Leanne Callaghan has made what is believed to be the first female lead of Neanderthal (VII,7) on Lost Valley Buttress, Glen Coe.
Callaghan, 37, is one of the most accomplished female mountaineers on British soil at the moment, operating at a very high standard on both rock and ice, on the crags and in the mountains.
> Was there not mention of how many on that VIII thread of Ian's?
I think there was as well because I saw the name of an old friend from uni who I've lost contact with on the list, Hannah. I think there were only a couple of others though.
Hannah Burrows-Smith definately has, but I'm struggling to think of others. Louise Thomas was on the first ascent of an VIII,7(Scrabble) with Twid but I dont know if she led through?
In reply to TobyA: Here was the list from that thread. Can anyone confirm that, other than Hannah, these women all have led VII. Were they led onsight too?
Grade VII Ladies
Roccio Siemens
Hannah Burrows-Smith
Di Gilbert ?
Louie Thomas
Libby Peter
Kath Bromfield ?
Pretty sure Cio has led the grade recently; not sure about the others. It might just be a list of female all-rounders who are assumed to be that good. More research needed..
In reply to Jamie Bankhead: That list was pretty pure speculation. It would be good to know other specific routes that have had the cruxes led by ice queens. By that I mean talented winter climbing ladies not Ben!
> (In reply to SonyaD) I would just like to add Ben Bradford to your list.
Ha ha.
Actually Will should get a mention for holding the ropes as he's done the climb twice before. Good climbing partner commitment!
Also, Leanne doesn't consider herself a "mixed climber" although she might have changed her mind now.
It is a popular (and lazy) misconception that people who talk about climbing online dont actually do it. A glance through the logbooks suggests otherwise.
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