Neil has repeated Dave Pickford's The Brothers Karamazov E9 6c at St Govan's on Friday the 19th October 2007 after top rope practice.

Dave P first climbed it utilising a hand-placed peg for protection, placed by abseil prior to the ascent and removed after. Dave Birkett also did this for the second ascent but commented the route was easy for the grade. For Neil's ascent he placed all the gear on lead and eliminated the peg. In conclusion, Neil also felt that the route was overgraded and should be E8 6c. This would make it around 7c+ to top rope and easier than Chupacabra and San Simeon (both E8).

Neil didn't think you would hit the floor from any of the hard moves but you'd come close!
For Neil it felt easier to lead than when he did Chupacabra 2 years ago, although a bolder challenge to overcome.

There will always be much debate over route grades, especially for those with only a handful of ascents. What we can all agree on however, is that it is bloody hard and beyond the realms of meer mortals like me (Ed) so jolly well done to all three of you!