In reply to _sllab_:
> Are there any climbers here that prefer or use the self belay system such as practiced by Andy Kirkpatrick?
I don't in the main, but have gravitated to it through lack of availability of partners.
> Why do you do it? How many years have you survived so far?
Its a different experience and in some ways can be more fulfilling than climbing with a partner, obviously more kudos. The loneliness and faff is rubbish though.
I've survived it for 5 years so far.
> Where do you climb? Have you used this method in any of the usual uk climbing locations?
Anglezarke
Old Man of Stoer (
http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=3889)
Malham
Kilnsey
Gimmer
South Face, Washington Column, Yosemite