Climbers

Grew up at Kvam

Andy Birtwistle:

Between '78 and '81 Bob Smith dominated Northumberland climbing. A new climbs supplement in '84 stated that without his contributions it would probably not have been necessary! Quite rightly so, as the booklet contained nearly 100 Bob Smith routes, most of a high standard of difficulty. [1]

References

[1] Bob the Climber, On The Edge Issue 109 page 40

Albert Hargreaves:

As a man he was a delightful companion on the hills, full of fun and interest in the things about him. He was kindliness itself and also most unassuming about his climbing, yet never carrying his modesty so far as to appear to be fishing for adulation. To those who did not know him well he may have appeared dull, but this was not so—he was a simple soul, not much interested in the complicated ways of modern life, finding his escape and true expression in his mountaineering. [3]

References

[1] https://footlesscrow.blogspot.com/2011/05/colin-kirkus-gemini-rising.html

[2] https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/ticklists/colin_kirkus_routes-3283

[3] In Memoriam, Albert Hargreaves and Jack Longland. Climbers' Club Journal 1943, page 168 https://ccjournals.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/1943%20Journal_web.pdf

The first British woman to climb E7.

References

[1] Queens of the Stone by Lucy Ellis, 2003. On The Edge 126, page 46

[2] https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gO9VEuFebKaY2y9E6fUoL?

Rock climber, soloist, circus performer, BASE and rope swing jumper.

References

[1] https://www.thebmc.co.uk/legend--lucky-chance-dies-in-blue-mountains

Features in The Power of the Jam.

References

[1] Interview with Arthur Delicque for Grimper, August 2024 https://www.grimper.com/news-une-tisane-oriane

[2] The Ascent, a 2025 documentary about Oriane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL8HmtR--Fk