Climbing History
A selected history of climbing and mountaineering through the climbers, climbs and media.
4208 Climbers
8134 Climbs
21666 Ascents
Featured
Divided Years | E9 Trad climb at Buzzard's Roost
One of the most compelling single pitch lines out there, Divided Years tackles a 55m prow at Buzzard's Roost in the Mournes. It was the first route to be given E10 in the world in 1994, and was said to feature 8c climbing. It now rates E9, with climbing around 8a+.
James McHaffie and Ryan Pasquill made ground-up ascents with minimal beta and prep in 2015. Robbie Phillips made a well-prepared flash of the route in 2026.
Jack Geldard, UKC:
The route is one of the most inspirational lines in the UK, tackling a huge overhanging bastion of rock in a beautiful and remote setting.
Dave MacLeod describes it as: "This is one of the best single pitch routes I've ever seen or done"
The sport grade would weigh in at around F8a+ (possibly F8b) and the route is known to be well protected. Both John Dunne and Dave Birkett are thought to have had a few pre-placed runners on the most difficult section, whereas Dave MacLeod and Ricky Bell placed all gear on lead. Ricky took some 30ft falls on to hand-placed bird beak runners during his ascent.
One of the most compelling single pitch lines out there, Divided Years tackles a 55m prow at Buzzard's Roost in the Mournes. It was the first route to be given E10 in the world in 1994, and was said to feature 8c climbing. It now rates E9, with climbing around 8a+.
James McHaffie and Ryan Pasquill made ground-up ascents with minimal beta and prep in 2015. Robbie Phillips made a well-prepared flash of the route in 2026.
Jack Geldard, UKC:
The route is one of the most inspirational lines in the UK, tackling a huge overhanging bastion of rock in a beautiful and remote setting.
Dave MacLeod describes it as: "This is one of the best single pitch routes I've ever seen or done"
The sport grade would weigh in at around F8a+ (possibly F8b) and the route is known to be well protected. Both John Dunne and Dave Birkett are thought to have had a few pre-placed runners on the most difficult section, whereas Dave MacLeod and Ricky Bell placed all gear on lead. Ricky took some 30ft falls on to hand-placed bird beak runners during his ascent.
Pics + Vids
Featuring 10522 pictures and videos. Try searching for a climber, climb or summit to see pics and videos.
Jonas Winter on L'Alchimiste 8B+
Théo Chappex on Méithra 8C
Sean Houchins-McCallum on Echale 8B+
Malcolm Smith on Powerband 7C
Support
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You may also be interested in the Mountain Heritage Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving the rich history of climbing and mountaineering. Their collection includes many unique and valuable items, from rare guidebooks through to the boots worn by Doug Scott on the 1977 Ogre expedition.
Explore
Fancy a look around? You can browse by climber or by climbs, or you can check out some lists. For example
- All sport ascents of 9b or above
- British women who have climbed 7C or above
- British men who have climbed 8c or above
Podcasts
Featuring 4278 podcasts. Try searching for a climber to see podcasts with them, or check out some of these podcasts:
- Tyler Nelson on TrainingBeta (2020)
- Will Stanhope on The Firn Line (2024)
- Jim Lawyer on First Ascent (2025)
- Simon Boes on DeKlim (2026)
Library
Featuring 16118 items in the library. Try a search to see what you can find, or check out these library items:
- Psyche - Andy Kirkpatrick - Patagonian Winter Film
- Alpine Journal 2006 13-18 Saunders Tsha Tung (2006) Journal
- Cwm Idwal (1958) Guidebook
Recent updates
References
References
References
References
Age 10 years and 9 months, making her the youngest British woman to climb 8a at the time of her ascent.
References
Zac Orme was one of New Zealand’s top youth competition climbers before transitioning his focus outdoors to high-end sport routes and bouldering. A key figure in the Basin scene, establishing several of Flock Hill's standout highballs including Liquidus Line and The Horsemen of the Apocalypse. In a feature for The Climber, Orme famously described his process, noting that he sees "every project as a monster he has to slay."[1]
References
[1] The Climber NZAC, Issue 99 Page 33