James McHaffie has added a new E9 6c - House of Talons - to Dinas Cromlech in the Llanberis Pass. The fact that a bold new route has been sought out at such a popular crag is newsworthy in itself, but the cherry on top is surely that James' new line is protected almost exclusively by a staggering 12 (!) skyhooks...
Impressive ascent of such a bold sounding route, most would have worked it to death before going for the lead. Sounds like this was basically a matter of 'yep, it goes' and then does it
Quite apart from being such an impressive ascent, the photographs have a delightfully 'Rock Climbers in Action in Snowdonia' retro feel about them. And, with a little imagination, James McHaffie could almost be the reincarnation of Brown in his woolly hat.
Yeah, really don't like those photos - the infra-red look is really distracting and all the white background in the valley really draws attention from the climber. Far cry from some of the classic Ray Wood black and white classic shots (imho!).
Press Release Alpkit and Outside Bank Holiday Hathersage Tent Show 4-5th May
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...
Podcast Mountain Air - 15. Forecasting Avalanches With Mark Diggins of SAIS