www. stevenfallon .co.uk
Last Steps

 Steven Fallon holds the record for 'compleating' the most rounds of the Munros. In July 2006 he finished his 13th round. Each round means 284 Scottish peaks, all over 3,000ft high. Ouch!

What got you started?
Way back in 1988, my parents got me the Scottish Mountaineering Council guidebook to the Munros as a Christmas present.

When was your first round?
In June 1992, I 'compleated' my first round on Fionn Bheinn near Achnasheen, in 1994 I 'compleated' my second, and thereafter I've managed a round a year.

Will you do another round?
I'm over halfway through my fourteenth now!

Which was the most difficult round?
I suppose the first. I had to learn about navigation, gear and how to cope with differing Scottish weather conditions. It does get easier. I still take a map and compass but they rarely come out of the rucksack now.

The fastest?
My eighth in 2000 - nine months minus a day.

The best Munros?
Those in the north-west. Generally they're pointy. have ridges and terrific views. I'd single out Slioch, An Teallach and the Torridon peaks, but my favourite has to be Ladhar Bheinn.

So, looking back on all these climbs, what's been your best moment?
On Beinn Sgulaird during the most wonderful winter sunset. As the sun went down, the colours changed and reflected on the crisp, white snow.

What, in your opinion, would be the best Munro for beginners?
Something relatively easy and accessible with stunning views - so what about Schiehallion, Ben Cruachan, or Lochnagar? But remember, any mountain can be a real challenge in bad winter conditions.

The hardest?
Technically, it's the In-Pinn on Skye, the only Munro that needs a rope for the abseil off. Since I suffer from vertigo, it gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it. I always wonder how the heck I'm going to get up it.

How do you fit all the walking around your dayjob?
Well I don't so much now as I've caught the hill-running bug. I 'only' managed 140 Munros in 2006 - the lowest count since 1992. My top year was 2000 when I did 356 Munros.

What keeps you going?
I just like getting out of the house, up the hills and keeping myself fit.


I suffer from vertigo, it gives me the heebie-jeebies


Done any other tick-lists - like the Corbetts?
I've done about half the Corbetts. As to Grahams, Donalds, Marilyns or whatever - I kinda think some people create lists out of devilment, expecting others to go out and tick them off.

Do you walk alone or prefer to go out with a walking partner?
Depends on the route, the weather, the mood I'm in and if anyone wants to come along. Sometimes it's great to share the experience, other times you need the space on your own.

Who would your perfect walking partner be?
I'd like to try and keep up with Angela Mudge (record breaking mountain runner) over some long-distance high routes.

Favourite hill-fuel?
Cadbury's Brunch bars.

Best bit of gear?
It has to be footwear. I used to run in Merrell trail shoes, but now I've gone lighter and quicker with Innov8 Mudclaws.
 country walking, march 2007