Mono

	Country	Contributions	Between	Climbers	Crags	Climbs	Ascents
1	United Kingdom	11173	22nd May 2025 – 19th September 2026	116	13	586	1083
2	France	3430	22nd May 2025 – 29th August 2026	32	13	172	326
3	USA	1770	30th July 2025 – 14th August 2026	26	56	167	88
4	Japan	1478	19th July 2025 – 14th August 2026	14	25	107	73
5	Spain	319	31st July 2025 – 14th August 2026	3	9	35	13
6	Switzerland	229	31st July 2025 – 9th August 2026	2	5	21	15
7	New Zealand	216	19th August 2025 – 14th August 2026	1	1	17	13
8	Canada	170	10th September 2025 – 14th August 2026	1	9	25	3
9	Italy	166	12th August 2025 – 16th August 2026	2	7	19	7
10	Germany	151	8th November 2025 – 6th August 2026	4	6	10	5

	Date	Time	User	Type	Name	Attribute
2001	22nd June 2026	17:43:07 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	notes
Before There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. ### References [1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) [2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532) After There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy: [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. ### References [1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) [2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. -Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). +Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy: [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:
2002	22nd June 2026	17:42:56 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	notes
Before There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. ### References [1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) [2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532) After There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. ### References [1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) [2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. -Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). +Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:
2003	22nd June 2026	17:42:56 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	notes_pretty
Before <p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p> <p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p> <p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p> <blockquote> <p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring <a href="/climb/581/the-walk-of-life" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walk of Life</a> (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p> <p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p> After <p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p> <p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> trilogy <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9), <a href="/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world" rel="noopener noreferrer">Welcome to the Cruel World</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p> <p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p> <blockquote> <p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring <a href="/climb/581/the-walk-of-life" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walk of Life</a> (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p> <p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>
2004	22nd June 2026	17:00:32 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	notes
Before There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. ### References [1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) [2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532) After There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. ### References [1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) [2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] -Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. +Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.
2005	22nd June 2026	17:00:32 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	notes_pretty
Before <p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p> <p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p> <p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p> <blockquote> <p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p> <p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p> After <p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p> <p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p> <p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p> <blockquote> <p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring <a href="/climb/581/the-walk-of-life" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walk of Life</a> (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p> <p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>
2006	22nd June 2026	16:29:11 UTC	Mono	climb	Poseidon Adventure	notes
Before A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! After A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but to climb up or plunge down! Diff --- before +++ after @@ -2,4 +2,4 @@ The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). -Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! +Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but to climb up or plunge down!
2007	22nd June 2026	16:29:11 UTC	Mono	climb	Poseidon Adventure	notes_pretty
Before <p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p> <p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p> <p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p> After <p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p> <p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p> <p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but to climb up or plunge down! </p>
2008	22nd June 2026	16:28:56 UTC	Mono	climb	Poseidon Adventure	notes_pretty
Before <p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p> <p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p> <p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p> After <p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p> <p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p> <p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p>
2009	22nd June 2026	16:28:56 UTC	Mono	climb	Poseidon Adventure	notes
Before A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! After A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,5 +1,5 @@ A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. -The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). +The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!
2010	22nd June 2026	16:18:15 UTC	Mono	climb	Poseidon Adventure	notes
Before `A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. Scene of many desperate retreats, jumping from the break.` After A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1 +1,5 @@ -A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. Scene of many desperate retreats, jumping from the break. +A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. + +The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). + +Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!
2011	22nd June 2026	16:18:15 UTC	Mono	climb	Poseidon Adventure	notes_pretty
Before `<p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. Scene of many desperate retreats, jumping from the break.</p>` After <p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p> <p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p> <p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p>
2012	22nd June 2026	16:10:06 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	featurable
Before `false` After `true`
2013	22nd June 2026	16:09:09 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	notes
Before `A prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, establishing many hard and bold trad lines throughout the 1990s and 2000s.` After There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: >I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle Bill who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad Jim Birkett who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. ### References [1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) [2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1 +1,17 @@ -A prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, establishing many hard and bold trad lines throughout the 1990s and 2000s. +There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. + +Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9). + +He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers: + +>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle Bill who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad Jim Birkett who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1] + +Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. + +Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District. + +### References + +[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ) + +[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)
2014	22nd June 2026	16:09:09 UTC	Mono	climber	Dave Birkett	notes_pretty
Before `<p>A prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, establishing many hard and bold trad lines throughout the 1990s and 2000s.</p>` After <p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p> <p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p> <p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p> <blockquote> <p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle Bill who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad Jim Birkett who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p> <p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>
2015	22nd June 2026	09:36:46 UTC	Mono	crag	Ojiragawa Gorge	longitude
Before `138.294186` After `138.289408`
2016	22nd June 2026	09:36:46 UTC	Mono	crag	Ojiragawa Gorge	latitude
Before `35.794821` After `35.794874`
2017	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	Mono	media	https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/	missing_right_to_reproduce
Before `None` After `false`
2018	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	Mono	media	https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/	url
Before `None` After `https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/`
2019	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	Mono	ascent	Cailean Harker's ascent of Olympiad	notes_pretty
Before `None` After `<p>After a decade of attempts</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/</a></p>`
2020	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	Mono	ascent	Cailean Harker's ascent of Olympiad	notes
Before `None` After `After a decade of attempts ### References [1] [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/)` Diff `--- before +++ after @@ -1 +1,5 @@ - +After a decade of attempts + +### References + +[1] [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/)`

