the car.

Four kilometres in just over an hour with 150m of ascent made for a good first walk.

Kirkby Moor 02/04/2026

Selside 02/04/2026
Off to the far side of Coniston Water for the second climb of the day, this time Top O’ Selside (335m).

I parked in a tiny car park with an even tinier entrance and headed off through the woodland up a zig zag path to finally emerge onto a good track. Turning left and continuing upwards I came to a gate. Through that and I was onto the final climb, still steep but almost no path I continued upwards until the summit cairn came into view. I looked on my map and fancied a further tump looked higher so had no choice but but to check it out. My altimeter registered very slightly higher, but the accuracy was quoting 3-5m anyway. It looked higher to me and I’ve done it so there’s no question in my mind that the bag counts. It had taken 45 minutes to the top.

Retracing my steps pretty much, apart from the initial section where I just took a direct line down, I was back to the car in a further 30 minutes.

Just over 5km taking one hour and fifteen minutes with 335m of ascent.

Top O Selside 02/04/2026

The Lowest Marilyn 31/03/2026
Arnside Knott at 159m ranks as the lowest Marilyn in Britain but it’s well worth it.

After driving up ever deteriorating roads, lanes and tracks, there is a convenient car park at the foot.

It’s a steady climb up with ever improving views, passing at one point a map of surrounding and far off mountains - it was fun to tick off the ones I had done (most of them). The trig point and official summit is a further ten minutes along the path with a small amount of height gain. Returning is a case of retracing steps, pausing on the way to admire the views over Morcambe Bay and right over to the Old Man of Coniston on the horizon.

A short walk to kick off the day, just two kilometres taking forty minutes with 80 metres of ascent.

Arnside Knott 31/03/2026

Gummers How 31/03/2026
My second walk of the day was to Gummers How (321m). It is a very pleasant walk from the car park through a small woodland and onto the hill itself. We passed a herd of cows who took no interest in either me or Rosie and we continued up unmolested. The summit is where it looks like it is, there are no false summits on this one. The views are again, superb across Windermere to the hills beyond. We didn’t linger long as I decided not to bother with my rucsac and the clouds were turning decidedly grey. As it turned out, it was a fine day and I was back at the car without worry just in time for lunch.

It was 2.5km with 140m of ascent taking around 45 minutes.

Gummers How 31/03/2026

Whitbarrow: 300th Marilyn 31/03/2026
The final walk of the day and my 300th Marilyn was onto Whitbarrow. I parked on the A5074 at a convenient lay-by and headed steeply up a small track right next to the lay-by. Through some pleasant woodland I emerged onto Whitbarrow itself and headed towards the summit. There were plenty of small paths but the ground was so good that it was easy to make a new route. Finally onto the slopes to the summit I soon came to the large monument that signals the summit. The weather had been superb and I was warm enough in just a T-Shirt.

I didn’t stay long, soon heading down, this time through the woodland area on a slightly different path which we both enjoyed. Eventually in merged with the upward path and we were soon back at the car.

A total of 7km in one and a half hours with 276m of ascent made for a very pleasant final walk of the day.

Whitbarrow 31/03/2026

Black Chew 30/03/2026

Ethels, Deweys and County Tops 30/03/2026
A couple of hours drive bought me to Longendale in the Peak Disrict. I parked in a reasonable car park at Crowdon, booted up and we headed off, following signposts to join the Pennine Way for a while. Of course, the path was obvious as it headed up towards the Black Chew escarpment. It was quite cold and windy and the rain came and went, with me donning, then removing waterproofs. Eventually I gave up and left them on, deciding to vent rather than remove. My first summit was off the main path and it was a careful choice to break away and head over open, pathless ground but I soon arrived at the summit of Black Chew Head (542m), my final Dewey in the Peak District and actually, the highest point in the Greater Manchester area, marked rather feebly by a few rocks forming a very small cairn.

Black Chew Head 30/03/2026

Featherbed Moss 30/03/2026
By now, the wind was blowing hard and was sheer determination that made me head off to the trig point of Feather bed Moss (541m), this time an Ethel peak. Interestingly both peaks are the same height with almost no drop between them so how they get separate names I have no idea but it’s two boxes to tick so happy days. It had only taken me 20 minutes. A quick photo and I was soon away, retracing my steps over the boggy ground back to the fence I had crossed, this time, heading straight down to rejoin the Pennine Way and downwards. Eventually the rain stopped and I took the opportunity for a quick lunch break by a very nice stream before heading off again as the rain restarted.

A path led left and downwards to the Crowdon Outdoor Centre which I took and was soon back at the car, job done.

A total of 10km in two hours and forty minutes with an impressive 520m of ascent made for a pleasant day out, albeit rather damp.

