Aidan Roberts


Quick Info

From: United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Date of birth: 29th September 1998
Age: 26 years old
Height: 175 cm
Hardest Boulder (Worked): 9A
Hardest Boulder (Flash): 8B+
Hardest Sport (Worked): 8c
Notable Partnerships
Sam Lawson
Jim Pope
Sam Prior
Will Bosi
Dan Varian

Aidan Roberts is a climber from the UK. He grew up in the lake district and was mentored by the prolific developer Dan Varian.

Although he started out doing competitions Aidan has more recently moved on to establishing and repeating some of the hardest boulder problems both in the UK and abroad. His problem Superpowers in the Lake District is widely considered the UK's first 8C+. As well as being the first brit to climb 8C+ he was also the first to climb 9A with his repeat of Shawn Raboutou's Alphane in Chironico.

As well as these highlights Aidan has also repeated or established a raft of problems in the 8B to 8C range, making particularly quick work of classic test-pieces such as Oliphant's Dawn and Jade.

References

[1] https://www.thebmc.co.uk/aidan-roberts-interview

[2] Interview with Simon Lee for UKBouldering.com, October 2016 https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,27531.msg535750.html#msg535750

Contributors
142 contributions since 6th February 2021.
2 contributions since 11th August 2024.
2 contributions since 14th December 2024.

Quick Info

From: United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Date of birth: 29th September 1998
Age: 26 years old
Height: 175 cm
Hardest Boulder (Worked): 9A
Hardest Boulder (Flash): 8B+
Hardest Sport (Worked): 8c
Notable Partnerships
Sam Lawson
Jim Pope
Sam Prior
Will Bosi
Dan Varian

Aidan Roberts is a climber from the UK. He grew up in the lake district and was mentored by the prolific developer Dan Varian.

Although he started out doing competitions Aidan has more recently moved on to establishing and repeating some of the hardest boulder problems both in the UK and abroad. His problem Superpowers in the Lake District is widely considered the UK's first 8C+. As well as being the first brit to climb 8C+ he was also the first to climb 9A with his repeat of Shawn Raboutou's Alphane in Chironico.

As well as these highlights Aidan has also repeated or established a raft of problems in the 8B to 8C range, making particularly quick work of classic test-pieces such as Oliphant's Dawn and Jade.

References

[1] https://www.thebmc.co.uk/aidan-roberts-interview

[2] Interview with Simon Lee for UKBouldering.com, October 2016 https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,27531.msg535750.html#msg535750

Contributors
142 contributions since 6th February 2021.
2 contributions since 11th August 2024.
2 contributions since 14th December 2024.

Lists


Podcasts


Library


Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.


Ascents

98 recorded ascents.

This timeline is missing some ascents where the date of the ascent is unknown. Use the other tabs to view these ascents.
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Freakshow 8c Lead | worked Between 16th Aug 2015 and 1st Jan 2016
Third ascent.

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqCbq8P2UO4

Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Alphane 9A Boulder | worked 19th Oct 2022
Spots of Time 9A Boulder | worked Feb 2024 9A
First ascent. Around 35 sessions.

10 sessions just to do the individual moves.

In terms of things I've done in climbing...I think it's the experience I'm most proud of, and I feel like it's really special to have found that so close to my home. [2]

References

[1] Helvellyn Project - Close Attempt

[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/aidans-lakes-for-100865896

[3] https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cHKL3jWvp8A4QcZ1LS0YM?

[4] https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/aidan_roberts_on_climbing_arrival_of_the_birds_and_spots_of_time-15792

[5] https://www.instagram.com/p/C7T3Lh5Ng2x/

[6] https://www.instagram.com/p/C7jIhiLN_C0/

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnw_kyk0G5Q

Arrival of the Birds 9A Boulder | worked Mar 2024 9A
First ascent.

Aidan got tantalisingly close in 2023, dropping one of the last droppable moves. Coming back in 2024 he was able to open the problem from a more obvious starting position a few moves lower than where he was trying it in 2023 which adds a few hard moves.

One of the most magical sessions I've ever had. [1]

Aidan said it felt harder than Alphane for him.

References

[1] https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cHKL3jWvp8A4QcZ1LS0YM

[2] Footage from the close attempt in 2023, from the higher start https://youtu.be/fdChDa78tU4?t=621

[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/aidans-close-go-83500270

[4] https://open.spotify.com/episode/5W9M6ROWRu6DX2Sq8egI07?

[5] https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/aidan_roberts_on_climbing_arrival_of_the_birds_and_spots_of_time-15792

[6] https://www.instagram.com/p/C8wzW85Ngz6/?img_index=1

[7] https://www.instagram.com/p/C9NjP0LNIum/

Superpowers 8C+ Boulder | worked 11th Sep 2020 8C/8C+
First ascent.