Before

There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

> I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

### References

[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

After

There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy: [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

> I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

### References

[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@

 There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

 

-Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

+Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy: [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

 

 He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

Before

There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

> I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

### References

[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

After

There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

> I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

### References

[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@

 There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

 

-Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

+Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) trilogy [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9), [Welcome to the Cruel World](/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

 

 He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

Before

<p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p>
<p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p>
<p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring <a href="/climb/581/the-walk-of-life" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walk of Life</a> (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p>
<p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>

After

<p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p>
<p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> trilogy <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9), <a href="/climb/608/welcome-to-the-cruel-world" rel="noopener noreferrer">Welcome to the Cruel World</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p>
<p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring <a href="/climb/581/the-walk-of-life" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walk of Life</a> (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p>
<p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>

Before

There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

> I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

### References

[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

After

There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

> I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

### References

[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@

 

 > I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle [Bill](/climber/805/bill-birkett) who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad [Jim Birkett](/climber/1048/jim-birkett) who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

 

-Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

+Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring [Walk of Life](/climb/581/the-walk-of-life) (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

 

 Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

Before

<p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p>
<p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p>
<p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p>
<p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>

After

<p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p>
<p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p>
<p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle <a href="/climber/805/bill-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bill</a> who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad <a href="/climber/1048/jim-birkett" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jim Birkett</a> who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring <a href="/climb/581/the-walk-of-life" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walk of Life</a> (E9) peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p>
<p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>

Before

A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. 

The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!

After

A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. 

The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but to climb up or plunge down!

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -2,4 +2,4 @@

 

 The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

 

-Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! 
+Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but to climb up or plunge down!

Before

<p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p>
<p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p>
<p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p>

After

<p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p>
<p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p>
<p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but to climb up or plunge down! </p>

Before

<p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p>
<p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p>
<p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p>

After

<p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p>
<p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p>
<p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p>

Before

A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. 

The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!

After

A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. 

The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@

 A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. 

 

-The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

+The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement'. It opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

 

 Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!

Before

A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. Scene of many desperate retreats, jumping from the break.

After

A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. 

The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1 +1,5 @@

-A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. Scene of many desperate retreats, jumping from the break.
+A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. 

+

+The first ascent was made by [Steve Blake](/climber/1397/steve-blake), described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of [John Earl](/climber/735/john-earl) and [Bob Smith](/climber/734/bob-smith). 

+

+Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down!

