As we are fast approaching the end of the year I figured it was probably time to have a look back through what I have been up to this year. It has been a fairly contrasting year when compared to last year, which was mostly significant due to the significant amount I achieved in winter and in the Alps. However, this year with terrible weather and conditions during winter in the UK and in the Alps during summer.
Despite this I still managed some great routes in Scotland and had an even better time in the Alps taking some chances and being lucky with weather and conditions on the routes we did manage. This was also the first year I have undertaken technical & committing routes in the Alps, rather than busy trade routes, and I am now looking forward to more alpine adventures in 2015. The Flèche Rousse, North Ridge of the Weissmies and the North Face of the Tour Ronde were all long, serious and committing routes. On the first two routes there was no one else attempting the routes which makes you feel very isolated and committed. Additionally, due to the nature of the climbing it have been been almost impossible to reverse either route.
The main achievement for me this year has been my rock climbing, as last year I didn’t feel like I made much progress and was beginning to get frustrated. This year I seemed to hit the rock running and was soon back up to leading what would previously have been my limit, and somehow I seemed to accidentally make the transition to E2 after being totally inspired by the line of Left Wall in the Llanberis pass. After the brilliant start to the season, it just kept getting better and I was reminded just how much I love rock climbing.
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