On the grade:

I think I was quite vague with it initially but compared to the likes of 8Cs and 8C+s I’ve since tried abroad I suspect it likely sits with the latter. But very hard to tell as haven’t been on it since I did it. [2]

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATE-tZo12mg&t=1585

[2] https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,30855.msg667821.html#msg667821

Isles of Wonder SDS 8C+ Boulder | worked Jul 2022 8C+
Vecchio Leone SDS 8C+ Boulder | worked Nov 2022
The Lion's Share 8C+ Lead | worked Between 18th Feb 2023 and 9th Mar 2023
Monkey Wedding 8C Boulder | worked Aug 2018
Railway 8C Boulder | worked Jun 2019
Outliers 8C Boulder | worked Aug 2020
Tranquilitas 8C Boulder | worked 12th Sep 2020
Leopold Von Pooch 8C Boulder | worked Nov 2021
Silent Singer 8C Boulder | worked 23rd Feb 2022
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CeIv2lyj4oJ/

Everything the Light Touches 8C Boulder | worked 17th Mar 2022 8C/8C+
First ascent.

This feels about a grade harder than The Kingdom which is pretty well established in the grey area between 8B+ and 8C, so this is probably in the grey area between 8C and 8C+.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CbkNG6BNOlT/

[2] https://youtu.be/H0HMSamy-AI?t=248

Forgotten Gem 8C Boulder | worked 19th Mar 2022
Foundation's Edge 8C Boulder | did not finish May 2022

Aidan was very close on the flash. He cut loose mid way and had a minor dab, then dry fired off one of the last hard moves. He then basically did it second go but slipped off the easy, wet top out.

Child of Hell 8C Boulder | worked 23rd Oct 2022
Shadow Women 8C Boulder | worked 2023
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/-IPqdiBwPSU?t=576

Swiss Air 8C Boulder | worked 2023
Peace Corps 8C Boulder | worked 2023
Shallow Waters 8C Boulder | worked 30th Jan 2023
First ascent.

References

[1] Aidan Roberts - Shallow Waters (2023)

Unison 8C Boulder | worked Feb 2023
Right Hand Man 8C Boulder | worked Aug 2023 8C (hard)
Poseidon's Wrath 8C Boulder | worked 2024
The Origin SDS 8C Boulder | worked 2024
Trance 8C Boulder | worked 5th Jul 2024
Second ascent.
Traci Lords SDS 8B+ Boulder | worked 2016
Amandla 8B+ Boulder | worked 2018
Bloody Mary 8B+ Boulder | worked Jul 2018
Second ascent?

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/Bl6E0aCgiHJ/

Oliphant's Dawn 8B+ Boulder | worked 15th Jul 2018
Third go.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/BlQzRk-F_pS/

Skadoosh 8B+ Boulder | worked Aug 2018 8B/8B+
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/BmaHmqbD_qF/

Jade 8B+ Boulder | worked Jun 2019
Third go.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/B_lAhBvtO-A?t=319

Ode to a Modern Man 8B+ Boulder | worked 19th Jun 2019
Copperline 8B+ Boulder | worked Aug 2020
Bewilderness 8B+ Boulder | worked Aug 2020

Also ticked Dandelion Mind and Badger Badger Badger in the same session.

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATE-tZo12mg&t=538

Superman SDS 8B+ Boulder | worked 31st Aug 2020
Little Women 8B+ Boulder | worked 2021 8B+

While working the problem a hold came off making the problem harder.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/CK07-JVDdTZ/

The Origin 8B+ Boulder | worked Aug 2021 8B+
Third ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CSTzX-KDM5u/

Home SDS 8B+ Boulder | worked Sep 2021
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CUh1fdOj9Mk/

Truffles On Bicycles 8B+ Boulder | worked Dec 2021
Hazel Grace Stand Start 8B+ Boulder | worked 2022
Crescendo 8B+ Boulder | worked 2022
Sit Propera 8B+ Boulder | worked 11th Jan 2022
First ascent.
Squalo Bianco 8B+ Boulder | worked Mar 2022
Compass North 8B+ Boulder | worked Apr 2022

Aidan was close on the flash go, falling on the final move to the lip.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiSvKVgDsE6/

Raggamuffin 8B+ Boulder | worked 14th Jun 2022 8C
Ninjutsu 8B+ Boulder | worked 2023
Gaston LeGume 8B+ Boulder | worked 2023 8B+
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/pWdXr8UC5fg?t=207

Off the Wagon 8B+ Boulder | worked Apr 2023

The same day as flashing Momentum 8B+!

