Hi All,

another first timer and loving the planning bit although really should get some work done. I'm a fairly experienced walker in England and Wales but have spent little time in Scotland. Currently looking at what, judging from the blogs etc, appears to be a standard Dornie to Dunnottar crossing. Planning advice for first timers seems to discourage going up too many hills and understand that completely but would like to open my Munro account if weather permits and after the first few days and therefore trying to find a balance that is both sensible and acceptable to the vetters.

Grateful for any advice on how I should be looking at it
Cheers
Hugh

Only you know your strengths and abilities, so don't feel you shouldn't put any hills in if you want to.

Sonething to consider: if you put a hill or hills in, you will need a FWA. Even if the weather's great, if you find it's harder going than expected, you can skip the hill and do the FWA. You don't need to notify anyone what you're doing. It's perfectly normal.

If you don't put the hill in your route and you're walking along feeling great, it's a beautiful day and a luscious hill is nearby, YOU CAN'T DO IT! You'll be in deep doo-dah with Challenge Control if you do and someone finds out (and they usually do), plus the danger to yourself and others if you have an accident and people are looking for you in the wrong place.

So, put some hills in and benefit from the advice of the vetters about them. The real skill is working out matching FWAs so it's easy to skip between the two, as and when.

Good luck!

Hello Hugh

No problem with putting a few hills on your route and considering them to be a "fine weather alternative" As Vanessa says better to have the option on the day if you are minded to go up some. From a Control point of view we need to have any hills you might be on noted on your route sheet as the main route with an FWA which can be a "feeling weary alternative" for if you don't feel the urge on the day or the weather prevents you.
As these would be your first Munros we'd suggest keeping to the relatively simple ones that are in effect "in the way". Mount Keen and Lochnagar spring to mind - good paths up and down both of them.
If needed, you can change your route during the Challenge but you should let Challenge Control know your new plans first in case there are concerns about you. If they need to call the emergency services they need an accurate as possible idea of where you might be.

Ali & Sue

PS Our "spy" network may not be quite as extensive as Vanessa suggests . . . . !!!:grinning:

You shouldn't allow us to think that!

Vanessa, don't take any notice - they are just lulling you into a false sense of security.