'It's a preposterous plan. Still, if you do get up it, it'll be the hardest thing that's been done in the Himalayas.' So spoke Chris Bonington when Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker presented him with their plan to tackle the unclimbed West Wall of Changabang - the Shining Mountain - in 1976. Bonington's was one of the more positive responses; most felt the climb impossibly hard, especially for a two-man, lightweight expedition. This was, after all, perhaps the most fearsome and technically challenging granite wall in the Garhwal Himalaya and an ascent - particularly one in a lightweight style - would be more significant than anything done on Everest at the time. The idea had been Joe Tasker's. He had photographed the sheer, shining, white granite sweep of Changabang's West Wall on a previous expedition and asked Pete to return with him the following year. Tasker contributes a second voice throughout Boardman's story, which starts with acclimatisation, sleeping in a Salford frozen food store, and progresses through three nights of hell, marooned in hammocks during a storm, to moments of exultation at the variety and intricacy of the superb, if punishingly difficult, climbing. It is a story of how climbing a mountain can become an all-consuming goal, of the tensions inevitable in forty days of isolation on a two-man expedition; as well as a record of the moment of joy upon reaching the summit ridge against all odds. First published in 1978, The Shining Mountain is Peter Boardman's first book. It is a very personal and honest story that is also amusing, lucidly descriptive, very exciting, and never anything but immensely readable. It was awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for literature in 1979, winning wide acclaim. His second book, Sacred Summits, was published shortly after his death in 1982.

One of Great Britain's finest climbers and adventurers, Leo Houlding started out climbing at ten years of age in the Lake District literally learning the ropes tackling the many historic peaks and crags in the area. Honing his skills as he grew, at eighteen Leo became one of the very first to free climb the mighty El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley, California widely regarded as the most impressive rock face on the planet cementing his reputation as a world class climber. He has since gone on to not only summit the world's tallest walls and toughest peaks, but has become a twenty-first Century explorer, crossing continents to take extreme sports to the most remote corners of Earth - from the frozen mountains of Antarctica to the sweltering jungles of South America How did a working class lad from the north of England scale such heights and avoid the pitfalls and fatal accidents that have struck down so many of his colleagues and friends? Honest, raw and exhilarating, Closer to the Edge is Leo's 'warts-and-all' insight into the extreme life of one of Britain's best climbers who is active today and still planning epic adventures. In a page-turning narrative, Leo describes his childhood inspirations to climb, his mentors who guided him, and the exhilaration of those teenage years when he broke into the public consciousness - such as his infamous race against Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear. He will reveal to the reader what drives him, how he assesses risk and judges how close to the edge he can go and return safely, and how he balances this with teaching his own children the lessons he has learnt in some of the world's most dangerous and extreme places. Closer to the Edge is the story of a remarkable climber and free spirit who has been at the top of his game for over thirty years, with still more mountains to explore.

This is a superb, new edition, full-colour guide to the finest winter climbs in Scotland. The second edition of this indispensible guidebook to winter climbing has been fully updated and expanded to detail over 900 of the finest winter climbs in Scotland, with the emphasis on the popular lower and mid-grade classics. Colour action photographs, photo-diagrams and maps supplement accurate descriptions to make this an essential item for any winter mountaineer.This is another in a new generation of popular guides by the definitive publisher of climbers' guidebooks to Scotland. It is an essential winter guidebook and the only one which covers the whole of Scotland. The book is completely revised to take account of the change of climbing habits and weather conditions in the Scottish mountains. It presents accurate, up to date descriptions, supplemented by colour cliff photo-diagrams and maps. It also covers a large number of climbs, across the grades with emphasis on the lower and mid-grade classics. It is user friendly in a successful and well presented format. It also features robust construction with page marker ribbon to ease location of climbs.

A lavishly illustrated, definitive guidebook to the Avon Gorge from the Climbers Club. It reflects the unique situation of a major crag in the centre of a university city and does full justice to its historical significance as well as taking full account of the major restoration work carried out by the Climb Bristol team over recent years. It also includes the crags on the west side of the gorge for the first time for half a century.

Another cold winter in 2010/2011 led to much new route activity across the Highlands. The lead article is an account of the first ascent of Stone Temple Pilots on Shelter Stone Crag - one of the most impressive of the new climbs done last winter season. There are also articles detailing the winter routes on Merrick in the Borders and in Coire Eilde - a new venue in Glen Coe. There are articles relating to the development of routes at Carnmore some fifty years ago, as well Longbow Crag in the Cairngorms some thirty years ago. There are also various articles of a more general mountaineering interest including a modern appraisal of Ben Wyvis. A short but very interesting article about the criteria for identifying Corbetts is sure to generate much debate among the hillbaggers. The Journal uses colour throughout for the very first time this year. This has allowed illustrations to be used rather more imaginatively than formerly.

