UK Mountains Blog 2026
Kents Finest 24/04/2026Taking 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
The Dragons Back 28/01/2026
Hollins Hill (451m) ascent 28/01/2026
From a small car park in Hollinsclough, I headed quickly onto open countryside and followed the obvious path in the direction of Hollins Hill. A short time later, signposts for Chrome Hill (the dragons back) and Hollins Hill split the route. I took the Hollins hill path and made my way steeply up onto the main ridge and along to the tumulus that signified the summit.
It was an excellent day, the sun shone and the cloud inversion in the distance just looked amazing.
From here I could see the Dragons Back (Chrome Hill) a short way distant.
View from Hollins Hill 28/01/2026
Onto the Dragon 28/01/2026
From Hollins Hill, I dropped down on a path and joined the main path that led to Chrome Hill (425m), or the Dragons back as it was known, for fairly obvious reasons.
There were some route choices depending on whether a scrambly ascent or a path ascent was preferred. I chose the scrambly ascent which required care as the limestone was both polished and wet!
Eventually I summited and enjoyed a good view before heading off in the direction of the final hill.
Parkhouse Hill 28/01/2026
Parkhouse Hill (360m) 28/01/2026
Slipping and sliding down the muddy grass and wet rock I finally got to the bottom and crossed the narrow road to the base of the final hill, which, whilst not high, looked quite imposing in front of me.
Given the wet conditions and the steepness of this hill, I decided to see how it went as I would almost certainly have to retrace my steps.
In the event, the path was generally good with a couple of sections requiring some care but I was soon on the top enjoying another glorious view.
Retracing was tricky in places as expected but I got down easier than Chrome Hill as the going was fairly good.
At the base, it is a twenty minute walk along a good track back to the car.
So that was three peaks to add to the Ethels collection. Not one I wanted to start, but there you go.
An excellent recommendation, but as I was advised, not one for a summer weekend!
Black Edge 26/01/2026
Deweys and Ethels 26/01/2026
A new (to me) category of hills known as the Ethels exist and are prominent hills in the Peak District. There are 95 in total and todays walk included two of them plus a Dewey (Black Edge).
I parked in Buxton and headed up through Corbar Woods and out onto the hills. Corbar is the first summit, immediately visible and includes a large cross. I decided to leave bagging it until the end.
Through the gate and across a field I was soon onto Combs Moss, following the edge right across to Black Edge (507m). It was cold, windy and very little view so I took shelter whilst I quickly ate lunch, then headed off to circumnavigate Combs Moss again to finally reach Combs Head, the summit (486m). Barely noticing and barely pausing I continued around to eventually reach the field I had initially crossed, which I recrossed and walked up to and touched Corbar Hills summit (437m).
It was a short way down through the woods to the car, but on the way, I met a man and we got chatting. He recommended the Dragons back walk.
Corbar Hill 26/01/2026
2025 Summary 21/12/2025
It's the winter solstice as I look back on my 2025 climbing exploits.
I made no less than seven week-long UK trips to climb various Marilyns and Deweys, adding 74 Marilyns and 33 Deweys to my collection. This leaves just 47 Marilyns to climb to bag them all. Deweys are still off the scale!
Five of those trips were to Wales which reduced my Marilyn count to just 7. All of the trips were in Mid and North Wales, two to Rhayader area, one to Bala, one to Llandudno and one a motorbike tour from mid to North Wales.
England has also been attacked with a trip to the Yorkshire Dales and one to Exmoor to complete the Marilyns there.
Further afield, I did a winter ascent of Toubkal (4,167m) in Morocco, the highest peak in North Africa and during August, walked the Italian Haute Route which includes seven 4,000m peaks.
During December, I had a trip to Lanzarote, primarily for scuba diving but also managed seven volcanoes. They are not high (400-600m) but superb walks and there are some stunning views from the summits.
I am pleased with the year and looking forward to more success in 2026. Not got any big plans, but I am intending to do my best to complete the Marilyns, although that will require some travel as they are as far apart as Northumberland and Cornwall!
Montana de Tinache 08/12/2025
A nice, fairly easy walk up to Montana de Tinache (438m), not too far but as with all volcanoes, quite stony and slippy underfoot. The ascent took around 30 minutes and I enjoyed the sunshine and the view for a while before retracing my steps back down, well, almost! I lost the path for a while so made my own route down which was probably as good as any path anyway. Just over an hour and I was back at the car.
The total ascent was 268m in 3.5km taking around an hour.
Montana de Tinache, Lanzarote 08/12/2025
Volcan de Tamia, Lanzarote 08/12/2025
About fifteen minutes later I was parking in Ye for the second walk. I found a nice shady spot for the car, which so happened to opposite a church that I recalled from an on-line description of the route to Volcan de Tamia so was happy that I was in the right place.
A short walk through the village, over the busy road and onto a dirt track that led nicely in the direction of the volcano. Eventually we parted company as I took a direct line up the side of the mountain, following the thin path shown on the map. It was quite a steep climb and I could see a large cross on what seemed to be the summit, although as I approached, I realised it could not be as it was not high enough. As I reached it, I could see the true summit ahead and 20m or so higher. A few minutes and I was there, once again enjoying, for the final time, excellent views over pretty much the whole of Lanzarotte.
The ridge runs right around the caldera so I decided for fun (turned out to be anything but!) to continue round, dropping into a saddle, then up again to the far summit.
From there, I initially picked up a small path which soon proved more trouble than it was worth due to it sandy composition which meant I was slipping all the time. I moved out onto rocks and continued down, trying to find the best and safest route to the wide path below.
