TdG

	Country	Contributions	Between	Climbers	Crags	Climbs	Ascents
1	United Kingdom	10121	22nd May 2025 – 27th June 2026	106	13	548	986
2	France	3310	22nd May 2025 – 25th June 2026	30	13	166	318
3	USA	1660	30th July 2025 – 26th June 2026	24	56	156	82
4	Japan	1433	19th July 2025 – 23rd June 2026	14	25	98	70
5	Spain	314	31st July 2025 – 25th June 2026	3	9	33	13
6	New Zealand	214	19th August 2025 – 26th June 2026	1	1	15	13
7	Switzerland	194	31st July 2025 – 26th June 2026	2	5	20	12
8	Canada	146	10th September 2025 – 10th June 2026	1	8	23	2
9	Italy	146	12th August 2025 – 17th May 2026	1	7	16	6
10	Norway	126	6th September 2025 – 16th June 2026	1	4	9	6

	Date	Time	User	Type	Name	Attribute
301	22nd June 2026	17:43:07 UTC	TdG	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>
302	22nd June 2026	17:42:56 UTC	TdG	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:
303	22nd June 2026	17:42:56 UTC	TdG	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>
304	22nd June 2026	17:00:32 UTC	TdG	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>
305	22nd June 2026	17:00:32 UTC	TdG	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.
306	22nd June 2026	16:29:11 UTC	TdG	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>
307	22nd June 2026	16:29:11 UTC	TdG	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!
308	22nd June 2026	16:28:56 UTC	TdG	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!
309	22nd June 2026	16:28:56 UTC	TdG	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>
310	22nd June 2026	16:18:15 UTC	TdG	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>
311	22nd June 2026	16:18:15 UTC	TdG	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!
312	22nd June 2026	16:10:06 UTC	TdG	climber	Dave Birkett	featurable
Before `false` After `true`
313	22nd June 2026	16:09:09 UTC	TdG	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)
314	22nd June 2026	16:09:09 UTC	TdG	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>
315	22nd June 2026	09:36:46 UTC	TdG	crag	Ojiragawa Gorge	latitude
Before `35.794821` After `35.794874`
316	22nd June 2026	09:36:46 UTC	TdG	crag	Ojiragawa Gorge	longitude
Before `138.294186` After `138.289408`
317	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	TdG	media	https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/	url
Before `None` After `https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/`
318	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	TdG	media	https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ3NHeXDl0L/	missing_right_to_reproduce
Before `None` After `false`
319	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	TdG	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>`
320	21st June 2026	21:29:17 UTC	TdG	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

<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>

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

<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

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>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

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

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

<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

<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

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

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

35.794821

After

35.794874

Before

138.294186

After

138.289408

Before

None

After

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

Before

None

After

false

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/)

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