Captain Invincible | E9/8b Trad climb at Burbage South

United Kingdom / England / South Yorkshire / Sheffield

A route with a somewhat chequered history. Originally an aid route, persons unknown are reported to have climbed the line repeatedly with pegs with a view to enlarging the crack to the point it was free climbable. [1] Paul Mitchell then filled the scars with mortar to repeair the damage before John Allen removed the mortar in the hopes of free climbing it, though he was unsuccessful.

Sean Myles suggested E8 but after a repeat from Robin Barker around 1994 it then waited 20 years for another repeat from Tom Randall who suggested it was around 8b/+ protected by some RPs and dodgy pegs, with a bold start which suggests E9 is likely closer to the mark.

References

[1] Mountain Issue 141 (1991), page 10 https://climbing-history.org/library/11320/mountain-141

Contributors
remus
26 contributions since 14th January 2021.
TdG
4 contributions since 3rd October 2025.

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Ascents

3 successful ascents and 1 unsuccessful attempt recorded.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade

John removed the mortar from the line in an attempt to free it, though he was ultimately unsuccessful. Perhaps not surprising given the difficulty!

References

[1] Mountain Issue 141 (1991), page 10 https://climbing-history.org/library/11320/mountain-141

A seriously impressive ascent at a time when 8b+ sport routes were still big news.

Peak Rock:

Myles soloed up to clip the first good pegs (worth about E7) then traversed right and jumped off before his successful ascent. With the first gear pre-clipped it was felt to be about F8b.

References

[1] Mountain Issue 141 (1991), page 10 https://climbing-history.org/library/11320/mountain-141