In reply to UKC Articles:
That was a really great podcast. A fantastic insight into an iconic wall in British climbing history that gave me sweaty palms. And from two legends of British climbing.
The E1 title also confused me until I realised.
That whole invincibility of late teens struck a chord with me although clearly in my case on far easier routes and without any brilliance to back it up. Memories of soloing some low E grade routes and high balls as a total punter at a time when I couldn't top rope them clean, shouldn't have gone anywhere near them and I felt I could just jump off anything and be OK.
It almost ended painfully on a crux at Ansteys 25ft off the deck with a full body Elvis and panic that I just managed to escape from.
I didn't solo again for 20 years until Bantham Hand a few years ago. That'll be my last time ever. An amazing experience but totally unjustifiable with my wife and then 6 year old son on Bigbury beach over the water. I am no longer 18-22.