Well it’s New Years Eve when many are looking back at the years highlights, so after inspiration from @Barry_the_Cat on Twitter, here’s a quick summary of my favourite 5 walks of 2013. The top 3 are true classics which could easily be arranged in any order, all 5 have sea views in sensational surroundings, and one is a low walk to prove it’s not all about mountains 🙂

No 5 – Sandwood Bay

Situated at virtually the north western tip of Scotland and known as the most remote beach in Britain. A shorter low walk out to the beach, with dramatic sea views, cliffs and a haunted house. Trip report & pics;- A Walk to the Beach – Sandwood Bay! Click on the map below for the route,

Sandwood Bay Route Map

No 4 – Maoll Chean Dearg

This is one for the incredible views of Torridon which delivered hugely on a perfectly clear day. Once up there we didnt want to come down, ever. Trip report & pics still to follow, Route map below;-

Maol Chean Dearg Route Map

No 3 – Five Sisters of Kintail

A big mountain and one tiring day, but the situation, views and experience were something else. Trip report & pics still to follow, Route map below;-

Five Sisters of Kintail Route

No 2 – Bheinn Eighe

This one surprised me, a proper mountain with far more character than it’s appearance suggests from the road. Situation, views, grandeur etc, perhaps this was really No 1 🙂

Beinn Eighe Route Map

No 1 – An Teallach

Even on a hazy day limiting the distant views, this was an emotional experience on a bristly remote mountain regarded by some as the best in Britain. Trip report & pics;- Some mountains get into your soul – a tempting An Teallach, and this time it’s Personal!  Click on the map below for the route,

An Teallach the easy way Route Map from Dundonnell

So no apologies for all 5 walks being in the Highlands, they were all wonderful days in their own right where even the drive is an experience. Of course there were many great days in the Lakes & Cheviots too however the rarity of getting to the Highlands together with the sheer expance of wonder has to win. If you haven’t yet been to the west highlands then go!! This has been my first full year sharing routes live via Social Hiking, so many thanks to Phil for all his work developing the site, and to all the other Social Hikers, it’s been fun. Happy New Year & all the best for 2014 🙂

Mart