UKC

Chris Davies Climbs Major New Problem in North Wales

© Chris Davies Collection
Chris Davies climbing My Own Private Idaho, Crafnant, North Wales   © Chris Davies Collection
Chris Davies climbing My Own Private Idaho, Crafnant, North Wales
© Chris Davies Collection
Chris Davies has added a major addition to the Welsh bouldering circuit with a new line on the Wonder-wall Block in the Crafnant meteor cluster, Crafnant valley, North Wales.

The as yet ungraded problem, now named My Own Private Idaho, is "potentially the hardest thing that I have climbed so far" according to Chris.

He described the problem:

"Private Idaho is a real boulder problem, consisting of two majorly hard moves and a steel tension foot manoeuvre to a glorious arete top out, shick-a-ding.  It took around three months of effort, visiting a session a week (apart from zero access due to snow for a couple of those), along with lat-pulls, wood and plastic.  A bit of a juggle with three kids and a manic job, and the problem was sent. In my opinion, one of the best 'Bloc' boulder problems in the UK.  Stunning and very happy!"

As for the grade:

"I've not graded this as yet, as I have no idea.  It'll be great to get this repeated or at least tried to gauge difficulty.  Alastair Lee is filming this for a new film, it's a great area."

Chris Davies has climbed many hard boulder first ascents in North Wales, and if this is his hardest addition, it is safe to expect the grade to weigh in at quite a hefty level.

The name, we assume, comes from the 1991 film My Own Private Idaho, starring Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix, an excellent portrayal of two young gay 'hustlers'. Trailer below.


Chris Davies is sponsored by Boreal


This post has been read 11,102 times

Return to Latest News


18 Feb, 2011
It was a B52's track first. As for the origin of the name: "I've named it due to the fact that the peace, tranquility and for the most part, the solitude of the area. It really is a very special place to be on the right day, and today was just amazing" http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16961.0.html Any other gay film recommendations?
18 Feb, 2011
The song was just called 'Private Idaho' according to my extensive google research that I did for this piece. Not many off the top of my head, but if you speak German you could try Ich bin meine eigene Frau which is a really interesting film based on a true story. Nice quote from Chris there too. Does look like a special place. Well done Chris, what a super looking problem, never climbed there myself, but hoping to get up there this spring! Nice one! And good work digging up Chris' quote Shark. Thanks, Jack
18 Feb, 2011
Top Gun?
18 Feb, 2011
Gladiator ?
18 Feb, 2011
Or 300?
More Comments
Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email