In a fascinating twist to the world of hill walking, a recent letter to the editor has highlighted an unusual geographical quirk involving Crowborough, a town in East Sussex. The discussion centres on the concept of a 'Marilyn', which refers to any hill in Britain with a drop of at least 150 metres on all sides, a term popular among enthusiasts known as hill baggers.
The Controversial Summit
Unlike the famed Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Isle of Skye or most other Marilyns across the UK, the summit of Crowborough's Marilyn is situated in an unexpected location: someone's private front garden. This unique placement has stirred a mix of intrigue and guilt among those dedicated to ticking off these hills from their lists.
A Guilty Pleasure for Hill Baggers
Margaret Squires from St Andrews, Fife, shared her personal experience in the letter, expressing remorse over her actions. She admitted that the allure of completing the Marilyn list was too strong to resist, leading her to tiptoe up the barely perceptible horticultural slopes of Crowborough's hill. Despite the minimal effort required, she confessed to still feeling a sense of guilt over this intrusion into private property.
This revelation comes amid broader controversies in Crowborough, such as recent protests over asylum plans for a former military camp, but it shifts the spotlight to a lighter, more whimsical issue that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts.
Other Letters of Note
The correspondence section also featured other engaging topics from readers. For instance, Steve Sheppardson from Snettisham, Norfolk, offered a humorous take on name associations, noting that when he hears 'Romeo', his first thought is of a dog mentioned in a previous article, followed by Shakespeare's character, with Romeo Beckham trailing far behind.
Additionally, Rosy Leigh from London suggested introducing footnotes in the Guardian to help readers identify references to figures like Stuart Broad, highlighting the challenge of finding common cultural knowledge in today's diverse society.
Geographical curiosities were also discussed, with Margaret Harris from Norwich proposing South Nesting in Shetland as a contender for the most northerly 'south' placename, adding to the playful debate over UK place names.
Lastly, John Sheldon from Worsley, Greater Manchester, chimed in on domestic comforts, advocating for a return to sheets, blankets, and eiderdowns as easier alternatives to double duvet covers, sparking nostalgia for simpler bedding solutions.
This collection of letters showcases the diverse and often quirky perspectives of Guardian readers, from hill walking ethics to everyday life musings, all contributing to a rich tapestry of public discourse.
