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I WAS pleased that Sarah Nelson enjoyed reading about my expedition to the hills, but puzzled by her strictures (May 18). Perhaps her commendable concern for safety led her to rush into print before refecting on what I had actually written.

For example, what is scandalous about the idea of tackling the Buachaille Etive Mor ''head on'', at least by what I called the familiar route? This is the approach described without comment in the Scottish Mountaineering Club's book The Munros, the bible of all baggers and others who take to the hills.

It is wrong of her to assume lightly that I went to the hills inadequately prepared or ignorant of the dangers. I have had many years' experience of mountain walking, in Scotland and abroad, alone and in company; I have been at pains to acquire the necessary skills and I go well equipped. I think even Sarah Nelson might feel secure in my company should she wish to put it to the test.

As for her insistence on adding a health warning, cigarette fashion, to every item on hill walking - that's not yet legally binding, and whether it would be effective is a matter of opinion. As for myself, I know there may be danger in the hills, particularly when one goes alone, but it would be a dull world, with dull people in it, if no risks, not even calculated risks, were to be taken.

John Fowler,

64 Weavers' Way, Tillicoultry. May 18.