The next stop on your trad journey, is, of course, the kit. All of that lovely shiny expensive climbing gear that clinks so nicely at the local crag. The trad climbers metal skirt. But what is it all? What are those dangly, noisy items trad climbers seem to treasure so much? May I proudly present, my climbing cupboard - the favourite of … [Read more...]
How to improve your lead climbing outdoors: Intro
Climbing is a mental challenge for me. I’ve felt embarrassed and frustrated in equal measure at my slow progress in trad lead climbing outdoors. If I had a pound for every time my friends and climbing partners said ‘you can easily do that – it’s well within your capability’, before I backed off a route (sometimes before even starting!), … [Read more...]
Final Ascent: The Legend of Hamish MacInnes Film Review
Hamish MacInnes is a renowned Scottish Mountaineer, credited with inventing the metal ice axe, the MacInnes stretches used in mountain rescue and many first ascents of mountains around the globe. This film charts his life almost in reverse. Currently 89, the film documents his life as a man living with dementia who had been detained in a … [Read more...]
Getting back into climbing
Whether it’s running out of time, life getting in the way, or recovering from injuries, sometimes you have to take a break from climbing. This seems to be something I do pretty often, every year. Getting back on the wall can then feel like a daunting milestone - but it doesn’t have to be. Last summer, I took 2 months off climbing. I put off … [Read more...]
The Trad Journey – Part 1/3
The road to trad climbing is littered with lingo, gear, and a very specific set of skills. But don’t let that put you off! If you want to get into trad climbing but aren’t sure where to start - look no further! What even is trad climbing anyway? ‘Traditional’ climbing: rock climbing where climbers place all gear required to … [Read more...]
Climbing Exercises for Beginners
Starting out with climbing can seem quite daunting at first: completely new kit, knots and belaying techniques that need to be learnt, and the lingo that goes along with a new sport. If you’re just starting out, try these drills to help improve your technique and make you feel more confident on the wall. Pause Drill … [Read more...]
Destination Guides – by you!
Do you have a favourite crag you want to shout about? Have you stumbled on the perfect set of beginner's boulders? Esoteric or popular; piddly 9 metre single pitch gruntwork or long multipitch exposure; everything in between and around...we want to hear about the places you love to climb! Our Destination Guides will be shared on our website and … [Read more...]
Film Review: ‘Liv along the way’
This short 24 minute Salomon film, shown as part of the Mountains on Stage Lineup, demonstrates the formidable strength of Liv Sansoz. Her aim is to climb all the summits in the Alps that are over 4000metres, of which there are a hearty 82, in around a year. She had previously been a world champion in sports climbing and a very keen base … [Read more...]
Climbing Books to Enjoy This Summer
As the Easter weekend proved, summer is well underway. More daylight and longer hours means much more time spent outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you need to neglect climbing completely during your down time. Here are some of the best climbing-related books to check out: Tommy Caldwell – The … [Read more...]
WTF is the Women’s Trad Festival?!
If you were one of the lucky ticket-holders to the Women's Trad Festival (WTF) last year, you'll probably know that tickets sold out in 4 minutes. Yes, you read that right. We caught up with 3 of the the organisers - Charlie, Hetty and Ellie - to find out why it's such a big deal, and why you should want to be there this August. Women's Trad … [Read more...]
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