| Country | Contributions | Between | Climbers | Crags | Summits | Climbs | Ascents | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Kingdom | 10186 | 22nd May 2025 – 28th June 2026 | 106 | 13 | 0 | 551 | 992 |
| 2 | France | 3310 | 22nd May 2025 – 25th June 2026 | 30 | 13 | 0 | 166 | 318 |
| 3 | USA | 1678 | 30th July 2025 – 28th June 2026 | 24 | 56 | 0 | 157 | 84 |
| 4 | Japan | 1433 | 19th July 2025 – 23rd June 2026 | 14 | 25 | 0 | 98 | 70 |
| 5 | Spain | 314 | 31st July 2025 – 25th June 2026 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 33 | 13 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 214 | 19th August 2025 – 26th June 2026 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 13 |
| 7 | Switzerland | 194 | 31st July 2025 – 26th June 2026 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 20 | 12 |
| 8 | Canada | 146 | 10th September 2025 – 10th June 2026 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 23 | 2 |
| 9 | Italy | 146 | 12th August 2025 – 17th May 2026 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 16 | 6 |
| 10 | Venezuela | 137 | 7th October 2025 – 27th June 2026 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| Date | Time | User | Type | Name | Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1021 | 1st June 2026 | 20:46:00 UTC | TdG | ascent | Pete Whittaker's ascent of Rätt Lätt | ascent_dt_end | |
|
Before
None
After
2013-07-01
|
|||||||
| 1022 | 1st June 2026 | 20:43:30 UTC | TdG | ascent | Rikard Ekehed's ascent of Rätt Lätt | Ascent # | |
|
Before
None
After
1
|
|||||||
| 1023 | 1st June 2026 | 20:43:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Rikard Ekehed's ascent of Rätt Lätt | ascent_dt_end | |
|
Before
None
After
1997-01-01
|
|||||||
| 1024 | 1st June 2026 | 20:43:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Rikard Ekehed's ascent of Rätt Lätt | ascent_dt_start | |
|
Before
None
After
1996-01-01
|
|||||||
| 1025 | 1st June 2026 | 20:43:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Rikard Ekehed's ascent of Rätt Lätt | climber_id | |
|
Before
None
After
2469
|
|||||||
| 1026 | 1st June 2026 | 20:43:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Rikard Ekehed's ascent of Rätt Lätt | ascent_style_id | |
|
Before
None
After
1
|
|||||||
| 1027 | 1st June 2026 | 20:43:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Rikard Ekehed's ascent of Rätt Lätt | climb_id | |
|
Before
None
After
7855
|
|||||||
| 1028 | 1st June 2026 | 20:43:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Rikard Ekehed's ascent of Rätt Lätt | ascent_type_id | |
|
Before
None
After
1
|
|||||||
| 1029 | 1st June 2026 | 13:14:05 UTC | TdG | climber | Richard Simpson | notes_pretty | |
|
Before
<p>A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he may have had the physical level to do many of his claimed ascents, with feats of strength <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk" rel="noopener noreferrer">demonstrated in the School Room</a>) [2]. </p>
<p>However, in 2010 the claims became more outlandish: an unbeaten amateur boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the long, loose <a href="/climb/525" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hasse-Brandler</a> route. None of these claims have been verified.</p>
<p>This lead to further scrutiny of his prior claims and it transpired that many were likely fabricated [5]. For example, he was unable to name a belayer or any witness of his 2005 claim on <a href="/climb/515" rel="noopener noreferrer">Action Directe</a>, despite travelling to the Frankenjura with <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a> to film his ascent.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] Obsession <a href="https://vimeo.com/6848413" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://vimeo.com/6848413</a> by <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a>.</p>
<p>[2] <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a> on UKBouldering.com <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502</a> </p>
<blockquote>
<p>We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[3] <a href="/climber/300/keith-bradbury" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keith Bradbury</a> discussing climbing with Rich <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[4] <em>Rich Simpson</em> by <a href="/climber/129/steve-mcclure" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve McClure</a>, <em>Climb</em> Issue 44, page 36</p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/</a></p>
After
<p>A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he may have had the physical level to do many of his claimed ascents, with feats of strength <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk" rel="noopener noreferrer">demonstrated in the School Room</a> [2]. </p>
<p>However, in 2010 the claims became more outlandish: an unbeaten amateur boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the long, loose <a href="/climb/525" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hasse-Brandler</a> route. None of these claims have been verified.</p>
<p>This lead to further scrutiny of his prior claims and it transpired that many were likely fabricated [5]. For example, he was unable to name a belayer or any witness of his 2005 claim on <a href="/climb/515" rel="noopener noreferrer">Action Directe</a>, despite travelling to the Frankenjura with <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a> to film his ascent.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] Obsession <a href="https://vimeo.com/6848413" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://vimeo.com/6848413</a> by <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a>.</p>