Momentum 8B+ Boulder | flash Apr 2023

As is often the case with my more considered flash attempts, it’s usually the encouragement of others which inspires a good first go. This time it was [Keenan Takahashi] and [Daniel Woods] whom recommended it and kindly gave me some good advice. It certainly makes sense. The climb prides itself in simplicity. Isolate on a small right hand and drive into the left foot to gain a lovely pinch. And only a few large moves create a tall and proud face of climbing.

Between intermittent rain showers and wavering motivation at the idea of a soggy top-out slab, a weather window opened and I was able to top out on my flash attempt, a great feeling! [2]

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InFpmGeaxJc

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/CsO0JTwtVg_/

Last Wave Goodbye 8B+ Boulder | worked Between 1st Aug 2023 and 12th Sep 2023
Second ascent?

References

[1] https://youtu.be/pWdXr8UC5fg?t=714

Bilateral 8B+ Boulder | worked 15th Aug 2023
First ascent.
Tempest in a Teapot 8B+ Boulder | worked 2024
Third ascent?

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VloysXS6B_k

Valhalla 8B+ Boulder | worked Sep 2024
Afterlife 8B+ Boulder | worked Sep 2024
Bob Ross 8B+ Boulder | worked Sep 2024
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/9_MZaIdWrsk?t=918

Tunnel Full of Goats 8B+ Boulder | worked Sep 2024
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/9_MZaIdWrsk?t=651

Tartarus 8B+ Boulder | worked
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/DyDeuGxr36w?t=616

Ode to the Modern Man 8B+ Boulder | worked
Retaliation 8B Boulder | worked 2016
First ascent.
Master Key 8B Boulder | flash 1st Aug 2018
Shallow Groove 8B Boulder | worked May 2020
Ebbing the Flow 8B Boulder | worked Jul 2020
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CK9TXiBD47v/

Seat at the Table 8B Boulder | worked Aug 2020
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/reel/CDtYUilDKLe/

Isles of Wonder 8B Boulder | worked 2021
The Ace 8B Boulder | worked 2021
Wedgie Wall 8B Boulder | worked Jul 2021
Paper Birds Low 8B Boulder | worked Jul 2021
Hustled SDS 8B Boulder | worked Jul 2021
Dead and Bloated 8B Boulder | worked Jul 2021
Louis Armstrong 8B Boulder | worked 31st Jul 2021
Rocking Spectre 8B Boulder | worked Aug 2021
Slim Pickings 8B Boulder | worked Aug 2021
Out of Shadows 8B Boulder | worked Aug 2021
Back for Seconds 8B Boulder | worked Aug 2021
Flipnic in to the Crack 8B Boulder | worked 5th Jan 2022 8B
First ascent.
XXXS 8B Boulder | worked 8th Feb 2022
First ascent.
Vecchio Leone 8B Boulder | flash 3rd Mar 2022
Ragga 8B Boulder | worked 21st May 2022
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/okkyOpLC6UI?t=343

Muffin Top 8B Boulder | worked 24th May 2022
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/okkyOpLC6UI?t=449

Madame Allure 8B Boulder | worked Jul 2022
Stairway to Heaven 8B Boulder | worked 23rd Oct 2022
High Fidelity 8B Boulder | ground up Feb 2023
1 session.

Aidan's first problem on Yorkshire gritstone.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CozScF7tu17/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RgNdhT61QE

Ramped Up 8B Boulder | worked 2024
Second ascent?

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID5Lyi13rd8

Gaskins' Problem 8B (approx) Boulder | did not finish 2024
Hell is Empty and All the Devils Are Here 8B Boulder | worked 2024 8B/8B+
The Diamond Inspector 8B Boulder | worked 2024
Second ascent?

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID5Lyi13rd8

Low Standards 8B Boulder | worked Before 18th Jul 2024
First ascent.
A Reason to Live 8B Boulder | worked Sep 2024
Second ascent?

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV7sM0X97Jw&t=0s

Crepuscular Days 8B Boulder | worked Sep 2024
House of Rats 8B Boulder | worked Sep 2024
First ascent.

References

[1] https://youtu.be/9_MZaIdWrsk?t=339

Momentary Bliss 8B Boulder | worked
First ascent.

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyDeuGxr36w

Big Chief 8B Boulder | worked
Second ascent?
Panic on Funkotron 8B Boulder | worked
Second ascent.
Crepuscular Days RH 8A+ Boulder | worked Sep 2024
Tsunami 8A Boulder | flash 24th Oct 2016

Billy Ridal:

Aidan Roberts flashed Tsunami today, and practically everything else at Rubicon. He won't shout about it so I thought I would. [1]

References

[1] https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php?topic=27531.0

XXXR 8A Boulder | worked
First ascent.
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade