Craig Matheson

First ascent.

Second ascent.

In my experience of Lakeland E9's 'Welcome to the Cruel World' stands above the rest when it comes to pure physical difficultly. [2]

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUe4A4jtsS/

[2] https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2021/11/first_ascent_of_hard_cheese_e10_7a_for_craig_matheson-72926

References

[1] https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2019/11/third_ascent_of_if_6_was_9_e9_6c_by_craig_matheson-72127

First ascent.

A crucial RP protects the top of the route. Craig found he couldn't place the piece reliably so opted to pre-place it instead. Even clipping the pre-placed wire was so strenuous that he opted to velcro a quickdraw to his t-shirt to speed up the process! [2]

On the RP, Craig noted:

If you go and try 'Hard Cheese' and you want to drop a rope down the crag to do this, then please do not use this 'RP' placement, to clip your abseil rope into – this placement is both fragile and poor. It needs to be preserved for those on the lead. The placement only works with a downwards pull and an outwards loading of an abseil 'deviation' will strip it – many thanks.

References

[1] https://www.instagram.com/p/CV9zvGrDdKl/

[2] https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2021/11/first_ascent_of_hard_cheese_e10_7a_for_craig_matheson-72926

[3] https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2021/11/the_story_of_hard_cheese_e10_7a-72947

[4] Interview with Franco Cookson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o72LLws0gEQ