Gary Gibson's autobiography Blood, Sweat and Smears is now available to purchase. It tells the story of his life and passion for his often controversial climbing career, a passion which continues to this day.

'Over the last forty years, Gary Gibson has made the first ascents of more than 4,900 routes. These routes have given enjoyment and exhilaration to untold thousands of climbers.

Bedevilled by controversy, mostly of his own making, Gary has gone his own way and clashed with the climbing establishment of the day on numerous occasions. But over time, British climbing has changed immeasurably due to these challenges - and so has Gary.

But Gary has more than just climbing in his life: his love for his favourite 'punk' band, his inherited love for his football club, his long and continuous commitment to his profession and more than anything, his love for his family and friends.

Love him or not, in this book Gary shares his thoughts and memories giving the reader a personal insight into this 'controversial' man.

Blood, Sweat and Smears is a truly remarkable story.'

A review of Blood, Sweat and Smears will be published on UKC later this month.

Kendal Mountain Festival 2019

On Sunday 19th of November at Kendal Mountain Festival, Gary Gibson will be sharing his climbing memories from 9.30 - 11am. Hosted by UKC's own Rob Greenwood, it's as event not to be missed.

Purchase your tickets here.

'I really started to get to know Gary after Smalldale. As a psychologist, I found Gary very interesting. He turned out to be not normal, but not disturbed either, but with possible OCD - Obsessive Climbing Disorder. A friendly, driven guy, who has been misinterpreted, misrepresented and misunderstood, and often insulted by the climbing world." - Nadim Siddiqui

"I always find hospitals unsettling. Wandering through the myriad corridors of Frenchay. I wasn't sure what to expect. The news of Gary's accident was grim. Finally, getting to the next ward, I became confused as I walked back and forth scanning the faces around me. I couldn't find anyone until suddenly I spotted Hazel and realised that the occupant of the bed in front of me was Gary. I felt deeply shocked - he was unrecognisable from the person I knew. It was adisorienting moment of meeting mortality: realising that none of us is invincible as we'd like to think" - Gordon Jenkin

Blood, Sweat and Smears is available to buy from a variety of online bookshops, as well as on the highstreet, for a RRP of £25. You can purchase your copy here.