Here’s a few highlights of 2014. What started as a tough year with neither money nor job has transformed into my best climbing year yet. Thanks to everyone for a great year and here’s to the next one!
The year started with a visit to North Wales in January. I took in the delights of Snowdonia once more - including a run round the Horseshow with Sarah Ridgeway. Crib Goch in early morning light. Photo: Sarah Ridgeway
Just Another Day/Scorch the Earth (E5 6a). Photo: Andy Reeve.
Pembroke at Easter provided a fitting return to rock climbing. I thought I was doing ‘alright’ by flashing Orange Robe Burning (E6) until Caff onsighted three E7s! Beast.
Onsighting Lord of the Flies (E6 6a) this sumer was a milestone in my climbing. Photo: Tim Monks
Sun, sea and suspicious shirts; the Livingstone family holiday to Malta.
Ed Booth riding the fin of The Jub-Jub Bird (E6 6b), Rhoscolyn. Good flash, Ed!
This is a fantastic route, and certainly one of the highlights of summer, which lasted from May until October!
Heart of Stone (E7 6b ish), Ogwen Valley. This route has evaded me after numerous visits. One for 2015! Jack Lawledge takes flight. Photo: Anna Gilyeat.
Diamond Scenes - it was an all-too-brief season this year, but perhaps the busiest yet. I closed some old accounts, which was satisfying.
Sunset behind the Great Orme.
John Orr getting very close on Never Get Out of the Boat (8a), the Diamond.
A quick trip to Lundy provided an excuse to sample some of the delights of the South-West. The headwall above Dan was absolutely incredible granite climbing.
Dan on the three-pitch(+) gem: Olympica (E5 6a).
Nice face! I can’t wait to go back. The Grandes Jorasses looking pretty wintery. Calum Muskett and I went to the Alps this October...
Jon Bracey, Calum Muskett and I repeated the Gabarrou/Silvy on the Aiguille Sans Nom. Photo: Jon Bracey.
Niels and Mike on the West Ridge of Salbitschijen, after an attempt on the Dru. This was a very... ‘enjoyable’ experience: good climbing, good friends, good weather. Mucho bueno.
The last big route of the summer: Tonight at Noon (E6 6b). John Orr at the top of the crag as the moon rises over Mid-Wales.
Sula the dog, Dad, Mum and Douglas came up in November for a wild weather weekend in Wales. 1, 2, 3 and... look happy!