Marcus’s mammoth mountain climb
Nine-year-old Marcus Tinley from Bearsden in Glasgow has taken on a mammoth challenge, scaling Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, via the long and technical climb of Tower Ridge, in a climb that took a total of 12.5 hours.
Tower Ridge is one of the longest and most sought-after ridges in Scotland, and a challenge for even the most experienced of mountaineers. Marcus has tackled it head on, roping up with his dad and a small team, striking a line right up the middle to reach the summit following a 24km route and 1550m ascent.
Marcus said: ‘I love nature and mountain climbing is fun, it challenges you and makes you fit. It doesn’t ever scare me because I’m on the end of a rope which will save me if I fall! I’d love to climb Everest and Mont Blanc one day, and maybe K2 but that is more dangerous.’
Marcus is no stranger to mountain climbing. Having started with the dumpling at Gartocharn aged two, he then moved on to Dumgoyne, Conic Hill and Ben Aan. He climbed his first Munro, Ben Lomond, when he was four years old. More recent climbs include Ledge Route, Aonach Eagach and Curved Ridge.
One of his favourite things about climbing is consuming lots of food for energy: ‘After the Tower Ridge climb, I had 20 chicken nuggets, fries and a medium strawberry milkshake - I was so hungry after 12 hours on Tower Ridge. I also ate half a chicken and mushroom pizza in Fort William.
‘My favourite hill snacks are massive cakes like chocolate log.’
Marcus, who attends Bearsden Primary School, is now planning a presentation for his school assembly on his climb, and hopes to inspire some younger and older people to take up outdoor adventures.
Asked if he had any advice for would-be climbers and anyone inspired by his achievements, Marcus responded: ‘Keep on trying and never give up.’
Marcus’s dad Simon Tinley, a keen mountaineer himself, said: ‘I’m very proud of Marcus and all he has achieved to date. He’s very enthusiastic and wants to develop, so we’ll tackle a few more famous Scottish routes such as A Chir Ridge, An Teallach Traverse, Liathach Traverse, and Cuillin Ridge. Next summer might also be his introduction to the Alps.
‘This challenge was especially important as he wanted to raise money for the children’s charity, Variety.
‘Marcus chose the charity himself, which funds specialist equipment and fun days out to help disabled and disadvantaged children, because he agrees with their aims – that all children should have an equal opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of their circumstances.’
If you would like to donate to Marcus’s just giving page for Variety, visit: justgiving.com/ fundraising/marcus-tinley