UKC

John McCune


About

© Scarpa


Ireland
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I'm from Newry in Northern Ireland and grew up close to the Mourne mountains. I started climbing when I was 19 and got into trad. In Ireland, I ticked off many of the hard routes at Fairhead and in the Mournes, then started heading out to the alps to climb bigger Alpine routes. At this point, I thought a life working in the mountains could be fun and started working towards becoming a mountain guide.

I have always been very inspired by new routing and hard scary trad. I have added a lot hard first ascents across Ireland following soaring lines. Now I seem to do a bit of everything, but I still have a big passion for rock climbing especially in the mountains. I am currently living in Chamonix where I work as an IFMGA mountain Guide. I love my job as a guide leading clients up incredible mountains, and in the winter taking them freeride skiing, ice climbing, and ski mountaineering.


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Latest News & Articles

News posts and Articles featuring John

The Ticklist #24 - Women on a Rampage and New Alpine Routes

This week's ticklist is female-led, with some bouldering and alpine ascents thrown in for good measure...

News British and Irish First Ascents in Chilean Patagonia

Will Sim, John Crook, John McCune and Paul Swail recently made the first ascent of the 1000m high East face of the south Avellano tower in Chilean Patagonia alongside two other significant new lines.

Trip Report The American Direct - Up, Over & Round the Top

The Drus towers high and mighty over Chamonix. It's very pointy. The west face is an immense wall of granite. For me, staring up at the Drus from Chamonix is almost as memorising as staring up at El Cap from the meadow. Complex corner...

Feature Colm Shannon's Deserted DWS Heaven - Irish West Coast

It was almost three months ago when an amazing image popped up on John McCune's Instagram feed. "Jesus!"...

Video Autumnal Headgames - Hard Trad in Northern Ireland

Today we have a video featuring a few routes from a blustery autumn in Northern Ireland, climbed by John...

News John McCune Climbs Ireland's Ultimate Granite Wall

The 'Holy Jesus Wall' is aptly named. Hidden away on the coast of the tiny island of Owey in Donegal and known to...


Latest Reviews for John's Sponsors

Reviews from the UKC editorial team

Scarpa Mescalito TRK Pro GTX Men's and Women's Boots

"This feels like a nice 3-season walking boot that Scarpa have tried to winterise, without actually making it properly crampon compatible..." say Graham Uney and Sharon Kennedy. But for largely non-snowy use, and assuming the lack of half sizes...

Scarpa Veloce Lace - Intermediate Performance Meets Beginner Comfort

On paper, perhaps the Veloce Lace shouldn't work, says Tim Hill; and yet it really does. This new wave super-soft beginner-to-intermediate indoor shoe has torn up the rule book.

Gear of the Year 2023

Our reviewers see a lot of gear, and while most is pretty good there will always be a few real stand-outs. Looking back over the last 12 months of rigorous in-the-field use, the review team have picked their personal highlights. Here it is, our Gear of the Year...

Recycled Gear - Reducing Our Impact

With a growing awareness of environmental issues, and the urgent need for greater sustainability, many outdoor brands...

Scarpa Generator and Generator Mid - The Ultimate Trad Shoe?

These days rock shoes seem to be getting softer and softer, making the quest to find a supportive...

Scarpa Vapour S - Something Truly Special?

Rob Greenwood and Penny Orr are mighty impressed by Scarpa's latest slipper. Combining all-day comfort with a...

Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT - brilliant, apart from the bad bits

A mountain running shoe with a carbon plate - an idea that's crossed over from road running -...


Latest News from John's Sponsors

Announcements direct from manufacturers

CWIF 16-17th March 2024 - Registration now open!

Join us on Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th March, climb alongside some of the best climbers in the world on problems set by some of the world's best routesetters.

Scarpa Mescalito Mids - Save 35%

Save 35% and pick up a pair of comfortable, lightweight, three-season hiking boots for just £149! Get ready for summer trekking, hiking and walking adventures.

SCARPA steps forward to sponsor mountain running events

SCARPA has signed up as title sponsor of the Great Lakeland 3Day for the next three editions of the event. In addition, the brand will become the exclusive footwear sponsor of the Montane Dragon's Back Race. Both are organised by...

Outside Deals - Save up to 30% on Scarpa Mojito & DMM Trance harness

The latest deals from Outside are on DMM Trance harness - Save 24% and...

New Gear Autumn / Winter 2021

In our final roundup of new gear for Autumn/Winter 2021, we take a look at an eclectic mix of headtorches, footwear, packs,...

New Climbing Gear Autumn / Winter 2021

For the past couple of months, we've been finding out about all the shiny new gear that's hitting the shops...

New Footwear Spring / Summer '21

In the absence of any trade show this year, we've created our own. Normally, shows tend to focus on products...


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