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The Cratcliffe Groove finally climbed

On a beautiful snowy winters day and in perfect conditions James Pearson calmly succeeded on one of the last great problems on gritstone, The Groove at Cratcliffe in Derbyshire.


James toproping The Groove before the first ascent.
Photograph: ©David Simmonite Photography

This fantastic feature had been tried by many of the leading climbers of their day over the last 20 odd years with most declaring it impossible or one for the next generation.Well that time has finally arrived.

Weighing in at a mighty E10 7b this highly technical and bold route became something of a long term project for James, spending more time on this route than any other he had tried and having already climbed two E10’s with a repeat of Equilibrium and his own route, The Promise he is no slouch to this kind of climbing.

It all began with an initial foray four years ago and more than a dozen attempts over the intervening years before he climbed perhaps one of the most significant routes ever climbed on grit and a step forward on what is possible. One handed slaps, tiny pebble pulling, a dyno with a probable ground fall and slopers are just part of what’s expected to succeed on a route at this level.

James commented after the ascent, “I feel proud and privileged to have been able to make the first ascent of this outstanding route.”

The ascent was filmed by the Hot Aches crew for a future film and for full details on the ascent check out the April issue of Climb magazine (on sale 13th March 2008) for exclusive pictures and the full story.

James at the end of all of the difficulties during the first ascent of The Groove (E10 7b) at Cratcliffe in Derbyshire. The often tried groove can be seen at the bottom of the photograph'. 

Photograph: ©David Simmonite Photography

 

James Pearson's Sponsors: 

Five Ten

Wild Country

The North Face

The Orange House - where James is currently holding Masterclass sessions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Pearson working the moves in 2007 on the Groove E10 7b. Click for a preview

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