Creag dubh on the Cobbler in '78
Paul Cunningham points me at another new youtube of John Cunningham and Creag Dubh club friends rock climbing in pretty wintery conditions on the Cobbler in 1978. What really struck me watching this was how dramatically rock climbing in Scotland was about to move on in terms of attitude, tactics and standard shortly after this. Just one year after this on the same cliff Dave Cuthbertson was making a massive step forward in standard with Wild Country at hard E6 6b (sparsely protected F7b or 7b+). This video really shows an end of an era of an approach to climbing, and the start of a completely different one.
Ah but, Willie Gorman's still down the wall, now passing on his skills to the younger generation. He's a lifer for sure.
ReplyDeletePeter
Really interesting vid Dave. Rock climbing standards were indeed about to move on, but I can't help wondering if mountaineering standards have dwindled. There are very few Scottish climbers these days willing go out rock climbing in anything other than dry, sunny conditions!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Guy
Or maybe folk just saved the wintery climbing for proper winter conditions, went bouldering on the chilly windy days and saved the mountain days for when it's nicest to climb - in the sun. Makes sense.
ReplyDeleteDid I hear someone wisper the name Norrie?
ReplyDeleteIt seems that 'big girl's blousery' is the order of the day now.
ReplyDelete