This newly delineated guide describes some of the best scrambles and easy rock climbs in the North-West Highlands of Scotland, the Outer Hebrides and Rum. With 200 routes stretching from Sutherland in the north to Glenfinnan in the south, and from Uist in the west to Caithness in the east, its scope and range offer scrambling options across all levels and rock types. Keen hillwalkers can build their confidence on straightforward itineraries with a bit of exposure, and there's plenty to whet the appetites of those who already have some experience and want to explore new territory on sustained, technical journeys requiring greater commitment. From the elegant bands of Lewisian gneiss that comprise much of the Outer Hebrides and the northern hinterland of Ben Stack and Foinaven to Torridon's terraced sandstone cliffs and the pinnacled ridges of An Teallach, there are many hidden gems to discover. You'll also find updates of well-established and much-loved classics, including the Forcan Ridge, Stac Pollaidh and the Rum Cuillin. Presented in our new contemporary style, Highland Scrambles North includes high-resolution photo diagrams and beautifully rendered maps for greater clarity and accessibility. With venue and route information accompanied by advice on conditions, this guidebook has everything you need for a superb day out in the Scottish mountains

Fontainebleau is the world centre for boulder style climbing, with thousands of boulders scattered throughout the majestic forest. This 2nd volume covers all of the quieter areas that are 'deep' in the forest (TOP SECRET), hidden from the crowded hotspots. The climbing in these areas is stunning, with over 130 classic circuits that comprise of 5000+ problems. The beautifully clear graphics and 1400+ photo topos, also allows for an additional 4000+ off circuit problems to be included. This book gives an exceptional level of detail with problem styles, heights, and even crash pad ratings. * 9000+ climbing routes - 60 venues - beginner to expert* 130+ quiet circuits away from the crowds, covering all standards* Ultra modern graphics, and 1400+ quality photo topos* Ideal for indoor bouldering gym enthusiasts to explore outside* Bi-lingual guidebook, French and EnglishThis is the second in the series from Jingo Wobbly. Font Bloc Vol 1 - Fun Bloc, covers 7000 problems with 100 circuits. 9781873665152.

This guide describes some of the best scrambles and easy rock climbs to be found in Scotland (excepting Skye and the Northern Highlands which are described in separate SMC guides). It covers the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, as well as the islands of Rum, Mull and Arran. All kinds of outings are described; from short routes on the gabbro crags of Ardnamurchan to major undertakings on the ridges of Ben Nevis. A number of the outings are described for the very first time.Highland Scrambles South completes the Scottish Mountaineering Club's three volume coverage of scrambling and easy climbs among the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.The guide describes 215 routes in The Cairngorms, Lochnagar, Ben Nevis & The Mamores, Glen Coe & Glen Etive, Knoydart, Ardgour & Ardnamurchan, Creag Meagaidh & Ben Alder, Southern Highlands, Southern Uplands and on the islands of Mull, Rum and Arran.

'One of the greatest mountaineering survival stories never told.' - The Sunday Times Some mountains are high; some mountains are hard. Few are both. On the afternoon of 13 July 1977, having become the first climbers to reach the summit of the Ogre, Doug Scott and Chris Bonington began their long descent. In the minutes that followed, any feeling of success from their achievement would be overwhelmed by the start of a desperate fight for survival. And things would only get worse. Rising to over 7,000 metres in the centre of the Karakoram, the Ogre - Baintha Brakk - is notorious in mountaineering circles as one of the most difficult mountains to climb. First summited by Scott and Bonington in 1977 - on expedition with Paul 'Tut' Braithwaite, Nick Estcourt, Clive Rowland and Mo Anthoine - it waited almost twenty-four years for a second ascent, and a further eleven years for a third. The Ogre, by legendary mountaineer Doug Scott, is a two-part biography of this enigmatic peak: in the first part, Scott has painstakingly researched the geography and history of the mountain; part two is the long overdue and very personal account of his and Bonington's first ascent and their dramatic week-long descent on which Scott suffered two broken legs and Bonington smashed ribs. Using newly discovered diaries, letters and audio tapes, it tells of the heroic and selfless roles played by Clive Rowland and Mo Anthoine. When the desperate climbers finally made it back to base camp, they were to find it abandoned - and themselves still a long way from safety. The Ogre is undoubtedly one of the greatest adventure stories of all time.

