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| Marilyns (mountain) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Marilyns |
| Country | United Kingdom and Ireland |
| Elevation m | variable |
| Prominence m | 150 |
| Prominence ft | 492 |
| Listing | Hill and mountain classification |
Marilyns (mountain) are a class of hills and mountains defined by topographic prominence of at least 150 metres; they appear across the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, and nearby islands. Developed as a prominence‑based complement to height‑based lists such as the Munros and Corbetts, Marilyns emphasize relative independence of summits rather than absolute elevation. The concept has influenced cartography, mountaineering, and hill‑walking communities associated with publications like the Ordnance Survey and clubs such as the Alpine Club and the Scottish Mountaineering Club.
A Marilyn is defined by a minimum prominence of 150 metres measured from the summit to the highest col connecting it to any higher summit; the summit itself can be any elevation above sea level. This criterion contrasts with lists like the Munros (based on absolute height) and the Nuttalls (combined height and prominence aspects). Prominence began as a quantitative metric in works by John and Anne Nuttall and researchers influenced by Graham classifications, later formalized by cartographers at the Ordnance Survey and data compilers such as Alan Dawson. Prominence relates to topographic isolation used in studies by organizations including the Royal Geographical Society and mapping projects like the British Geological Survey.
The Marilyn concept was coined in the 1990s by hill list compiler Alan Dawson as a playful contrast to the Munros, referencing the actress Marilyn Monroe. The idea drew on prior prominence discussions by figures in British Mountaineering Council literature and appeared in publications such as the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal and magazines like Country Walking and Walk Magazine. Early adoption by hillwalkers linked Marilyns to lists published by groups including the Long Distance Walkers Association and the Ramblers' Association. The term entered wider usage through databases maintained by enthusiasts on platforms associated with the Database of British and Irish Hills and supported by mapping from Ordnance Survey products and services like Explorer Map series.
Marilyns occur throughout the British Isles with dense concentrations in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, and sparser distributions on England's moors and coasts. Notable Scottish Marilyns include Ben Nevis (by prominence context), Ben Lomond, and Suilven; Welsh examples include Snowdon, Cadair Idris, and Pen y Fan; Irish examples include Carrauntoohil, Croagh Patrick, and Errigal. English coastal and lowland Marilyns feature Helvellyn, Scafell Pike, Pendle Hill, and The Wrekin. Island Marilyns appear on Isle of Skye, Isle of Man, and the Hebrides. Many historic sites near Marilyn summits intersect with landmarks like Hadrian's Wall, Dartmoor National Park, and Giant's Causeway.
Prominence measurement depends on accurate summit and col elevations obtained from sources such as Ordnance Survey maps, Geological Survey Ireland, and modern satellite datasets from European Space Agency missions and the United States Geological Survey. Traditional triangulation methods by the Ordnance Survey and surveyors from the Royal Observatory Greenwich provided baseline heights later refined by GPS surveys by teams from institutions like University of Edinburgh geodesy groups. Digital elevation models (DEMs) from SRTM and ASTER are used alongside LiDAR campaigns commissioned by regional authorities and heritage bodies such as Historic Environment Scotland. Data curation occurs in databases maintained by volunteers associated with the Database of British and Irish Hills and academic projects at universities including Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.
Marilyns are one class among many British and Irish hill lists including Munros, Corbetts, Grahams, Hewitts, Nuttalls, Wainwrights, Hardys, Tumps, Sims, Birketts, Dodds, and international prominence lists like Ultra-prominent peaks. Compilers such as Alan Dawson, John and Anne Nuttall, Sir Hugh Munro, and organizations like the Scottish Mountaineering Club and Irish Mountaineering Club publish registers, while digital platforms including the Database of British and Irish Hills and community projects on sites inspired by Wikipedia host sortable lists. Classification debates reference standards used by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations and cartographic conventions from the International Hydrographic Organization.
Marilyns have become goals for peak baggers associated with clubs such as the Ramblers' Association, British Mountaineering Council, and international groups like the UIAA; completion of Marilyn lists is recognized by informal communities and formal awards in publications such as Country Walking and programs run by the National Trust. Many Marilyns intersect with long-distance routes like the Pennine Way, West Highland Way, Offa's Dyke Path, and pilgrim routes near St. Patrick's sites, attracting hikers, trail runners, and photographers. Recreational use influences local economies in regions like the Lake District, Snowdonia National Park, Kerry in Ireland, and island communities in the Outer Hebrides, often involving accommodation providers, guiding companies, and outdoor retailers such as Rohan and Mountain Equipment.
Critics argue that prominence‑only lists like Marilyns can ignore aesthetic, cultural, and ecological importance highlighted by organizations such as English Heritage and National Trust for Scotland, and may conflict with conservation priorities set by bodies like Natural England and National Parks England. Disputes have arisen over measurement accuracy, terminology, and the relevance of arbitrary thresholds; these debates involve researchers at institutions including University of Glasgow and surveyors from Ordnance Survey. Tensions also occur between increased foot traffic promoted by Marilyn bagging and heritage management around monuments such as Stonehenge, archaeological sites catalogued by Historic Environment Scotland, and protected habitats under directives influenced by the European Union.
Category:Hill lists