<p>[2] <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a> on UKBouldering.com <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502</a> </p>
<blockquote>
<p>We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[3] <a href="/climber/300/keith-bradbury" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keith Bradbury</a> discussing climbing with Rich <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[4] <em>Rich Simpson</em> by <a href="/climber/129/steve-mcclure" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve McClure</a>, <em>Climb</em> Issue 44, page 36</p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/</a></p>
|
|||||||
| 1030 | 1st June 2026 | 13:14:05 UTC | TdG | climber | Richard Simpson | notes | |
|
Before
A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he may have had the physical level to do many of his claimed ascents, with feats of strength [demonstrated in the School Room](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk)) [2].
However, in 2010 the claims became more outlandish: an unbeaten amateur boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the long, loose [Hasse-Brandler](/climb/525) route. None of these claims have been verified.
This lead to further scrutiny of his prior claims and it transpired that many were likely fabricated [5]. For example, he was unable to name a belayer or any witness of his 2005 claim on [Action Directe](/climb/515), despite travelling to the Frankenjura with [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle) to film his ascent.
### References
[1] Obsession [https://vimeo.com/6848413](https://vimeo.com/6848413) by [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle).
[2] [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle) on UKBouldering.com [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502)
> We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.
[3] [Keith Bradbury](/climber/300/keith-bradbury) discussing climbing with Rich [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020)
> I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.
[4] *Rich Simpson* by [Steve McClure](/climber/129/steve-mcclure), *Climb* Issue 44, page 36
[5] [https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/](https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/)
After
A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he may have had the physical level to do many of his claimed ascents, with feats of strength [demonstrated in the School Room](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk) [2].
However, in 2010 the claims became more outlandish: an unbeaten amateur boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the long, loose [Hasse-Brandler](/climb/525) route. None of these claims have been verified.
This lead to further scrutiny of his prior claims and it transpired that many were likely fabricated [5]. For example, he was unable to name a belayer or any witness of his 2005 claim on [Action Directe](/climb/515), despite travelling to the Frankenjura with [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle) to film his ascent.
### References
[1] Obsession [https://vimeo.com/6848413](https://vimeo.com/6848413) by [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle).
[2] [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle) on UKBouldering.com [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502)
> We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.
[3] [Keith Bradbury](/climber/300/keith-bradbury) discussing climbing with Rich [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020)
> I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.
[4] *Rich Simpson* by [Steve McClure](/climber/129/steve-mcclure), *Climb* Issue 44, page 36
[5] [https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/](https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/)
Diff
--- before
|
|||||||
| 1031 | 1st June 2026 | 09:24:42 UTC | TdG | climber | Richard Simpson | notes | |
|
Before
A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he was very strong and a very capable climber (for example, he [did many hard problems in the School Room](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk)) [2].
However many of his claimed ascents turned out to be fabricated. For example, he claimed to have climbed [Action Directe](/climb/515) but was unable to produce a belayer or any witnesses for the ascent.
He also made many other outlandish claims such as an unbeaten amatuer boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the [Hasse-Brandler](/climb/525) route. None of these claims have been verified.
### References
[1] Obsession [https://vimeo.com/6848413](https://vimeo.com/6848413) by [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle).
[2] [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle) on UKBouldering.com [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502)
> We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.
[3] [Keith Bradbury](/climber/300/keith-bradbury) discussing climbing with Rich [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020)
> I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.
