It's been a while since my last report but I have been quite busy on the hills over the summer months (by my own standards).
This has been, in the main, due to my brother (BrianG81) deciding to raise some money for Yorkhill Children's Foundation.
This decision was made after my niece Erin (Brian's daughter) spent some considerable time in Yorkhill hospital after a near fatal accident at home. Amazingly, against all odds she has made a remarkable recovery. She is an inspiration to us all.
Anyway, I was unwittingly roped in to climbing 25 Munros in 18 weeks between May and September this year, but I must say I have taken great satisfaction from every single step taken over the course.

To celebrate coming to the end of our challenge, and to raise additional sponsorship, we invited family and friends to join us on 28th August and were overwhelmed with the response. We amassed 21 bodies and decided to take them all to Ben Chonzie. This proved to be a good choice for the varied levels of experience/ability in our group and I am pleased to say everyone (ages 10-60) made it to the summit and back to the bus within 6 hours.


With Brian leading the way, I had the job of back marker for the day, it was quite strange to complete a Munro without feeling tested all day. It is quite amazing how the "hill-fitness" develops in such a short period of time. In May, after only 1 trip in the previous 7 months, I really struggled with our first Munro of the challenge - Meall Bhuidhe (Glen Lyon).

Right, back to Honzee... With the aid of the walkhighlands route description and maps - as always - this walk was very easy to navigate. The landrover track goes on and on at a constant comfortable incline. It was a great relief to many when we eventually left this and took to the feint path on the hillside, which was slightly boggy for the first 100m or so but easily avoided for those not wishing to get their boots dirty!


Our group had split into 3 main packs and by the time the summit came into view, with approx 1.5km to go, we could see that the others were already there and some were on their way back down. We decided to cut a direct line across to the summit instead of following the fence posts. This flattish section at about 850m was quite soft underfoot but no trouble on this fine day for walking. Although, I wouldn't recommend it in poorer conditions, definitely stick to the fence posts.

Brian and a few others had waited for our wee pack at the summit but had to leave straight after congratulating everyone on their sterling efforts. The wind was biting and relentless and those poor souls had been there quite a while, not all fitting in the good sized shelter at once. We weren't for hanging around either so after a few photographs and hugs we started to cut the same route back to the bus.




Two hours later we were all reunited and headed to the Comrie Hotel where we were treated to some fantastic hospitality by the new owners. Well done to everyone who took part, This was a first for the majority of our group, but it most certainly will not be the last for many. The bug has bitten... What a fantastic way to discover a new pleasure - Raising funds for the most worthy of causes.


Anyone wishing to make a difference to the children at Yorkhill, and their families, can find our justgiving fundraising page at: http://www.justgiving.com/Brian-Gibson2