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.
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| 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. |
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For an in-depth analysis of Scottish winter climbing, read our interview with Alan Mullin - 
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13/05/2026
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