Featherbed Moss 30/03/2026

South East Raid 29/03/2026
Finding myself in the South East on an Airport run, what better time to tick off the Marilyns in Surrey and Sussex.

My first target was Leith Hill (295m) and I’d set the Sat Nav to guide me to a car park around 3km from the summit, so why it was I arrived at a much closer car park, I have no idea. By the time I’d parked, got my rucsac and the dog sorted, then figured out where I was, it was a little late to change my mind so I headed off to the summit just over 1km distant.

It was a pleasant walk through woodland and only gently upwards. The summit is owned by the National Trust and there is a tower and trig point to mark the summit. Inside the tower is a small cafe, but it was too early and too short a walk to justify stopping. It’s only the second Marilyn I have climbed that features a cafe, the first being Walbury Hill in Berkshire. Actually it’s the third, but I’d categorise Snowdon as a Mountain rather than a Marilyn.

In order to make it a worthwhile walk, I took a very scenic route back, but was still at the car in just under an hour.

Four kilometres in 48 minutes but only 83m of ascent.

Leith Hill 29/03/2026

Crow - boring 29/03/2026
My second Marilyn of the day was a total disappointment. I didn’t have high hopes for Crowborough, but even so! It was a ten minute walk along a busy road from where I parked the car, the trig point was inside a water reservoir area so inaccessible and the trig point itself in a very poor state. A quick photo and I was back at the car heading off for walk number three. About one kilometre with almost no ascent, but it ticks a box and I won’t ever have to do it again!

Crowborough 29/03/2026

Botley Hill 29/03/2026
Botley Hill (270m) was quite a nice walk. I parked at a handy car park which was actually on the North Downs Way called Titsey Car Park then followed the North Downs Way for a few kilometres before breaking off and heading quite steeply up. It was part of Botley Hill, but at the top I had a road to cross and a lane to walk down before coming to the actual summit. Another blocked off summit, this time with radio masts. I took the obligatory photo then retraced my steps down the hill and back along the North Downs Way to the final climb back up to my car. I discovered I’d done 230m of ascent which made it seem like a real hill! I’d walked 6km in one hour and twenty minutes, so happy with that.

Heading North tomorrow to take on the Peak District and then the Lakes.

Botley Hill 29/03/2026

West Nab Summit 18/03/2026

The lowest high one 18/03/2026
West Nab in the Peak District just scrapes into the Dewey list at 500m, although it is also an Ethel that has it at 501m. Either way, it's an easy bag.

I parked lower down on the main road and walked cross country to the slopes of the hill. Twenty minutes and I was on the summit. It is very pleasant with good views so was happy with the bag.

Back to the bike along the road as it was easier than cross country again.

West Nab, Peak District 18/03/2026

Wainwrights 15/03/2026
I tried to resist, honestly I did, but then it got the better of me, so now in addition to Nuttalls, Deweys, Marilyns and Ethels, the list of Wainwrights has now appeared on the Logbook page. Turns out I've climbed 124 out of 214 so happy with that. Some will be climbed as part of my Marilyn crusade so double happy days. Not only that, but some of the Marilyns are also Deweys so three ticks for one ascent. Can't ask for more!

Shropshire Way Stage 2 07/03/2026
Another stage of the Shropshire Way completed. This time it was from Bridges (although I started in Church Stretton) to Bishops Castle. Four and a half miles over the Long Mynd from Carding Mill to restart the route at Bridges, then good walking in the Shropshire countryside over the Stiperstones and the Nipstone Nature reserve. Some good climbs along with pleasant woodland and quiet lanes made for a very pleasant day. Read the full report on the Long Distance Paths pages under Shropshire Way Day 2.

The Stiperstones 07/03/2026

Cosdon Hill 26/02/2026
I woke to rain and low cloud and my immediate reaction was sod it, I’ll go home.

After breakfast the rain had stopped and whilst there was still cloud, it looked further away. I decided I would do one good walk and chose Cosdon Hill as it fitted the bill of being a Dewey, not stupidly far and on the way home anyway.

Thirty minutes after leaving the B and B I pulled into the South Zeal car park, a small car park tucked away at the back of the village and started the walk.

Initially it was on a good track, steep, but good. It then broke away to open ground although I fancied I could still see a path. This led me over ever steepening ground upwards towards the summit of Cosdon Hill (550m). By now, the wind had picked up considerably as had the rain, couple that with tired legs and it was something of an effort to summit, but summit I did.

Pausing just long enough for a photo, I turned and started down. it had taken me 55 minutes to cover just over 3km. I’d expected 45 minutes so the wind, rain and ascent had had an effect.

Descending, the rain continued, but with the wind at my back, it didn’t seem as bad and I got down in around 45 minutes, not bothering to stop on the way.

It took me 1 hour and forty minutes to cover 6.5km so reasonably happy with that.

