Saturday 21 November 2009

You can say that again. But mind your step.

Have you ever wondered what it is that makes some Munros more popular than others? Is it the area they area in? Could it be the stunning views from atop when you’ve made the effort to bag them? Or might it be something a little bit more obscure? Their names maybe?
Yes. That’s it. It’s their names.
Admittedly, Ben Nevis was always going to be popular by virtue of being the highest, but the ease with which you can pronounce its name also speaks volumes.
I mean, do you know anyone who has ever climbed Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain or, for that matter, was able to tell you that they climbed it? What about Stob Coire Sgreamhach? Or Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan? These Munros all have one thing in common. They are eminently easier to climb than their names are to pronounce.
You try arranging a weekend with Mullach na Dheiragain at the centre of your plans.
Exactly!
If you need to ask directions for certain Munros, you’ve no hope. Unless, of course, you are heading for Ben Hope. How easy does that sound?
Also, not everyone sets off with the intention of bagging all 283 Munros. When someone says they want to do more, maybe they simply mean Ben More.
Why can’t they all be that easy?
Well, next weekend I’m heading for K2.
Now there’s a real walk in the park..........to pronounce.

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