There are few more beautiful places than Scotland's winter mountains. But even when most of the snow has melted, isolated patches can linger well into summer and beyond. In The Vanishing Ice, Iain Cameron chronicles these remarkable and little-seen relics of the Ice Age, describing how they have fascinated travellers and writers for hundreds of years, and reflecting on the impact of climate change. Iain was nine years old when snow patches first captured his imagination, and they have been inextricably bound with his life ever since. He developed his expertise through correspondence (and close friendship) with research ecologist Dr Adam Watson, and is today Britain's foremost authority on this weather phenomenon. Iain takes us on a tour of Britain which includes the Scottish Highlands, the Southern Uplands, the Lake District and Snowdonia, seeking elusive patches of snow in wild and often inaccessible locations. His adventures include a perilous climb in the Cairngorms with comedian Ed Byrne, and glorious days spent out on the hills with Andrew Cotter and his very good dogs, Olive and Mabel. Based on sound scientific evidence and personal observations, accompanied by stunning photography and wrapped in Iain's shining passion for the British landscape, The Vanishing Ice is a eulogy to snow, the mountains and the great outdoors.

The Anti-Atlas, by Morocco Rock, is the latest selected climbs guide to Morocco's winter sun trad climbing destination, featuring the very best routes to be found in the region around the busy market town of Tafraout, and only a couple of hours from Agadir airport. This revised and updated guide documents a colossal 1700 routes on over 100 crags, including many new developments in this, now established, quartzite paradise. The book features new cliffs in the mighty Amaghouz Gorge on the western fringes, as well as new discoveries in every major area throughout the guide, and also includes the granite boulders and outcrops around Tafraout, which have a mixture of trad and sport climbing. The area should appeal to all climbers with a sense of adventure, and especially to those wanting to experience a change of culture, and it is already becoming an extremely popular destination worldwide. Modern, colourful topos and inspiring action photography compliment the user-friendly maps and crag table, facilitating swift and easy crag and route choice. There are now 9 major areas to choose from, including a selection of varied length walks at the end of each section, to keep any stalwarts entertained on a `rest day'. No adverts also mean that this guidebook is packed full of information from cover to cover, including state of the art smartphone navigation to the parking spots via satellite co-ordination. The beautiful and rugged mountain terrain is surprisingly quick and easy to access, many of the cliffs within twenty minutes walk from the road, giving much of the climbing here a distinctly `cragging' feel, akin to that to be found in many areas of the UK. There is everything in this guide, from big mountain days on multi pitch routes, to roadside single pitch cragging, predominantly on perfect, sun-baked, golden quartzite. The fantastic eastern culture and warm winter sunshine, from September right through to May, together with the diversity of extraordinary adventures to be had, make this area a very special place in which to climb.

This Scottish Mountaineering Club climbers' guidebook details all the summer and winter climbing to be found in the Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye. The Cuillin of Skye has long been regarded as one of the finest climbing areas in the UK. This guidebook is written by a Mountain Guide with an in-depth knowledge of the area. Since the successful 1996 edition of this guide, there have been many new climbs. It is fully comprehensive and up to date covering both summer and winter climbs. It is companion volume to the forthcoming Skye - Sea-cliffs and Outcrops guide. It is full colour throughout with action pictures and detailed photo-diagrams. It is user friendly in a successful and well presented format. It includes page marker ribbon to ease the location of climbs. Mike Lates is a climber and mountain guide who lives and works on the Isle of Skye, his knowledge of the Cuillin Mountains from both a personal and professional point of view is considerable.

A classic of mountaineering literature, The White Spider tells the story of the harrowing first ascent of the Eiger's North Wall, one of the most legendary and terrifying climbs in recorded history.Heinrich Herrer, author of Seven Years in Tibet, was a member of the four-man party that scaled the previously untouchable North Wall of the Eiger in 1938. In The White Spider, Herrer tells the story of this harrowing first ascent, a gripping first-hand account of daring and resilience in the high Swiss Alps.Moving from his own amazing experiences to the numerous later attempts to replicate his team's achievements (some tragic failures, others spectacular successes), Herrer writes as well as he climbs, drawing the reader into a beguiling story of courage, strength and a confidence always on the edge of hubris.A new introduction by Joe Simpson, author of the acclaimed mountaineering epic Touching the Void, reminds us of the enduring relevance of this absolute classic.

