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Country Contributions Between Climbers Crags Summits Climbs Ascents
1 United Kingdom 11179 22nd May 2025 – 30th October 2026 117 13 0 586 1084
2 France 3482 22nd May 2025 – 2nd November 2026 32 13 0 175 330
3 USA 1774 30th July 2025 – 20th September 2026 26 56 0 167 88
4 Japan 1478 19th July 2025 – 14th August 2026 14 25 0 107 73
5 Spain 319 31st July 2025 – 14th August 2026 3 9 0 35 13
6 Switzerland 229 31st July 2025 – 9th August 2026 2 5 0 21 15
7 New Zealand 216 19th August 2025 – 14th August 2026 1 1 0 17 13
8 Canada 170 10th September 2025 – 14th August 2026 1 9 0 25 3
9 Italy 166 12th August 2025 – 16th August 2026 2 7 0 19 7
10 Germany 151 8th November 2025 – 6th August 2026 4 6 0 10 5

Recent Contributions

Date Time User Type Name Attribute
2121 22nd June 2026 23:17:39 UTC Mono ascent Tyler Landman's ascent of Tristesse notes_pretty
Before
<p>Big 5 in a day</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2009/02/big-5_in_a_day_by_jumbo_landman-54967">https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2009/02/big-5_in_a_day_by_jumbo_landman-54967</a></p>
After
<p>Big 5 in a day</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2009/02/big-5_in_a_day_by_jumbo_landman-54967" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2009/02/big-5_in_a_day_by_jumbo_landman-54967</a></p>
2122 22nd June 2026 23:17:39 UTC Mono ascent Tyler Landman's ascent of Tristesse ascent_style_id
Before
1
After
2
2123 22nd June 2026 17:43:07 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> 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>
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>
2124 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:
2125 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>
2126 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:
2127 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>
2128 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.
2129 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>
2130 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!
2131 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>
2132 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!
2133 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>
2134 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!
2135 22nd June 2026 16:10:06 UTC Mono climber Dave Birkett featurable
Before
false
After
true
2136 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>
2137 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)
2138 22nd June 2026 09:36:46 UTC Mono crag Ojiragawa Gorge longitude
Before
138.294186
After
138.289408
2139 22nd June 2026 09:36:46 UTC Mono crag Ojiragawa Gorge latitude
Before
35.794821
After
35.794874
2140 21st June 2026 21:29:17 UTC Mono media https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/ missing_right_to_reproduce
Before
None
After
false

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