UKC

Ten year-old Josie Ball's New Route Frenzy

© Ray Wood
Ten year-old Josie Ball and her five-year-old brother Archie have established 14 new sport routes at a new area, Costa del Sidings in the Dinorwig Quarries, Llanberis, North Wales.

Costa del Sidings is situated on the level above The Railtrack Slab. Josie and Archie's routes are mostly in the Fr 5 range with the hardest, The Railway Children weighing in at Fr 6a+. All were led onsight as Team Tween's dad, Fraser, placed the bolts.

Read the full story, including details of route theft, by Ray Wood at dmmclimbing.com

Source: Ray Wood and DMM


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16 Feb, 2008
I'm not keen on the "Costa Del ..." names as it draws parallels with Spanish bolt clipping which to me doesn't tie in with the slate vibe (notice I didn't say 'ethic'!), but well done to Josie (and Archie for his) on new routing at a grade I can only just onsight! And if the line that got stolen was bolted by her Dad (which it sounds like it was), it's a little harsh that someone nipped in first (if the other party bolted it themselves, then fair play I guess). Does Josie trad climb too or is it too early for that responsibility?
17 Feb, 2008
I'd just like to say congratulations to Josie and Archie (and dad, Fraser). Must have been a lot of fun establishing all those routes; finding the lines, equipping them, the big event of leading them, then naming them. There's even more fun to come. Just imagine all the climbers who are now going to enjoy all your work! I hope you do many more. Mick
17 Feb, 2008
Hi Mick thanks for your comments!I enjoyed climbing them and hope others will. From Josie.
17 Feb, 2008
Hmmm. Josie looks a lovely kid, reminds me of my own daughters at her age, and her achievements are great. I just hope, and he probably has, that her dad has got the sense not to push her too far too soon, it sounds as though it could be a dangerous game. I'm sure I am totally wrong (I hope I am).
17 Feb, 2008
The slate quarries are a really special place with a lot of history and I think it's wrong to turn it into a mainstream sport climbing area. All this 're-bolting' is going a bit far. Luke
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