Disaster struck! I slipped on the loose rock and to an attempt to save myself falling, put my hand onto a really sharp bush, embedding the spikes in my hand! Blood erupted from a dozen or more puncture wounds and as I sat down, I began pulling the thorns from my hand. I had no choice but to get the first aid kit out (which I always carry) and treat the damage. Luckily I stopped bleeding but there were a lot of small splinters embedded in my hand which would need removing when I got back to the apartment.
Liberally coating my hand with Savlon, I packed away and continued down to reach the path without further incident.
The path looped around and rejoined the uphill path and I was soon back at the car which, thankfully, was still in the shade. I'd walked a total of just under 5km, ascending 282m with a maximum altitude of 538m in one and a half hours.
Unloading my rucsac and grabbing my lunch, I walked over to the church and sat outside on a small stone seat in the shade to enjoy my well earned food.
Volcan de Tamia, Lanzarote 08/12/2025
Highest peak on Lanzarote 06/12/2025
I’d planned to climb to the highest point on the island: Penas del Chache, although I was well aware that it was not possible to ascend to the actual summit due to some military installation there, I just didn’t realise how far that stretched!
Parking in Haria, I headed off up a nice dirt track, wide enough for cars and definitely wide enough for the 20 or so mountain bikes that came past me, not once, but twice!
It climbs steadily to an excellent viewpoint the hairpins back and up again to almost reach the road. At this point, there is a thin track that heads off and upwards through scrub and rocky ground until emerging on the final slopes of the ridge.
I couldn’t resist bagging Montana Granada (597m) a short distance along the ridge in the opposite direction to the main summit. That done, I retraced my steps and soon came to the, obviously popular ‘Sunset Point’. There were a few people mingling around, none of them looking like walkers - then I spied the car park!
The ridge edge here is enormous and very impressive, being an almost vertical drop to the sea, almost 2,000 feet below. I continued my walk and soon came to the first (British definition) ‘mountain’: El Castillejo (615m). Of course, there was a further point that looked slightly higher so I had to go and check - it wasn’t!
From here, though, I could see the high point of Chache and it was obvious that it was not possible to get anywhere near the summit. In fact, the fence line appeared to be no higher than I already was so I decided not to bother to waste time walking over to it and instead started back along the ridge to retrace my steps back down.
Unfortunately a large party of Saturday afternoon walkers had had the same idea and were congregated at the start of the thin path leading back down to the dirt road. Unable to face the obvious queue, I continued on the ridge line, having spied a very thin path on the map that would bring me directly to the dirt track hairpin, provided I could find it.
Reaching the edge I hunted around for a short while before locating what looked like a path. I followed it down, over rocky terrain, nicely descending all the time. I’m not totally convinced there really was a path but I linked sections of walkable ground to make my own path, eventually reaching the hairpin without incident. Looking back, you would never guess there was a path at all.
The rest of the walk went quickly and I was soon back at the car, job done.
The maximum altitude on the walk was El Castillejo at 631m, the total ascent was 592m and 13.2km walked in three hours.
Penas del Chache, Lanzarote 06/12/2025
Caldera Blanca 05/12/2025
I drove out to Caldera Blanca which was easy enough to find, although the car parking area was a short way down a very bumpy dirt road.
Caldera Blanca is a huge (although small by volcano standards) volcano caldera, fairly easily accessible and makes a very rewarding walk with some superb views.
Parked up, I headed off, following the obvious (and only) path through the lava field. Along the way, there were a number of information boards giving details of the eruptions and surrounding area. The going was fairly flat and easy on the stones.
Soon enough I came to the start of the climb and the terrain changed to smaller dustier tracks which eventually gave way to rocky ground as I crested the edge of the caldera. To say it was impressive is an understatement. It was huge! The summit was on the far side and somewhat higher so I made my way around, gaining height all the time until I crested the final rise and came to a pole that signified the actual summit. It had taken me just over an hour to do the 5km so happy with the pace.
I took some photos and sat awhile enjoying the view before continuing my tour of the crater rim, detouring slightly to take in a lesser peak: Casas Del Islote, then back to the rim and onto the descent path. This route was a little longer than the ascent route but took me down and around to join the incoming path through the lava and back to the car. The total distance was 11km, with a maximum height of 447m and 425m of ascent taking me 2 hours 45 minutes including stops to read the information boards so happy with that.
Caldera Blanca, Lanzarote 05/12/2025
Climbing volcanoes 03/12/2025
My first volcano on Lanzarote was to be Montana Blanca (591m). It is a very imposing mountain and looks to be quite steep. There is a handy car park at the foot of the mountain which is on a dirt area and seemed to be quite popular so I imagined it would be a very easy climb and lots of people on the summit.
I changed into trainers and headed off, taking the steeper and quieter path, noticing most had elected to take the lower path. As I headed up, I saw no one else which confused me a little until I realised that the popular track was a lower circular one that went nowhere near the actual mountain!
I followed the path for a while to a water control point, then as the path started to descend, I took a more direct route to the summit. It was quite hard going and quite slippy on the small stones but I made my way up and 40 minutes after leaving the car, stood on the summit of Montana Blanca (591m). I stayed a while taking photos, then began my descent, this time following the path as I figured my ascent route would not make a good descent route. The path skirted around the mountain, then headed off in the wrong direction, so once again I made my own route and soon joined my original path near to the water control station. Following that path down I headed for the car, but decided to climb the lower hill: Montana Bermeja (320m) on the other side of the road so that I could get a good photo of Blanca. It was simple ascent, taking less than 10 minutes but it was incredibly windy so a quick photo and I headed off.
My total walk distance was 8km with 515m of ascent taking just under two hours to complete.
Montana Blanca, Lanzarote 03/12/2025
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) | Trekking in the Himalaya to a maximum of 5,643m. |
| 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. |