[4] *Rich Simpson* by [Steve McClure](/climber/129/steve-mcclure), *Climb* Issue 44, page 36
After
A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he may have had the physical level to do many of his claimed ascents, with feats of strength [demonstrated in the School Room](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk)) [2].
However, in 2010 the claims became more outlandish: an unbeaten amateur boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the long, loose [Hasse-Brandler](/climb/525) route. None of these claims have been verified.
This lead to further scrutiny of his prior claims and it transpired that many were likely fabricated [5]. For example, he was unable to name a belayer or any witness of his 2005 claim on [Action Directe](/climb/515), despite travelling to the Frankenjura with [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle) to film his ascent.
### References
[1] Obsession [https://vimeo.com/6848413](https://vimeo.com/6848413) by [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle).
[2] [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle) on UKBouldering.com [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502)
> We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.
[3] [Keith Bradbury](/climber/300/keith-bradbury) discussing climbing with Rich [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020)
> I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.
[4] *Rich Simpson* by [Steve McClure](/climber/129/steve-mcclure), *Climb* Issue 44, page 36
[5] [https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/](https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/)
Diff
--- before
|
|||||||
| 1032 | 1st June 2026 | 09:24:42 UTC | TdG | climber | Richard Simpson | exclude_reason_pretty | |
|
Before
<p>All ascents widely disputed due to a lack of evidence for any of his hard ascents (mysterious belayers, ascents with no-one else at the crag etc.) and a general unwillingness to corroborate ascents. It is likely that some of his claimed ascents did actually happen but with the current evidence available unpicking fact from fiction seems unlikely.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,27176.0.html">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,27176.0.html</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2010/12/rich_simpson_-_ukcs_position-59419">https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2010/12/rich_simpson_-_ukcs_position-59419</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.0.html">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.0.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16327">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16327</a></p>
After
<p>All ascents widely disputed due to a lack of evidence for any of his hard ascents (mysterious belayers, ascents with no-one else at the crag etc.) and a general unwillingness to corroborate ascents. It is likely that some of his claimed ascents did actually happen but with the current evidence available unpicking fact from fiction seems unlikely.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,27176.0.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,27176.0.html</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2010/12/rich_simpson_-_ukcs_position-59419" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2010/12/rich_simpson_-_ukcs_position-59419</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.0.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.0.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16327" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16327</a></p>
|
|||||||
| 1033 | 1st June 2026 | 09:24:42 UTC | TdG | climber | Richard Simpson | notes_pretty | |
|
Before
<p>A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he was very strong and a very capable climber (for example, he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk">did many hard problems in the School Room</a>) [2]. </p>
<p>However many of his claimed ascents turned out to be fabricated. For example, he claimed to have climbed <a href="/climb/515">Action Directe</a> but was unable to produce a belayer or any witnesses for the ascent.</p>
<p>He also made many other outlandish claims such as an unbeaten amatuer boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the <a href="/climb/525">Hasse-Brandler</a> route. None of these claims have been verified.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] Obsession <a href="https://vimeo.com/6848413">https://vimeo.com/6848413</a> by <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle">Chris Doyle</a>.</p>
<p>[2] <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle">Chris Doyle</a> on UKBouldering.com <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502</a> </p>
<blockquote>
<p>We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[3] <a href="/climber/300/keith-bradbury">Keith Bradbury</a> discussing climbing with Rich <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[4] <em>Rich Simpson</em> by <a href="/climber/129/steve-mcclure">Steve McClure</a>, <em>Climb</em> Issue 44, page 36</p>
After
<p>A prolific fantasist. Unusually, he may have had the physical level to do many of his claimed ascents, with feats of strength <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA_zHzbUhpk" rel="noopener noreferrer">demonstrated in the School Room</a>) [2]. </p>
