I can certainly think of worse ways to spend an hour and twenty minutes than by watching this fabulous climbing / mountaineering movie by Alastair Lee. The photography is amazing, the scenery beautiful and the action puts you on the edge of your seat.
This climbing DVD is divided into 3 parts
Part 1 focuses on the truly remarkable Sheffield lad, Steve McClure. Steve’s humble demeanour combined with his breathtaking ability makes him a real pleasure to watch. Steve gives us a masterclass in climbing technique on some seriosly steep, crimpy crags. Some of the holds he has to use for these ascents have to be seen to be believed.
The action takes in Steve, completely destroying “Mutation – 9a” on Raven Tor, ‘Northern Lights – 9a” on Kinsey and the mighty “Overshadow 9a+” at Malham Cove.
In an interview, Steve admits that he isn’t the most powerful climber at his level. It’s clear that his ability comes from his flawless technique and unfathomable mental strength. If you want to improve your climbing technique, this is the man to watch.
Part 2 is entitled ‘Patagonian Winter’ and features Ian Parnell and Hull lad, Andy Kirkpatrick in an expedition to climb an awe inspiring peak in Patagonia.
The peak in question is Toreega (apologies if that is an incorrect spelling) . Ian starts by explaining that it has only been climbed half a dozen times in summer and never never climbed in winter! Guess what season they decide to go…. The line up the 1000m + peak is described as being about an E1 in summer. You can only imagine the winter grade.
The expedition is an extremely serious endeavour. It is fascinating to follow Ian and Andy as they make life and death decisions along the way. The pair manage to maintain a fabulous sense of humor throughout the film despite enduring some pretty horrendous conditions.
This could quite easily be my favourite mountaineering film, ever!
Part 3 follows trad superstar Dave Burkett trad climbing a monster route on the Isle of Skye.
This part of the DVD starts with version of ‘Visit Scotland’ TV ad, which if you have ever been to Scotland you will find hilarious.
We’re then taken to Skye to watch Dave tackle a huge trad route. Once again it’s great to hear familiar Yorkshire dialect (and some top quality swearing). It makes me proud to be a Yorkshire man myself.
It’s really interesting to watch the approach to climbing a barely climbed before route, having only climbed very well documented routes myself.
As with the rest of the DVD, the scenery is fantastic. It certainly cemented my decision to have a go at the Black Cuillin Ridge on Skye this summer.
Overall this DVD is a great buy. I can’t recommend it enough. I felt completely inspired by the end.
Now I just need to get outdoors and climb. Roll on summer!!!
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