The world class sport crag of Ceuse in France has been the destination of choice for many climbers over the years and this summer has been no exception. A strong team of young British climbers hit the beautiful blue limestone for a bolt-clipping holiday and came away with quite a tick-list.

Amongst this was a personal best performance for Natalie Berry with her ascent of Dolce Vita (8a+).

Commenting on her blog, Natalie described her ascent:

"...It was getting late and my skin was sore. I was tired but wanted to do this route on my next go. I went for a run to warm up and got on, not feeling as comfortable as before but my determination won through – my sequence worked and I roared through the crux. Once again, mind had won over matter!

Watching the footage of me climbing this route taken by Robbie really inspired me, I had never seen myself climb like that before from a distance, and looking on as a spectator gave me a different perspective on my climbing. I had surprised myself and my foot was now in the door for climbing a harder grade!

In all I realised what I am capable of if I put my mind to it – as someone once said to me, I reckon I climb about 3 grades harder in competition than I do in training - purely because of my determination to succeed and the way my mind has adapted to competitive environments. I have had to learn to be competitive with myself and the routes I try outdoors, and to believe in my abilities. I feel fitter and stronger than before I went out, and can't wait to get back on a trip with friends and meet more new people. I would like to thank everyone on the trip who gave support in some way – whether it was a quiet "Allez Nat!" or a full-on "PUSH IT OUT!" We had a great team spirit at the crag..."

You can follow Natalie on her blog on Robbie Phillips' Website

Every one likes a tick list - so here is a list of routes above 8a from some young Britson holiday at Ceuse this summer:

Natalie Berry:

1. "Petit Tom" (8a)
2. "Carte Blanche" (8a) - 3rd go
3. "Bourinator" (8a) - 3rd go
4. "Les Colonettes" (8a) - 3rd go
5. "Dolce Vita" (8a+) - 4th go

Robbie Phillips:

1. "Petit Tom" (8a)
2. "Dolce Vita" (8a+) - 3rd go
3. "Soeurs Froides" (8a+) - Flash
4. "Violent Illusion" (8b) - 3rd go
5. "L'ami de tout le monde" (8b)
6. "The Black Bean" (8b+) - 4th go

Ed Hamer:

1. "Petit Tom" (8a) - Flash
2. "Bourinator" (8a) - Onsight
3. "Carte Blanche" (8a) - Onsight
4. "Les Colonettes" (8a) - Flash
5. "Seurs Froides" (8a+) - Onsight
6. "Violent Illusion" (8b)
7. "L'ami de tout le monde" (8b) - 2nd go
8. "Radote Jolie Pepere" (8b) - 2nd go

Sam Hamer:

1. "Bourinator" (8a)
2. "Carte Blanche" (8a)
3. "Petit Tom" (8a)
4. "Les Colonettes" (8a)
5. "Dolce Vita" (8a+)
6. "Femme Blanche" (8a+)

Luke Tilley:

1. "Bourinator" (8a) - 2nd go
2. "Carte Blanche" (8a) - Flash
3. "Les Colonettes" (8a) - 2nd go
4. "Seurs Froides" (8a+) - Flash
5. "Femme Blanche" (8a+) - Flash
6. "Le Poinconneur des lilas" (8a+) - Flash
   
7. "L'ami de tout le monde" (8b) - 2nd go
8. "Radote Jolie Pepere" (8b)

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Ed Hamer is sponsored by Wild Country , Red Chili , Moon, Beal

Natalie Berry is sponsored by Scarpa , Entreprise , Petzl , Beal

Sam Hamer is sponsored by Wild Country , Red Chili, Beal

Robbie Phillips is sponsored by Edelrid , Evolv

Luke Tilley is sponsored by Alpkit, Evolv