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| Name: |
Dave 'Cubby' Cuthbertson |
| Age: |
42 |
| Occupation: |
Mountain Guide & Writer/Photographer. |
| Base: |
Ballachulish, Glencoe |
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| Description: |
Cubby was largely responsible for lifting Scottish rock climbing standards to new heights, firstly with Wild Country (E6/7) in 1979, and again with Requiem (E8) in 1983. His ascent of Guerdon Grooves (IX,8) in 1984, was one of the most significant winter climbs of the 80's and 90's, and remains unrepeated. Cubby continued to add numerous fine and difficult routes, but in terms of breaking new ground, they served little more than to consolidate on the standards previously set by himself.
By the 90's, he was a seasoned sport climber, having redpointed 8a+ and 8b, on-sighted 7c+ and the occasional 8a. A trip to the south of France, (where he didn't quite manage to redpoint an 8c due to bad weather), inspired him to put up a difficult new sport climb in Scotland. This led to the Steall Hut development in Glen Nevis.
Although Cubby's project (8c+) very nearly became a reality, injuries put an end to any further attempts.
As a strong boulderer, he has enjoyed successes at National level. As a member of the British team he enjoyed more success in the BICC, winning events, and regularly placed 3rd. Recently Cubby has returned to his Scottish roots, adding quality climbs, such as The New Testament (E4) on the Buachaille, Undertow (E7) at Reiff, Conquistador (E7) near Gairloch, Angel (E7) on Etive, Symbiosis (E8) on Creag A Bhancair, and the first winter ascent of The Duel (IX,8/9) in Glen Coe. |
| Finest Moment: |
There are many, but the recognition I received after the first ascent of Elliots Downfall (V) in Glen Coe, was almost overwhelming. I walked into the Clachaig and everyone turned, even Willie Elliot (who owned Achriochtan Farm) - "if Hamish [MacInnes] canny do it, nobody can, but you did. Will ye hae a dram". I was buzzing for weeks. |
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