Dave MacLeod – A Muerte F9a

by Mick Ryan A Muerte Dave MacLeod established his own Fr 8c+ this year, Ring of Steall and has now consolidated his sport climbing credentials with an ascent of A Muerte Fr 9a on Sector Campiqi-Pugi, Siurana in Spain. This is the routes fifth ascent after being establised by the UK´s Richard Simpson (UKC news report) who thought it “proper 9a” although repeat ascensionist, the USA´s David Graham said, at the height of his downgrading period that, “Maybe its 8c+, but who knows.” MacLeod worked on A Muerte on an earlier trip to Spain, when he flashed his first Fr 8a. This trip as well as A Muerte, he has done Luxury Fr 8b+ and is making progress on Afrodita, a massive Fr 8c+, according to his blog (davemacleod.blogspot.com) As has been mentioned on the UKClimbing.com thread this ascent puts MacLeod in a very unique club, perhaps with only one member. MacLeod has climbed trad headpoint E11 (an 8c+ R/X rated route), Sport 9a, established the world?s first grade XI winter route, done M12 tooling, soloed Fr 8b and bouldered Font 8b……..and yes, he has done lots on grit!

QuelleUKClimbing