<p>However, in 2010 the claims became more outlandish: an unbeaten amateur boxing record, a sub 2hr30min marathon, a sub 4 minute mile and a very quick solo ascent of the long, loose <a href="/climb/525" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hasse-Brandler</a> route. None of these claims have been verified.</p>
<p>This lead to further scrutiny of his prior claims and it transpired that many were likely fabricated [5]. For example, he was unable to name a belayer or any witness of his 2005 claim on <a href="/climb/515" rel="noopener noreferrer">Action Directe</a>, despite travelling to the Frankenjura with <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a> to film his ascent.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] Obsession <a href="https://vimeo.com/6848413" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://vimeo.com/6848413</a> by <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a>.</p>
<p>[2] <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a> on UKBouldering.com <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292502.html#msg292502</a> </p>
<blockquote>
<p>We were in the school for about 4 hours that day, he did loads of hard problems on repeat, 1-5-9 campussing loads of times etc.. He got on Perky Pinky but didn't manage to do it in a oner so i spliced two sections together. You can't deny he was bastard strong. I mean Neil Mawson has climbed 8c and he's not in the same book never mind the same page in terms of strength. Malc Smith sent me a message recently, he sounded pretty dumbfounded by it all and said that Simpson was the strongest climber he'd ever seen (and he's seen a few). None of this means much as hard proof is needed but you can't deny he was strong enough.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[3] <a href="/climber/300/keith-bradbury" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keith Bradbury</a> discussing climbing with Rich <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,31564.msg647020.html#msg647020</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I also climbed with Rich outdoors. In fact, I was with him for most that fateful trip in Frankenjura where we wrote off a car, he littered his jizz tissues all over my bed, and he probably didn't do Action Direct. I belayed him on lots of different routes. I did see him warm up on 8b routes (as in, actually doing them). I belayed him on some 9a's which he later claimed although I didn't see him do them. One of those was action direct. I belayed Rich for several sessions on Action Direct. I remember how bad conditions were some days with holds turning black instantly. I remember some days he was really struggling on the route and couldn't do the moves. Other days he would link sections consistently. I also saw him climb from just after the first jump to the top. That's when I realised Rich could definitely do it and it was a case of conditions and a good go. But then I left to go the UK for a week of exams and when I came back he'd ticked off a bunch of stuff... including Action Direct.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>[4] <em>Rich Simpson</em> by <a href="/climber/129/steve-mcclure" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steve McClure</a>, <em>Climb</em> Issue 44, page 36</p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/threads/simpson-vanishes.16327/</a></p>
|
|||||||
| 1034 | 1st June 2026 | 09:04:49 UTC | TdG | ascent | Richard Simpson's ascent of Liquid Ambar | notes | |
|
Before
In the context of his other claims there is doubt around this ascent, however his belayer [Dan Tounley](/climber/1086/dan-tounley) has been contacted (by [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle)) and has confirmed the ascent:
> Yes, I can confirm Rich done these routes [[Liquid Ambar](/climb/66/liquid-ambar), [Hubble](/climb/5/hubble)] as I belayed him.
Makes me laugh that people are doubting him. I tried to log on to U.K Climbing website when I read about the story but unfortunatly my schools sever wouldn't let me (I am in Thailand). Maybe people will stop doubting him now! Maybe he upset someone, I know he can be an arrogant little twat sometimes!!! [1]
[Simon Lee](/climber/1098/simon-lee) has separately been in touch with Dan to confirm the ascent.
### References
[1] [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046)
[2] Interview in *On The Edge* Issue 140, August/September 2004, Page 12
After
In the context of his other claims there is doubt around this ascent, however his belayer [Dan Tounley](/climber/1086/dan-tounley) has been contacted (by [Chris Doyle](/climber/220/chris-doyle)) and has confirmed the ascent:
> Yes, I can confirm Rich done these routes [[Liquid Ambar](/climb/66/liquid-ambar), [Hubble](/climb/5/hubble)] as I belayed him.
Makes me laugh that people are doubting him. I tried to log on to U.K Climbing website when I read about the story but unfortunatly my schools sever wouldn't let me (I am in Thailand). Maybe people will stop doubting him now! Maybe he upset someone, I know he can be an arrogant little twat sometimes!!! [1]
[Simon Lee](/climber/1098/simon-lee) has separately been in touch with Dan to confirm the ascent.
