Located at the established dry-tool quarry, ‘The Works’ at Hodge Close quarry, it is one of the toughest routes on offer; seeing participants take on a primarily horizontal climb. The technical route requires precision and explosive strength, posing a challenge for most climbers.
The Guardians of the Underworld route is listed as a D12 climb, with the highest difficulty level graded as 13, positioning this route as one of the toughest dry tooling climbs in the UK. Such complexities mean the route must be climbed using ice axes to ensure purchase on the sheer rock face. Emma, who has 14 years of climbing experience, successfully negotiated the route on Sunday 29th May.
Speaking on the achievement, Emma said: “I am delighted to tick off the ‘Guardians of the Underworld’ D12 route. This route has been a project over the last several months and has taken lots of time and effort to manage such a difficult and technical route. My assent of this route is special not just for my own personal achievement but also because it makes me the First British woman to dry tool in the UK at this grade. I'm excited to find the next challenge to drive me forward within a sport I love so much.”
Montane’s Global Marketing Manager, Matthew Hickman, said: “At Montane we are proud to work with athletes who push themselves to the limits and drive themselves to break boundaries, and it is achievements like this by Emma which encapsulate Montane’s very ethos. We get great satisfaction from supporting our network of immensely talented athletes and look forward to more of the same over the coming months. Well done Emma!”
Emma’s journey to her achievement will be documented in a film sponsored by Montane being released this Autumn.
Through its ‘Montane Athlete’ programme, the brand work with some of the world’s leading athletes and outdoor professionals, with individuals ranging from ultra-endurance runners to high-altitude mountaineers and expert climbers, helping them to successfully complete their challenges and go Further. Faster.