After years of dedication, countless weekends in the hills, and braving every type of Scottish weather imaginable, Scouting legend Peter Ritchie finally completed his last Munro in June 2024. It was a momentous occasion, marking the end of an incredible journey through Scotland’s rugged landscapes.
To celebrate this achievement, Peter organised a weekend away with friends and fellow hillwalkers. It truly was a great honour to be invited along and share in such a special milestone.
Arriving in Edzell
James had flown back from London for the weekend. He arrived late on Friday night, so we set off at 05:00 on Saturday morning. The drive took around two and a half hours to reach Edzell. When we arrived at The Burn, which had been fully booked out for Peter’s celebration, it felt like we were part of the royal family.
The Burn is a grand old mansion, beautiful both inside and out. We arrived just as breakfast was being served and enjoyed a full English – and we would need it for the walk ahead!
The Burn near Edzell – what a stunning venue!
The room where James and I were staying.
Summiting Mount Keen
Peter’s final summit was Mount Keen – a fantastic choice for the occasion. The route is straightforward, making it accessible for everyone in the party. The weather was excellent that day, with clear skies and just enough breeze to keep things comfortable.
After around three hours of steady walking, we reached the summit. As Peter reached the trig point, a big round of applause erupted. Champagne was popped, and whisky was poured to mark the moment. We enjoyed a few celebratory drinks at the top alongside our packed lunches, soaking in the views and the sense of achievement.
Photos were taken, laughter shared, and after about half an hour, we began our descent. After all the drinks, it felt like we were floating back down the hill! We returned to the car park and headed back to The Burn for the evening celebrations.
En route to the summit.
Champagne and whisky at the top – we floated back down the path!
Peter with the trig point.
Group photo.
Peter the Compleator
When we got back, the first stop was the bar for a well-earned beer. After that, we headed to our rooms to wash up and change, ready for a lovely three-course dinner.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Peter Ritchie event without a quiz, so after dinner he hosted one that had everyone laughing. We spent the rest of the evening looking through old photos, sharing stories, and listening to music before finally heading to bed.
The next morning, we enjoyed a hearty cooked breakfast before saying our goodbyes and heading home. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable weekend celebrating Peter’s incredible achievement.
Celebrating with a few pints (ft. my mum’s homemade hat)!