Guidebook author [Pete Harrison](/climber/2710/pete-harrison) was less convinced:
>I've got an extensive collection of emails from reputable people detailing Simpon's various lies - I got involved with trying to clear up his Liquid Ambar claim while producing the NW guide and, as usual, felt like digging deeper once it was obvious he was a serial walter mitty. I've still got Simpson's emails asking me to abide by certain conditions before he'd name his LA belayer. And I've got the email Shark received from Dan Townley in which Dan confirms he belayed Simpson on ascents of LA and Hubble (both times 'early in the morning, no-one else at the crag'. Doesn't match the third-hand account of the people at Parisellas Cave the day Simpson appeared and claimed to have sent LA). Simpson's so dubious and troubled that even having a belayer confirm his ascents isn't credible enough! [3]
### References
[1] [https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046](https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046)
[2] Interview in *On The Edge* Issue 140, August/September 2004, Page 12
[3] [https://ukbouldering.com/threads/the-rich-simpson-nostalgia-revisionism-thread.27176/page-2](https://ukbouldering.com/threads/the-rich-simpson-nostalgia-revisionism-thread.27176/page-2)
Diff
--- before
|
|||||||
| 1035 | 1st June 2026 | 09:04:49 UTC | TdG | ascent | Richard Simpson's ascent of Liquid Ambar | notes_pretty | |
|
Before
<p>In the context of his other claims there is doubt around this ascent, however his belayer <a href="/climber/1086/dan-tounley">Dan Tounley</a> has been contacted (by <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle">Chris Doyle</a>) and has confirmed the ascent:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Yes, I can confirm Rich done these routes [<a href="/climb/66/liquid-ambar">Liquid Ambar</a>, <a href="/climb/5/hubble">Hubble</a>] as I belayed him.
Makes me laugh that people are doubting him. I tried to log on to U.K Climbing website when I read about the story but unfortunatly my schools sever wouldn't let me (I am in Thailand). Maybe people will stop doubting him now! Maybe he upset someone, I know he can be an arrogant little twat sometimes!!! [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="/climber/1098/simon-lee">Simon Lee</a> has separately been in touch with Dan to confirm the ascent.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046</a></p>
<p>[2] Interview in <em>On The Edge</em> Issue 140, August/September 2004, Page 12</p>
After
<p>In the context of his other claims there is doubt around this ascent, however his belayer <a href="/climber/1086/dan-tounley" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dan Tounley</a> has been contacted (by <a href="/climber/220/chris-doyle" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Doyle</a>) and has confirmed the ascent:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Yes, I can confirm Rich done these routes [<a href="/climb/66/liquid-ambar" rel="noopener noreferrer">Liquid Ambar</a>, <a href="/climb/5/hubble" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hubble</a>] as I belayed him.
Makes me laugh that people are doubting him. I tried to log on to U.K Climbing website when I read about the story but unfortunatly my schools sever wouldn't let me (I am in Thailand). Maybe people will stop doubting him now! Maybe he upset someone, I know he can be an arrogant little twat sometimes!!! [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="/climber/1098/simon-lee" rel="noopener noreferrer">Simon Lee</a> has separately been in touch with Dan to confirm the ascent.</p>
<p>Guidebook author <a href="/climber/2710/pete-harrison" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pete Harrison</a> was less convinced:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I've got an extensive collection of emails from reputable people detailing Simpon's various lies - I got involved with trying to clear up his Liquid Ambar claim while producing the NW guide and, as usual, felt like digging deeper once it was obvious he was a serial walter mitty. I've still got Simpson's emails asking me to abide by certain conditions before he'd name his LA belayer. And I've got the email Shark received from Dan Townley in which Dan confirms he belayed Simpson on ascents of LA and Hubble (both times 'early in the morning, no-one else at the crag'. Doesn't match the third-hand account of the people at Parisellas Cave the day Simpson appeared and claimed to have sent LA). Simpson's so dubious and troubled that even having a belayer confirm his ascents isn't credible enough! [3]</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,16602.msg292046.html#msg292046</a></p>
<p>[2] Interview in <em>On The Edge</em> Issue 140, August/September 2004, Page 12</p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://ukbouldering.com/threads/the-rich-simpson-nostalgia-revisionism-thread.27176/page-2" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ukbouldering.com/threads/the-rich-simpson-nostalgia-revisionism-thread.27176/page-2</a></p>
|
|||||||
| 1036 | 29th May 2026 | 08:05:50 UTC | TdG | climb | L'Insoutenable Légèreté de l'Être | notes | |
|
Before
Originally 8B+, a contender for the first of the grade in the Forest. After a hold broke it became 8B.
