Despite returning from an amazingly successful trip to Switzerland, where, amongst other blocs, Dave MacLeod climbed his first problem graded Font 8C, his hardest bouldering effort this year took place a month ago just before he left for Switzerland.

Dave MacLeod being interviewed for the forthcoming film 'Dave'. Courtesy/Copyright Polished Project

That effort took place at the end of March on the Skeleton Boulder in Glen Nevis on a roof project that MacLeod has been working on and off since 2008. Various injuries and niggles over the years restricted MacLeod from training specifically for the extremely powerful moves. This year after a solid winter of training MacLeod was able to give the problem full effort. 

Writing on his blog MacLeod described his feelings on the successful day. 'The day I did it, I’d had a really crap morning and was feeling fed up and not fully concentrated. So I had no tension of anticipation of success. I just found myself standing in the warm sunshine on the top and had to double check with myself that I’d actually climbed it from the start!' Named 'Natural Method' and graded Font 8B+, MacLeod noted on his facebook page it was the 'Hardest thing I've done this year by a mile!' You can see a film of the ascent here. 

Over the next few weeks Dave will be lecturing at the following Cotswold Outdoor stores:

Reading store - 22nd May

Southampton store - 23rd May

Cardiff Talbot Green - 24th May

Chester store - 28th May

Plymouth store - 29th May

Bournemouth store - 30th May

London Islington store - 31st May

You can find more information about these lectures at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

Look out for a detailed report and new photos on Dave's recent bouldering in Climb 89.

Dave MacLeod is sponsored by Black Diamond, Gore Tex, Mountain Equipment, Scarpa You can read more about Dave’s adventures on his blog. Also look out for the forthcoming film 'Dave' you can see the trailer here.