UKC

Jenny Woodward Gets In The Groove

© Kevin Avery-UKC

Classic Malham F8a+ tick completes Yorkshire Triple Crown

Jenny Woodward climbing at Ceuse (Copyright Alex Messenger)  © Alex Messenger
Jenny Woodward climbing at Ceuse (Copyright Alex Messenger)

On Saturday 18th July Jenny Woodward successfully red-pointed the classic Malham F8a+ sport climb, The Groove and in doing so has completed a trio of ascents known locally as the "Yorkshire Triple Crown." Jenny is the first female climber to have successfully red-pointed all three routes.

"The Triple Crown" refers to a trio of classic F8a+ climbs at the three big limestone crags in the Yorkshire Dales. Supercool at Gordale Scar, Urgent Action at Kilnsey and The Groove at Malham Cove. All three routes combine fantastic climbing on great rock up some of the most impressive walls in the country.

Jenny had this to say about her achievement:

"The Triple Crown (the 3 big Yorkshire 8a+s) is something we idly talked about doing years ago. All the routes are great climbing and go up brilliant pieces of rock."

"So yes, on Saturday, I finally did it! It only took 6 years.. It felt fantastic walking away from Malham, looking back at The Groove knowing I'd climbed it."

"I did Supercool in 2003 (?) I'd wanted to do an F8 for a while and knew pretty much straight away it was one for me. I was bullied into doing Urgent Action in 2006 (thanks Rob!) and knew then the Triple was a possibility. The Groove took a bit longer than expected ... pregnant in 2007, 2008 passed mainly in a sleep-deprived blur (the wet summer didn't help). Finally though, feeling fit, the rock being dry (just!) and half decent conditions came together."

"Thanks to my many patient belayers (Andy, Rob, Steve, Owen, Bev and Ashley) and baby-sitters!"


Malham Cove, Yorkshire. The Groove takes a central line next to the obvious grey streak, to finish at the half height ledge.  © kevavery
Malham Cove, Yorkshire. The Groove takes a central line next to the obvious grey streak, to finish at the half height ledge.

Jenny Woodward is sponsored by Wild Country and Moon Climbing.

Thanks to Ashley Lewis and Owen Tomkins for bringing this to our attention.


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23 Jul, 2009
Must be time for a thread asking "How many women have climbed 8a+ in the UK?". If my mental arithmetic is correct it's stll a surprisingly small number and another statistical oddity is that all the ones who have have done several.
23 Jul, 2009
Jenny: Well done on completing the Big Three. Fantastic effort. Tyler: Sorry I've been out of touch - just about to make my [la(te)st] comeback, so will be in touch shortly. Now Yorkshire (Almscliff) based.
23 Jul, 2009
Congratulations Jenny, good effort.
23 Jul, 2009
Hey Nige whereabouts is Almscliffe based?
23 Jul, 2009
and how many have climbed 3, and had a baby in between?!! Effort.
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