Over the last few years, since I started flying speedwings, I've made many trips to Pentland hills. Despite being just outside of Edinburgh, for a long time these grassy rolling slopes held little appeal for me. The lack of any technical climbing meant I largely focused my attention elsewhere. When I started to fly though, …
Optimism: summer of flying
Over the last few weeks, tightening of travel restrictions and deteriorating weather have made me really appreciate the freedom I enjoyed this summer. Not working, just climbing and flying whenever possible was the silver lining of an otherwise extremely tough year. It seems ironic that the greatest loss of freedom I have ever endured, actually …
BD Ultralights: Climb fast and light without compromise
Anyone vaguely familiar with the nuances of alpine climbing will have heard the phrase 'fast and light' so many times it's enough to make your head spin. In reality though the idea is far more than just a marketing catchphrase to sell fancy equipment, fast and light is a climbing philosophy and an intrinsic part …
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Scottish Water Ice: Ben Udlaidh
This year I finally got the chance to climb on Ben Udlaidh, one of Scotland’s best but often allusive Ice climbing destinations. It was a venue I had heard so much about over the years and it always appealed to me as steep ice has long been my favourite climbing discipline. Needless to say this …