Dave MacLeod climbs Scottish XI 11

On February 19 Dave MacLeod made a winter ascent of "The Hurting" Scottish XI 11, believing this to be the hardest single pitch traditional mixed climb in the world.
One of Scotland's most prolific younger climbers, Dave MacLeod, has made a winter ascent of "The Hurting" believing this to be the hardest single pitch traditional mixed climb in the world.

The route in question is a summertime E4 6a located at the popular Coire an t-Sneachda, Cairngorm. MacLeod, who had abseiled down the route prior to his ascent, climbed the death potential route on 19 February on his second attempt in typical Scottish winter conditions - gusty winds and verglassed cracks. MacLeod has climbed F8c, M12 and Font 8a+ and has tentatively suggested XI 11, once again placing Scotland's trad mixed climbs in the limelight of psychological extremes.

For an in-depth analysis of Scottish winter climbing, read our interview with Alan Mullin - Mullin - searching for the psychological extreme

Dave Macleod profile
www.scottishclimbs.com
www.ukclimbing.com


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