Molly the Collie is the UK’s first canine Corbetteer

An outdoors and a dog story all rolled into one! This is my kind of story! On Sunday (May 13), Molly the Collie, from Aviemore, Strathspey, will become the first dog to complete a round of Corbetts. (Corbetts are the 220 Scottish mountains with a summit of 2,500ft.)

Mollie the Collie

Alongside owner Anne Butler, the five-year-old dog is set to hike Garbh Bheinn, Ardgour, with her canine pals and human companions.

The tradition of uncorking a bottle of champagne on the summit will be replaced by a generous helping of summit sausages!

Mollie on a Corbett summit

Molly is taking her own lunch and will be in responsible company. In late spring and early summer, it’s vital that dogs are kept under control while there are young lambs and ground nesting birds around. The MCofS recommends that those heading out into the hills with their canine companions to heed the following advice on the Scottish Natural Heritage website.

This week, Peter Willimott, Vice Chair of the Munro Society, said: “Dogged determination!  Congratulations to Molly and Anne.”

Mike Dales, of the MCofS, added: “This dug is a fraction of my age, but she has beaten me to that elusive last Corbett.  Well done Molly – give that dug a bone!”

For those wondering about Munros and dogs, you’ll be delighted to know that  Kitchy the Shetland Collie was the first recorded canine completionist of the Munros in the 1960s, with his owner Hamish Brown.

Hill walkers tackling the Munros and Corbetts will find a source of invaluable information on the MCofS website