Cosdon Hill 26/02/2026

Christ Cross 26/02/2026
When is a walk not a walk? Well, when you are ‘ascending’ Christ Cross. I parked at the end of a lane in a very doubtful position, just clear of the lanes but only just. To get to the summit was 200m along a flat track, through a couple of gates to locate the trig point hidden amongst the hedge and undergrowth. A quick photo and I was back at the car in under 15 minutes. That completed the South West Marilyns and four Deweys as a bonus so more than happy with the bag of hills from this week.

I’ve now got just 40 Marilyns to go, so the master plan is working!

Christ Cross 26/02/2026

Brown Willy 25/02/2026
Not far from Camelford, there is a good sized car park which is probably designed for walkers to easily access the open land, Brown Willy in particular.

I’d planned a circular walk, taking the long way around to the summit of Brown Willy (420m)

It started well enough, following a good forest track, eventually popping out onto open land. This was where the problems started! It was a huge marsh, but being a well seasoned marsh crosser I made my way over to a fence with the minimum of fuss. I then followed the fence which took a much drier route to the base of the final climb to the summit. More boggy ground until it gave way to a rocky ascent and onto the summit. The trig point isn’t quite on the highest point, but the highest point looks man-made so doesn’t really count, but of course, I had to scramble over the rocks to the top.

My return route took me firstly, to Rough Tor (400m), where the car park came into view, then Showery Tor (385m), neither of which counted in any collection, but were nice to do, and pretty much in the way anyway.

From Showery Tor, it was a nice descent back to the car park. I congratulated myself on a good walk and even better, was rain free.

The total distance was 9km, completed in 2 1/4 hours.

Brown Willy 25/02/2026

Kit Hill 25/02/2026
The second walk was Kit Hill (334m). I parked at the base of the hill and headed up. It was pretty much a straight line, quite steeply up to the quarry, where the path took a left to skirt around it and climb to the far side. There is a small road and car park at the top, so I was soon standing at the trig point, enjoying the limited view with the low cloud.

The return journey was a reverse of the walk up. Twenty minutes up and 15 minutes down for a total walk of 2 1/2 km to complete pretty much all of the Marilyns in the South West. There is one more that I plan to do tomorrow but it literally a couple of hundred metres from the road so is only being done because I have to.

Kit Hill 25/02/2026

South Western Marilyn 24/02/2026
I parked in the Carn Galver car park on the main road. I could pretty much see the summit from the car but I’d planned a longer walk to make the journey to not only the most South Westerly but also the most Westerly and most Southerly Marilyn in the UK!

After a badly planned start where I bashed through gorse bushes for 10 minutes, I emerged onto a good path which I followed right to the summit of Watch Croft (253m). It was incredibly windy so I was pleased I’d chosen my thermal top and Stellar jacket.

Less than 30 minutes from leaving the car I was stood on the top. From there I took a big anti clockwise walk back on mostly good paths although I’ve noticed in this area they don’t much go in for path signage. I stopped for a drink and goodie bar by a large ancient settlement which provided good shelter.

It was then pretty much straightforward back to the car via some nice paths.

The total distance was 8km, taking two hours to complete.

Watch Croft 24/02/2026

Easy Marilyn 24/02/2026
An hours drive later and I parked up in a small lay-by for my ascent of Carnmenellis, also 252m high and visible from the car. Easy tracks and paths led me to the final climb which was at times boggy, gorsey and non-existent before I finally arrived at the trig point.

Descent was a reverse of the ascent and I was soon back at the car.

The total distance was 3km taking 40 minutes.

Carnmenellis 24/02/2026

Easier Marilyn 24/02/2026
One final hill was a further 45 minutes drive so I decided to get it done today rather than tomorrow. I parked in a very uneven car park and, not bothering with the rucsac, set off on the 500m walk to the trig point of Hensbarrow Downs (312m) With a total ascent of 11m and taking less than 19 minutes each way, it didn’t exactly stretch me but it had to be done and ironically was the high point of the day!

The total time was 15 minutes with a total distance of 1km.

Hensbarrow Down 24/02/2026

Dartmoor gloom 23/02/2026
After the best part of a three hour drive, I pulled into a small car park on Dartmoor on the B3212. Kitting up, we headed off on a reasonable path and reasonable weather. The route climbed steadily and at the top I fancied I could see my destination not far away so navigation was straightforward as was the track that led to my first bag of the day; Hameldown Hill, a Dewey of 529m altitude.

To get to it, I had a small descent past an old fort and then the final climb to the summit which, I have to say, made me work but I soon stood on its summit, admiring the view.

Soon away I retraced my steps back to the fort, then turned leftwards to meet a road which I needed to follow for a short while before branching off across the moorland, picking up another good path that led me back to the car, although it wasn’t until the last minute or so that I could actually see the car so it came as a pleasant surprise.

