I can't remember the name of the route. In fact, I don't know if I ever knew its name but that wasn't important to me. And neither was the grade. The fact that I was about to lead my first climb was.

The slab of rock that makes up Little Tryfan looked a lot steeper at its base than it had done all those times I had seen it from the A5. I was feeling confident however as my proximity allowed me to see the detail of the cracks and holds that would get me to the top, details that can not be seen from a car window.

“Just stitch it up” Duncan advised. It sounded like good advice not least because I would be able to offload some of the weight that I was now carrying and not used to climbing with. As I tied on I didn't feel nervous, more like impatient at wanting to reach a personal milestone.

The climbing was easy. The holds, although still damp from the previous days rain and polished from the hundreds of others who had reached their own milestones on this rock, filled me with confidence. The plan of “stitching it up” diminished and I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't on top rope and that I needed to place some gear. It all felt so easy and natural. Chris, several metres to my left was cursing the clumsy style of climbing that his partner had adopted and told me how he had climbed the route that I was on a few days before. As we talked, the sun broke through the clouds and a smile broke out on my face. I was really happy.

I sat at the top of the crag bringing up my second, contemplating what I had just done and feeling tired from belaying in a way I wasn't used to, but enjoying it all immensely. When my partner topped out and had been made safe I asked him if he thought my gear placements had been good. I wouldn't have cared if he said they were or not, I'd have plenty of time to practice now that I could lead.

Several months later, I was asked in a job interview what my proudest moment of that year had been. I thought for a moment before saying that it had been this climb. Later, I gave the question more thought. On reflection being asked to be a godfather to my friend's son made me feel prouder and happier, but only a little!

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Write approximately 500 words about your first outdoor lead and supply an image of you climbing (not necessarily your first lead) and submit to: http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/send.html

The competition will be judged by us here at DMM and the winner announced on Monday 24th December and will win a complete DMM rack worth £500.

But more than that, everyone who submits an essay will receive a spot prize.

More details HERE