UKC

Local Hero - An Teallach VIII,9 by Greg Boswell and Guy Robertson

© Guy Robertson

Greg Boswell and Guy Robertson have kicked off their Scottish winter season by establishing Local Hero VIII,9***, a 3-pitch line taking a series of soaring overhanging grooves between The Wailing Wall (IX 9) and Haystack (VI 7), on the left wall of Hayfork Gully on An Teallach - Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill. The route is named in memory of mountain guide and prolific new-router Martin Moran, who passed away on Nanda Devi East this summer.

Guy on the final bulge on pitch 3.  © Guy Robertson
Guy on the final bulge on pitch 3.
© Guy Robertson

The pair completed the route on Monday 18th November. Guy told UKC:

'The first long pitch was relatively straightforward, snaking first left then back right to a commodious ledge at the base of the grooves proper. The first big groove provided 25m of very sustained lay-backing with poor feet, then precarious moves out left at the top just where the angle got really fierce. The grooves above this started somewhat more delicately, and were technical, before a series of wild pulls through a capping overhang led to the top. Overall the route provided excellent, sustained and technical climbing, and being more-or-less perfectly protected it should become very popular. '

Greg starts the difficulties on pitch 2.  © Guy Robertson
Greg starts the difficulties on pitch 2.
© Guy Robertson

This cliff was first developed by the late Martin Moran, who had accompanied Guy on many previous winter escapades. In December 2010, Martin established The Wailing Wall (IX 9) IX,9 on the same face with Murdoch Jamieson. Guy commented:

'Martin was one of Scotland's best, most prolific and enthusiastic winter pioneers - he would have loved this route, so it seemed fitting to name it in his honour. He was a massive inspiration to me since starting out in the late 1980s - first through his writing, then repeating his routes, and latterly by enjoying his good company. It was a real privilege to share a rope with him and he is very sorely missed.

Greg and Guy on the summit.  © Guy Robertson
Greg and Guy on the summit.
© Guy Robertson

'As Martin's vision demonstrated, Hayfork Wall has all the hallmarks of a really classic modern mixed climbing venue - it's high up, it's steep, it faces Northwest, and has both good rock and abundant vegetation. The lines are powerful and compelling, and none of them are easy. It doesn't get much better really.'

In 2018, Guy and Greg made the first ascent of The Forge X/10, also on Hayfork Wall (UKC News).


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27 Nov, 2019

18th November.

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