Plan B was pure triumph. I made the iPad recognise the printer and I now have a copy of my booking. This might not sound like much to some, but I feel very proud.
The first Marilyn today, Walbury Hill (SU 373 616), had the most extensive 360 degree view I have seen outside Scotland, but because the summit is a vast, gently rounded area it is not possible to convey the drama with my limited photographic skill. I did take a video, but even that does not do justice: CLICK HERE
The next hill was a total contrast from the rolling downs. Black Down (SU 919 296) involved a dramatic 4 kilometre drive down a heavily wooded, single track, badly surfaced lane. A rough clearing at the end provided a makeshift car park with a remote feeling. The map indicated the road continuing as a white road (unsurfaced).
A steep but atmospheric path through a Scots pine wood interspersed with brambles and gorse eventually came out onto a plateau of thinned old pines and heathland. The trig, once again was partly hidden in the woods. Different woods, for me have different characters, and the old Scott's Pine seems friendly, warm and welcoming, especially when there are also extensive views and the sun is shining, and the sky is half bright white and blue.
Back at the car satnav told me to continue on the white road to my next destination, and I bravely obeyed. It turned out to be Tarmac and only half the distance to a proper road than the nerve racking single tracker I had arrived by.
What a contrast again for Number Three, Butser Hill (SU 717 203). Before I even arrived, having pulled onto the grass verge for an oncoming car the driver stopped alongside and gave me his partly used parking ticket. A few hundred yards further and I arrived at the car park which could have been for Disneyland. Cars, tripper visitor people, and dogs were everywhere. A hundred yards from the car park the crowds thinned as I made the half kilometre to the trig. Perhaps the rule here should be never on a Sunday (when the sun is shining).
Walbury Hill trig
Start of path to Black Down
As I was climbing the path I thought
that this would be a likely place for adders,
then this sign foir the Serpent Trail appeared.
Scots pines and heathland at Black Mount summit
Butser Hill summit from where I could see the Isle of Wight
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I am beginning to think that the criteria for a Marilyn should include a maximum circumference at 75% of the height of √(π.h)/2 where h is the height above sea level (doesn't matter if imperial or metric units are used as the expression is dimensionless).
ReplyDeleteThis will enhance views, strenuousness of assault, reduce congestion and litter and overall lead to highlighted tales of derring-do.
Perhaps.
Gimmer - I see what you are getting at and agree to some extent. Some of these hills cover a large area with their nominal 150m base that the concept of it being a pointy mountain or hill is lost. For me the value of this list is just getting me out and about with some focus and
ReplyDeletevisiting new places.
From what I have read researching the Marilyns list was no easy task, and even now, I understand,, there may still be odd ones that have not been identified. Forming your proposed list would be another monumental task even though it would only be a matter of eliminating the Ms that didn't qualify.
Hi Conrad, I've just caught up with your adventures. Do take care - Marilyn bagging can become an obsession. I've seen what it can do to people!
ReplyDeleteHave fun! Martin
Phreerunner - hi. If you look at the title of today's post which I hope to complete tonight,, I think you will realise that your warning was too late.
ReplyDelete