In reply to Stig:
> Yeah by awkwardness I meant pocket size/sika/reachiness/conditions. And the point of comparison with Mecca is that in all my visits to Tor I've never seen anyone on Rev, but nearly always someone on Mec. Of course more routes continue out of the latter. But this despite them being equal in my mind in historical stature/aspirational status, as well as the difference in difficulty.
> I think, for example that there have been more female ascents of Mecca than Revelations?
Only Mina and Katy Whittaker have done Mecca though Michaela Tracey looked close. Dont know if any of them have tried Revelations.
I can understand why Mecca is a more aspirational project for anyone male or female. Central line of the crag, just as much history, bigger grade, Power Endurance oriented (better training) and the option of next grade link ups. Revelations on the other hand could see you spend days not getting more than 6 feet off the ground. Seb Grieve got the top section wired and then couldn't do the bottom move (he has fat fingers too).
Popularity also begets popularity. You see someone on a route you get excited to do the route. Always someone on Mecca and an audience who might then be inspired to give it a go. Rarely someone on Revelations. And like I said it is wet a lot of the time.
11 year-old Guildford-based climber Toby Roberts has ticked Revelations 8b at Raven Tor, just one year after redpointing his first 8a - the classic Raindogs at Malham Cove.
