Dave Macleod repeats The Walk of Life

Dave Macleod kicked off his new year in stunning style not with a typical Scottish winter ascent as might have been expected but instead with the remarkable first repeat of 'The Walk of Life', James Pearson's stunning North Devon slabpiece which had originally been graded E12 7a.

Making the most of an extensive high pressure system after Christmas, Macleod travelled southwest from Scotland to the warmest corner in Britain to attempt the Dyer's Lookout testpiece. He spent four days working the line, then feeling confident went for the lead on his fifth day in extremely cold (2.5°C) conditions.

Although Dave felt the route to be considerably easier than first suggested - E9 6c might be closer to the mark - he commented "to climb this route as a first ascent is among the finest ever trad climbing feats" adding that E9 "is still an incredible feat of rock climbing skill and, yes, it’s still world class."