More and more people around the world are discovering how great climbing is, both indoors and outdoors. The Climbing Bible by internationally renowned climbers and coaches Martin Mobråten and Stian Christophersen is a comprehensive guide to help you train effectively to become a better climber. The authors have been climbing coaches for a number of years. Based on their own extensive experience and research, this book collates the best European training techniques into one book with information on how to specifically train for the technical, physical and mental performance factors in climbing – including endurance, power, motivation, fear of falling, and much more. It also deals with tactics, fingerboarding and finger strength, general training and injury prevention, injuries related to climbing, and training plans. It is illustrated with 400 technique and action photos, and features stories from top climbers as well as a foreword by climber and bestselling author Jo Nesbø. The Climbing Bible will help and motivate you to improve and develop as a climber and find even more joy in this fantastic sport.

Joe Tasker lies, struck down by illness, in a damp, bug-infested room in the Himalaya, wondering if he will be well enough to climb Dunagiri, his first venture to the 'big' mountains. One of Britain's foremost mountaineers and a pioneer of lightweight climbing, he is about to attempt one of the first true 'alpine-style' climbs in the Greater Ranges. The Dunagiri attempt forms part of Tasker's striking tale of adventure in the savage arena of the mountains. A superb writer, he vividly describes the first British winter ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, the first ascent of the West Wall of Changabang - considered a 'preposterous' plan by the climbing world - and his two unsuccessful attempts on K2, the second highest mountain on Earth. Savage Arena is both moving and exciting, an inspirational tale of the adventuring spirit which follows its own path, endlessly seeking new challenges, climbs and difficulties to overcome. It is not reaching the summit which counts, it is the journey to it. It is also a story of the stresses and strains of living for long periods in constant anxiety, often with only one other person, and of the close and vital human relationships which spring from those circumstances.

Wired Guides Scottish Rock Climbs showcases the very best trad and sport routes across Scotland, covering a wealth of climbing never before presented in a single volume. Its breadth and scope takes in the Galloway hills,m the outcrops of the Central and North-West Highlands, the mountain ranges of Arran the Cairngorms, Glen Coe, Lochaber, Torridon, Assynt and Sutherland, as well as the sea-cliffs of the north0east and north-west coasts, the Hebrides and the Northern Isles, and historical urban test-pieces at Dumbarton. Each of the 1,700 routes is shown on a diagram and supported by detailed information gathered and compiled by local activists. Its the book you need to inspire a lifetime's worth of rock climbing adventure in Scotland. Key features: - The book covers Scotland in it's entirety, with all levels of difficulty covered and inspirational photography throughout from some of the UK's premier photographers. - It presents the very best climbing that Scotland has to offer, both classic and lesser trodden - but equally impressive - venues. - There are venues and diagrams included that have not yet appeared in a guidebook, included recent world-class developments, - You'll find everything from relaxed climbing at sport outcrops through to full-scale sea-cliff adventures. - every single route is on a diagram, with detail never before presented in a Scottish guidebook. - Every venue has an accompanying map and detailed access information to get you to the crag. - Each section is based upon input from local activists , so the information is accurate and up-to-date and with the best routes selected. - Details of where to find further information in our comprehensive guidebooks is included. - We've included top tips to get you away from the honeypots for some top-class Scottish climbing adventures. - The book sits neatly alongside the Wired Guidebooks to 'Pembroke Rock,' 'Lake District Rock,' 'Northern Rock,' 'Peak District Rock,' and 'Lakes Sport and Slate'

***** 'Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a warrior. I'm in awe of her strength and courage' - Selena Gomez 'An incredibly powerful story' Sunday Independent 'In the Shadow of the Mountain has all the elements a great memoir requires - a strong voice, cinematic prose, a hero to root for - in essence, an extraordinary story about an extraordinary woman's life' - San Francisco Chronicle 'Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a woman possessed of uncommon strength, rare compassion, and a ferocious stubbornness to not allow the trauma of her childhood to destroy her life' - Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love 'Powerful' - New York Times YOU DON'T CONQUER A MOUNTAIN. YOU SURRENDER TO IT ONE STEP AT A TIME. Despite a high-flying career, Silvia Vasquez-Lavado knew she was hanging by a thread. Deep in the throes of alcoholism, and hiding her sexuality from her family, she was repressing the abuse she'd suffered as a child. When her mother called her home to Peru, she knew something finally had to change. It did. Silvia began to climb. Something about the sheer size of the mountains, the vast emptiness and the nearness of death, woke her up. And then, she took her biggest pain to the biggest mountain: Everest. The 'Mother of the World' allows few to reach her summit, but Silvia didn't go alone. Trekking with her to Base Camp, were five troubled young women on an odyssey that helped each confront their personal trauma, and whose strength and community propelled Silvia forward... Beautifully written and deeply moving, In the Shadow of the Mountain is a remarkable story of compassion, humility, and strength, inspiring us all to find have faith in our own heroism and resilience.