Before

<p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. Scene of many desperate retreats, jumping from the break.</p>

After

<p>A classic County frightener, and the first route to tackle Bowden's unique wave formation. </p>
<p>The first ascent was made by <a href="/climber/1397/steve-blake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve Blake</a>, described in the 1999 guide as 'his best achievement', it opened the gates for more hard contributions on the wall from the likes of <a href="/climber/735/john-earl" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Earl</a> and <a href="/climber/734/bob-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Smith</a>. </p>
<p>Jumping off from the break with no pads became somewhat of rite a passage for aspirant ascentionists, upon discovering that there was no way out but climb up or plunge down! </p>

Before

false

After

true

Before

A prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, establishing many hard and bold trad lines throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

After

There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle Bill who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad Jim Birkett who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

### References

[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1 +1,17 @@

-A prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, establishing many hard and bold trad lines throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
+There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. 

+

+Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical [If 6 was 9](/climb/595/if-6-was-9) (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the [Scafell](/crag/680/scafell-crag) king lines [Talbot Horizon](/climb/640/talbot-horizon) (E9) and [Return of the King](/climb/616/return-of-the-king) (E9).

+

+He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:

+

+>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle Bill who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad Jim Birkett who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]

+

+Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route [Dawes Rides a Shovelhead](/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead) (E8); placed a peg on his route [Once Upon a Time in the Southwest](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) (E9), when [James Pearson](/climber/153/james-pearson) had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on [Hold Fast](/climb/1842/hold-fast) (E9) invalidated his ascent. 

+

+Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.

+

+### References

+

+[1] [https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ](https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ)

+

+[2] [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532)

Before

<p>A prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, establishing many hard and bold trad lines throughout the 1990s and 2000s.</p>

After

<p>There are hard Lakes routes, and then there are Dave Birkett routes. </p>
<p>Birkett has been a prolific force in the Lake District in the UK, raising the game of bold UK trad climbing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. These include the extremely bold and physical <a href="/climb/595/if-6-was-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">If 6 was 9</a> (E9) – first climbed in 1992 and still given a wide berth today – and the <a href="/crag/680/scafell-crag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scafell</a> king lines <a href="/climb/640/talbot-horizon" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talbot Horizon</a> (E9) and <a href="/climb/616/return-of-the-king" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the King</a> (E9).</p>
<p>He comes from a long line of Lake District climbing pioneers:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I'm a full time stonemason born and bred and based in the Lake District, centre of the universe. I live down the road from my uncle Bill who is reasonably famous but not as famous as Grandad Jim Birkett who was really famous as the first man to climb Extreme. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ever the non-conformist, Birkett’s career has not been without controversy. He placed a retrobolt on his own trad route <a href="/climb/641/dawes-rides-a-shovelhead" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawes Rides a Shovelhead</a> (E8); placed a peg on his route <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon a Time in the Southwest</a> (E9), when <a href="/climber/153/james-pearson" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> had made a point of doing the neighbouring Walk of Life peg-free; and for some commentators, his use of a high side-runner on <a href="/climb/1842/hold-fast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hold Fast</a> (E9) invalidated his ascent. </p>
<p>Beyond the headlines and controversies, Birkett’s career is perhaps most remarkable for its rootedness. While many of his contemporaries pursued professional climbing careers, he remained a stonemason, fitting world-class ascents around his work, the occasional sheep rescue, and the rhythms of the Lake District.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.scarpa.co.uk/pages/team-member-dave-birkett?srsltid=AfmBOopTFaZUAqTRJxmNbGg4I7UuiglG8_fQ7v7vJ5GFkapMIf8oBmVZ</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/dave_birkett_the_weekend_warrior-8532</a></p>

Before

138.294186

After

138.289408

Before

35.794821

After

35.794874

Before

None

After

false

Before

None

After

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/

Before

None

After

<p>After a decade of attempts</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/</a></p>

Before

None

After

After a decade of attempts

### References

[1] [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1 +1,5 @@

-
+After a decade of attempts

+

+### References

+

+[1] [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/)

Badges

Contributions

Posts

25

28

63

23173

1

27

Contributions Map

Contributions by Country

Recent Contributions

< Page 101 >