On Tuesday 3rd February 18 year-old Ellis Butler-Barker completed a new 8c link-up at Anstey's Cove called Chimera Extension (8c). The line follows Chimera (8b+) 8b+ and then continues up the top section of Tuppence Ha'penny (8b) 8b+. 

The route was a long-term project for Ellis, having worked on it last year over three sessions but lacking the endurance to complete it. Returning last week, he managed the climb in two sections and felt ready to start serious redpoint attempts. Breaking it down into a V9 boulder problem at the start which then runs into an 8b+ route, Ellis described the project as his favourite route at Anstey's Cove and a stepping stone in his climbing:

"There was one move which I came quite close to dropping but I pulled through to clip the chains of what was to be my longest project yet. It took 5 full sessions of trying and 9 redpoint attempts to get me up this so finally finishing it was amazing for me and this leads perfectly on to my next project."

His next project? Brian (8c+) 8c+, also at Anstey's. Watch this space!

Read more about the route on Ellis' blog.