Some routes have a reputation that precedes them and The File (VS 4c) is one of those. Ironically, size is something that both the route and its first ascentionist have in common, insofar as both are on the shorter side, but are equally renowned for their ability to pack a punch. Don Whillans' routes are famed for their fight, often requiring a thuggish and determined approach, and The File is no exception. Whilst the advent of jamming gloves may have taken some of its edge off, you still have to know how to jam, and if you don't - you'd better brace yourself!

You've only got to have a quick scan of the UKC Logbooks to see that this is a route that makes its mark. There are several common themes that crop up, and the first is the grade.

Even the guidebook acknowledges the controversy, acknowledging that "arguments about the grade continue", and whilst the voting in the logbooks finds a majority around 'High VS', it also shows that some people find it easier and some people find it much, much harder. The answer as to which category you'll fit into largely depends on how well you can jam, which comes onto the next point people tend to focus on...

Jamming has had a a renaissance in recent years, with WideBoyz Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall popularising a form of climbing that probably hasn't received this much love and attention since its heyday in the 1950s. However, in spite of its modern day popularity - and annual events such as Crack Fest - it's still not easy! The advent of jamming gloves have undoubtedly made it easier, not least because it's a whole lot more comfortable, but even if pain tolerance weren't a factor, there's a lot of technique that remains - you have to know how to jam!

To make matters worse, despite looking relatively uniform from a distance The File does vary in size throughout, so you need a wide repertoire of skills. The steep section at the start will likely cause people trouble, but the real trouble will begin for many when the crack widens higher up the route. If there's some good news, it's that it's incredibly well protected, but be sure not to place your cams where your hands need to go.

The final thing people comment on, though, is perhaps what is most important - and that is the quality. In spite of its small size, this is a route that really means something to people.

There are probably several reasons for this, and the first is that it's an absoulte classic, put up by a legend of the sport. The next is that - being as photogenic as it is - it's likely that everyone is aware of it from quite early on within their climbing career, as it's front and centre within each and every guidebook to the area. Finally, there's also that certain sense of allure to something you know will probably be a sandbag. If you know a route has a reputation, it's going to mean that bit more to you as/when/if you climb it, and if you don't - you're just adding to its reputation.

Guidebook