AN INTERVIEW WITH TWO RECENT MUNRO “COMPLEATERS”
Bernard Jarvis and Jean Crowson - Munroists Journey 1963-2007
Q:
So now you’ve finished all 284 Munros in Scotland what next?
A: No immediate plans – we’re not going on to do all the Corbetts,
or the Alpine 4000 metre or the Himalayan 8000m peaks. However we’ll
certainly be back in Scotland and some fine hills, both new and familiar,
will feature in the future though probably none starting Moel….
But we’d also like to spend more time walking the glens –
there are some very fine through routes in the Highlands which just have
to be walked. And we’ve never been to Sourlies bothy … yet.
Q:
And which are the favourite ones you’ll revisit?
A: Certainly Ladhar Beinn – though maybe this time we’ll take
the soft option and get the boat to Inverie first. Also Saddle repeating
the complete horseshoe rather than the more popular direct route to the
summit. And An Teallach – just to see what it actually looks like.
And Liathach – a great summit ridge and not as scary as we thought
it was going to be. We’d also like to walk in to the hostel in Glen
Affric again and do all the hills surrounding it – some great, long
days out in fine country. Plus anything on Skye. We’d be very happy
exploring the glens and corries but the ridge does always call. (Rob has
promised to take Bernard along the main Cuillin Ridge for his 70th birthday.
This gives Bernard 7 years to improve his rock climbing skills from “tight
top rope on a V Diff” to “tight top rope on a Hard V Diff”.
Is it long enough?)
Q:
And new hills…?
A: Foinaven – even if it hasn’t been promoted. And Arkle and
virtually anything in the far North West – Ben More Coigach, Suilven,
Stac Pollaidh..
Q:
When did you start?
A: In Bernard’s case in 1963 with Saddle on a Scout Trek across
Scotland (and he’s still in regular contact with the leader of that
group). In Jeanie’s case it was a walk up Bla Bheinn some twenty
years ago. Neither of us at the time knew about Munros – that only
came later – and the ticking later still.
Q:
Have you ever felt a bit shifty about the collecting and ticking element
of “bagging” Munros?
A: No. If you just want to collect things, stamps or engine numbers are
easier and you don’t get so wet or cold. If you want to have a lot
of days out in frequently stunning, wild country, in all weathers, sometimes
with good friends, the extended Munro journey might just be the one for
you. As a framework within which to discover and appreciate the landscape,
the hills, the flora and
fauna, and one’s insignificance in it all,
its not to be sniffed at; even if there were some hills we’d never
have chosen had they not been on ‘the list’, we’re both
so grateful for being introduced to some exquisite locations we may never
otherwise have found.