Named after the book *The Unbearable Lightness of Being* by [Milan Kundera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milan_Kundera) [1].
### References
[1] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being)
After
Originally 8B+, a contender for the first of the grade in the Forest. After a hold broke it became 8B.
Named after the book *The unbearable lightness of being* by [Milan Kundera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milan_Kundera) [1].
### References
[1] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being)
Diff
--- before
|
|||||||
| 1037 | 29th May 2026 | 08:05:50 UTC | TdG | climb | L'Insoutenable Légèreté de l'Être | climb_name | |
|
Before
L'Insoutenable Légèreté de l'être
After
L'Insoutenable Légèreté de l'Être
|
|||||||
| 1038 | 29th May 2026 | 08:05:50 UTC | TdG | climb | L'Insoutenable Légèreté de l'Être | notes_pretty | |
|
Before
<p>Originally 8B+, a contender for the first of the grade in the Forest. After a hold broke it became 8B.</p>
<p>Named after the book <em>The Unbearable Lightness of Being</em> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milan_Kundera" rel="noopener noreferrer">Milan Kundera</a> [1].</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being</a> </p>
After
<p>Originally 8B+, a contender for the first of the grade in the Forest. After a hold broke it became 8B.</p>
<p>Named after the book <em>The unbearable lightness of being</em> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milan_Kundera" rel="noopener noreferrer">Milan Kundera</a> [1].</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unbearable_Lightness_of_Being</a> </p>
|
|||||||
| 1039 | 27th May 2026 | 16:16:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Aidan Roberts's ascent of The Singularity | notes | |
|
Before
A close flash go:
>I think most people find a third move, the definitive crux. Some people find the second move pretty hard, but it's like mostly like the second and third move is definitely the most of the difficulty. But it's definitely possible to fall after that. I did. But on my flash go, I stuck the third move, but was like a little bit shallow on the hold until I went to readjust and like dry-fired off it, which I didn't really expect.
### References
[1] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu)
[2] [The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast: E200: 9A boulderer draft, Squamish and chat, 27 May 2026](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/e200-9a-boulderer-draft-squamish-and-chat/id1626857390?i=1000769761516&r=967)
After
A close flash go:
>I think most people find the third move the definitive crux. Some people find the second move pretty hard, but it's like mostly the second and third move is definitely the most of the difficulty. But it's definitely possible to fall after that. I did. But on my flash go, I stuck the third move, but was like a little bit shallow on the hold until I went to readjust and dry-fired off it, which I didn't really expect.
### References
[1] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu)
[2] [The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast: E200: 9A boulderer draft, Squamish and chat, 27 May 2026](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/e200-9a-boulderer-draft-squamish-and-chat/id1626857390?i=1000769761516&r=967)
Diff
--- before
|
|||||||
| 1040 | 27th May 2026 | 16:16:29 UTC | TdG | ascent | Aidan Roberts's ascent of The Singularity | notes_pretty | |
|
Before
<p>A close flash go:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think most people find a third move, the definitive crux. Some people find the second move pretty hard, but it's like mostly like the second and third move is definitely the most of the difficulty. But it's definitely possible to fall after that. I did. But on my flash go, I stuck the third move, but was like a little bit shallow on the hold until I went to readjust and like dry-fired off it, which I didn't really expect.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/e200-9a-boulderer-draft-squamish-and-chat/id1626857390?i=1000769761516&r=967" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast: E200: 9A boulderer draft, Squamish and chat, 27 May 2026</a></p>
After
<p>A close flash go:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think most people find the third move the definitive crux. Some people find the second move pretty hard, but it's like mostly the second and third move is definitely the most of the difficulty. But it's definitely possible to fall after that. I did. But on my flash go, I stuck the third move, but was like a little bit shallow on the hold until I went to readjust and dry-fired off it, which I didn't really expect.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xpGNGkv0wiqkxEdmVRinu</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/e200-9a-boulderer-draft-squamish-and-chat/id1626857390?i=1000769761516&r=967" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast: E200: 9A boulderer draft, Squamish and chat, 27 May 2026</a></p>
|
|||||||