Neil Mawson

Aged 14, Neil was introduced to climbing by his farther. Over the years that followed, he seconded many of Britain’s trad routes up to E4. Mainly with his Dad, Neil travelled all over the country; from the Peak District to Pembroke, Yorkshire to The Lakes.

It was not until University that Neil started to lead routes. Within the year he was on-sighting E5 and whilst Neil says that this was only possible because of his long apprenticeship on second, it was evident that this boy had talent.

In 2003, Neil moved to Sheffield and soon on-sighted E6 on Grit including Linden at Curbar. He also head-pointed Masters Edge E7 6c, Beau Geste E7 6c and Gaia E8 6c.

In 2005, on Limestone this time, Neil on-sighted a few E6's including Caveman at Berry Head and flashed an E7, Death Wish at Blue scar.

Neil has also flashed F8a and red-pointed F8a+ but if you ask him what he thinks is his best achievement to date then it will be when he made a visit to Huntsman’s Leap in Pembroke. It was here that he became only the second climber to repeat both Monks Satanic Verses E8 6c and Chupracabra. Chupracabra was origonally given E9 6c (including some French 8a sport climbing and a potential 60ft fall from the crux) though Neil later down graded the route to E8 6c.

Neil has spent some time on competition plastic too: He was a member of the Great Britain team for 2 years and his best result on the domestic scene was in November 2005 where he came 3rd in the National Leading Competition at Ratho in Scotland.

Neil’s real passion however is real rock and throughout 2006 we will provide updates on how he is getting on.