60 Seconds Read: Why I love Climbing
Back in the Spring of 2021. Covid restrictions were easing. Glenmore Lodge had started to deliver courses once more. Our Instructors were back doing what they love the most, helping people develop their skills and confront and understand any lack of confidence that may be holding them back.
Emily joined us for a 5 day Learn to Lead Climb course with Instructor Giles Trussell. We have asked her to share with us a taster of her experience and what she gets from climbing.
Why Climb?
“I began climbing in 2017, drawn to its fun and adventurous nature. During my final year of my undergraduate degree climbing provided me with a break from hard thinking, reading and writing. The great irony is I’m now conducting a PhD focused on climbing. I continue to climb because it challenges me to face my fears, build resilience and continue learning. I also love that it allows you access places you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get to. It encourages me to visit new places, meet new people and not take myself too seriously.”
.
.
A Description of Day 2:
“Day Two: There was a patch of Scotland where it was dry. Giles, along with trainee instructor Will, took us further north to the Moray Coastline, to Cummingston Crag. It was a two coats kind of temperature with RAF jets zipping overhead. There we practiced placing gear, keeping a close eye on the tide creeping closer to our bags and Ant, also on the course, was soon off up his first lead trad route. I had an interesting conversation with Will in which we tried to figure out why I get so scared sometimes and ideas for things I could do to work through the fear.
I led my first route later in the day on Cornflake Wall, what a great name for a route! Although it is kind of bonkers to comprehend leading on Day Two, Giles had confidence in our abilities as climbers and knowing that Giles trusted us, gave us the confidence to lead.”
About Emily:
Emily is a researcher specialising in ‘everyday’ women’s experiences of rock climbing. This research has informed the need for greater visibility, more diverse and accurate representations of women in the climbing and outdoor world. She is a Co-founder of Beta magazine, an online climbing and outdoors magazine aimed at women but inclusive of all.
.
