Jam Crack - The Niall Grimes Climbing Podcast

Friend of the show Julian Lines recounts a day out belaying Dave Macleod on his impressive repeat of Franco Cookson's e12, But Nothing is Lost.   To preorder Crack Bouldering on Peak Gritstone see here https://crackonclimbing.com/

In part two of Tom's chat we delve into a dark period of substance abuse, depression and desperation and ultimately the return of the psyche. Marvellous.   Support this week comes from Summit Financial Services. Speak to a climbing and mountaineering specialist today on 0345 565 0937 or click here for quote https://www.summit-fs.co.uk/

Young Tom Pearce has been on a tear in North Wales lately, smashing out E9 repeats and finding his trad spark. In part one of this two-parter we hear about Tom's origins in the North York Moors and how this lad first went to outer soace on a crusty 6-metre headpoint. Fond childhood memories and silly chat  guarantees you laughs and warm smiles, or your money back. Support this week comes from Summit Financial Services. Speak to a climbing and mountaineering specialist today on 0345 565 0937 or click here for quote https://www.summit-fs.co.uk/

In part two of the Caff chat we talk about Extreme Rock, Nesscliffe and putting on raves in the Dinorwic quarries. Tons of crack!

I had the pleasure of working alongside James "Caff" MacHaffie for a few years and never tired of his dark and boundless energy. One Monday morning I came into the office and, mockinly, asked if he had "Done any 9s this last week?" He had to stop and think about it. That's the level he was climbing at. And not only has he done numerous E9s and E10s, including many first ascents, but his solo climbing will never be matched, he has redpointed 9a (twice), has climbed every route in the book Extreme Rock, has bouldered 8a and put on loads of raves in the quarries. Beat that, Jokob Schubert! Support this week comes from Summit Financial Services. Speak to a climbing and mountaineering specialist today on 0345 565 0937 or click here for quote https://www.summit-fs.co.uk/

Part 2 of the Rachel Pearce chat where we hear about her ascent of the Indian Face as well as loads more about her. Enjoy x

North-Wales-based trad machine Rachel Pearce set headlines this summer with her ascent of the Indian Face. Indian Face, the country's first E9, had only had ten ascents in the 40 years since it was first done, practically every ascent making the headlines. This huge slab climb on the sombre cliffs of Cloggy stands for many as the ultimate in the committing end of trad climbing. With her ascent Rachel became to first woman to succeed on a the climb. Yet it is only the latest in a long ticklist of bold and desperate climbs on the mountains and seacliffs in her home turf. Hear about Rachel's background and the climbs that led to this monumental achievement. Much crack.

An honour to have climbing legend Steve Bancroft who, along with John Allen, headed up the Gritstone Renaissance of the 1970s. Many stories and slices of life from that golden era. Hear the tales behind Moon Crack, Edge Lane, Profit of Doom, Hairless Heart, Wall of Horrors, London Wall and many more.  A true view behind the history.   Thanks to this week's sponsors: Summit Financial Services https://www.summit-fs.co.uk/    

A lame account of how I went to the North Face's DWS event in London the other week and failed to corner anyone for the Jam. Sorry. But at least I survived.

Tom Livingstone is a hugely driven mountaineer, alpinist and rock climber. He has redpointed up to 8b+ and trad E9 and is best-known internationally for a first ascent on Latok 1 for which he won the acclaimed Piolets d'Or.