Total distance was 6.7km taking just 1 1/2 hours.

Hameldown Tor 23/02/2026

Dartmoor even gloomier 23/02/2026
Back in the car we headed off fort the second walk of the day. The cloud base had dropped dramatically and drove along in the mist to the Four Winds car park on the B3357. We parked, donned full waterproofs and headed off for Great Mis Tor (538m). There was a good path right the way to the summit pretty much and I was soon standing on top, well, I would have done had it not been for the fact that the true summit was on top of some rocks which took a little searching to locate a route up, but eventually I got there. Another Dewey, this time 538m.

It was quite wet by now and being in cloud meant of course, that I would just get wetter, but hopefully not too cold.

I set off for North Hessary Tor (519m), the final hill of the day and another Dewey. The route down to the road was not the best, being very wet in places, requiring detours to avoid the worst, but eventually we got to the road, crossed it and headed up.

Very soon we could see the mast in the gloom so knew it was close, and the final few metres soon came and went. Another scramble onto the summit and that was that. It had started raining quite heavily by now, so zipping everything up we set off for the final leg which proved to be a bit of a sting as it went on endlessly with no paths to speak of, but finally the car park came into view and we were done.

Two Deweys completed in 8km, taking just over 1 3/4 hours.

Great Mis Tor 23/02/2026

Hessary Tor 23/02/2026

Walking

From single day to several weeks, I have walked many of Britains long distance footpaths. Below are some of the more well-known routes.

Route	Distance	Description
Isbourne Way (August 2024)	15 miles	From Cleeve Hill to Evesham.
Shropshire Way (August 2023 onwards)	200 miles	Figure of eight centred on Shrewsbury.
Hadrians Wall (April 2023)	90 miles	From Bowness to Newcastle.
Wysis Way (April 2022)	55 miles	From the Wye to the source of the Thames.
St Kenelms Way (March 2022)	52 miles	Clent Hills to Winchcombe.
The Ridgeway (September 2019)	87 miles	Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon.
Three Choirs Way (March 2019)	100 miles	Gloucester to Hereford to Worcester to Gloucester.
Gloucestershire Way (December 2018)	100 miles	From Chepstow to Tewkesbury.
Severn Way (August 2018)	210 miles	Following the River Severn.
Winchcombe Way (May 2013)	42 miles	Around the Cotswolds.
Limestone Way (December 2012)	60 miles	Rocester to Castleton in Derbyshire.
Welsh 3000s (July 2000)	28 miles	All 3,000' mountains in Wales.
Worcestershire Way (July 1992, Aug 1992, Aug 2004)	38 miles	Wyre Forest to Malverns.
Pennine Way (August 1977)	270 miles	Edale to Kirk Yetholm (Scotland).
Cotswold Way (August 1991)	96 miles	Bath to Chipping Campden.
Coast to Coast Way (August 1990)	192 miles	Robin Hoods Bay, Yorkshire to St Bees in Cumbria.
6 Shropshire Peaks (July 1990, April 1992)	40 miles	East to West Shropshire.
Lyke Wake Walk (July 1983)	40 miles	Yorkshire Moors.
Offas Dyke (July 1980)	180 miles	Length of the Welsh Border.

Rock Climbing

Some years ago, I qualified as an SPA Instructor, and whilst it has probably lapsed due to inactivity, I have fond memories of rock climbing in many areas of the UK & abroad, particularly at Symonds Yat, North Wales, the Peak District, Mid-Wales, Cornwall & Scotland. I have many hundreds of logged climbs in my log book and during my time, have climbed many more than I have recorded.

Mountaineering

There are many beautiful mountain ranges in the world, many within easy reach of the UK. I am fortunate to have been to a large number of them. Below are the best.

Mountain (Range)	Description
Italian Haute Route (August 2025)	Tour of the Monte Rosa from Zermatt
Mount Toubkal (February 2025)	The Highest Mountain in North Africa 4,167m.
Mount Ararat (September 2023)	The Highest Mountain in Turkey 5,137m.
Elbrus (August 2019)	The Highest Mountain in Europe 5,642m.
Nepal (October 2018)	Trekking in the Himalaya to a maximum of 5,643m.
Kilimanjaro (September 2017)	The highest mountain in Africa 5,895m.
Teide, Tenerife (April 2015)	Highest Mountain in Spain (Tenerife) at 3,718m.
Alesch Glacier (August 2001)	Including the Hexenstein in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland.
Aconcagua (January 2001)	Highest Mountain in South America at 6,960m.
Dolomites (August 2000)	Northern Italys' most famous range.
Matterhorn (August 1997)	Most famous Mountain in Switzerland at 4,405m.
Mont Blanc (September 1995)	Highest Mountain in Western Europe at 4,807m.