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CHRIS'S BLOG

Old Man of Hoy 2014 August 2014

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Leo Houlding and I had been talking about doing the Old Man of Hoy for some years and my reaching the ripe young age of 80 seemed a good time to put our plan into action.

He incidentally is the youngest person to have climbed it – at the age of 11! The third member of our team was Andy Torbet, the One Show presenter, which is going to show the film some time soon.

 

Myself, Leo Houlding and Andy Torbet. Chris, Leo and Andy

 
 
 
 

We took the ferry from Crabster to Stromness and got our first glimpse of the Old Man under a stormy sky.

ferry from Crabster to Stromness under stormy sky

 
 
 
 
The road head is at Rackwick Bay, three and half miles from the Old Man. Rackwick Bay, three and half miles from the Old Man

 
 
 
 
The idea for the climb had come from Tom Patey (centre), the Ullapool doctor, brilliant new router and incredible character. He had recruited Rusty Baillie a very talented Rhodesian climber (right) and myself. Chris, Tom Patey and Rusty Baillie

 
 
 
 

Rusty led the formidable 2nd pitch using aid – big wooden wedges – but for the TV ascent the following year, Joe Brown climbed it free, inspired by Joe Brown, who had arrived earlier than me and made the first free ascent.

Mike produced a bottle of fortified wine and chocolates at the half way point

 
 
 
 
I must confess I pulled on a sling on the crux but I managed to climb, though was very glad of a top rope. Chris climbing the Old Man of Hoy

 
 
 
 

I’d led the final pitch in 1966 n- it’s probably the easiest of the entire climb but also the most beautiful.  By this time however I was pretty tired and very happy to hand over to Leo.

Leo climbing the Old Man of Hoy

 
 
 
 

A selfie on the summit. It had been a really brilliant climb.

To see the little film of our ascent Click Here

Leo, Andy and Chris

 
 
 
 

 

 

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