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| Name: |
Chris Cartwright |
| Age: |
36 |
| Occupation: |
Human Resource/Training Manager |
| Base: |
Ratho, nr Edinburgh |
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| Description: |
Chris is a well-seasoned mountaineer and prominent figure in the Scottish winter scene.
Born and bred in Northern Ireland, he moved to Glasgow in 1986, and started winter climbing under the tutelage of Robin Clothier.
By the mid 90s he had a wealth of alpine, Scottish winter and rock climbing experience under his belt. He then went on to establish a strong winter partnership with Simon Richardson.
Together the pair added several new routes in the French Alps, including the first direct ascent of the South Pillar of Freney. In Scotland they made first ascents of numerous fine, and often testing, new winter lines.
Proud of the strong partnership that exists between them, Chris says, "I think we are both somewhat traditionalist in outlook in that we see the winter game as mountaineering, where routes are not only defined by the climbing itself, but also by the approach, remoteness, commitment and sheer hard work required.
"There is nothing better than being in a remote corrie, on a new line with no other climbers for miles around".
To date Chris has made no less than 15 first ascents of grade VIIs and 4 grade VIIIs.
FA's over the last few years include:
Fubarbundy, VIII,7 (1994) on Liatach; Cornucopia,VII,9 on Ben Nevis; West Side Story,VII,8 on Beinn a Bhuird and Little Big Chimney (VI,7) on Braeriach, all in 1996; Redemption,VIII,7 on Lochnagar and Tiger Tiger, VII,7 on Ben Cruachan in 1999; The Crack, VIII,8 and Excalibur (VI,6) on Aonach Beag (2000).
Some other memorable routes include 2nd ascents of Messiah and Great Overhanging Gully, and an early ascent of The Fly.
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| Finest Moment: |
"In recent times winter ascents of Redemption, Lochnagar and The Crack, Ben Nevis. Serious outings where success was dependent on a multitude of skills and experience gained the hard way, through years of grind. Also The Link Direct on Lochnagar, a day where everything just gelled resulting in an extremely efficient ascent. Those routes don't come easy".
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