Free Solo on Ben Nevis (Left Hand Route)

Some exciting soloing and filming on Left Hand Route on the Orion Face on Ben Nevis. My book on training for climbing www.davemacleo...
My Patreon: / davemacleod

[@bobbysilver272]

About 31 years ago I almost made a fatal error on Ben Nevis. I was a fairly experienced scrambler and hiker but not a climber. One hot July afternoon I decided to try and "scramble" up the north face of Ben Nevis just like in this video. In fact it was almost identical, perhaps 50 metres to the west of this. I crossed the snow field and started my ascent. Within half an hour or so I was well on my way and enjoying myself. Little did I know what was to come. Probably another 700 ft later I got stuck on a very small ledge that I was resting my feet on. I was way out of my depth. No ropes and on my own! Stupidly naive. I could not ascend any further as there was an overhang above me and I could not see a way back down. I was literally clinging onto the cliff face. After about 5 long minutes I realised I was potentially screwed. There was no one around. On the way up to this point I had spotted an ice axe resting on a little shelf and some old rope. Now I was wondering to myself whether that person had survived or not. I decided I had to try and do something. I had two choices...cling on and hope someone spotted me eventually. But there was no one around and I figured I couldn't last more than half an hour before falling off. So I decided on choice two.... That was to literally make a little leap of faith and jump up about a foot into the air and ram my fist into a crack in the rock above my head. If I made that I was then going to hope that I could reach over the overhang onto something and pull myself over it. I was lucky. After ramming my hand into the crack and making a fist it held. I was now swinging on my fist and a second later I reached over the overhang and found a solid hand hold. I managed to pull myself up over and release my fist from the crack. Thank god I was able to pull myself over and get on top of the over hang. I rested for just a minute or two and didn't contemplate what had happened. I could see the top ridge perhaps a 150 feet away so I continued. 20 minutes later I squeezed through a big gap and rose to the plateau on top of the mountain. Suddenly it was warm again and amazingly there were many dozens of tourists up there that had walked up the tourist paths from the other side. I never spoke to anyone. I rested for a bit. Took a single photo and then literally jogged and ran back down via the main tourist route. I've never been back there and I will not climb it again that way. A few months later I proposed to my still wife and we have kids. This almost never happened. Years later I found out that a future friend's brother died on the mountain right next to Ben Nevis in fog.... Be careful out there. I was lucky.

[@cappaslangmurderer]

terrifying and electrifying- the edges of life we live on

[@somerandom7672]

You definitely never feel as alive as when you're faced with death. It's easy to see how people get addicted to pushing the envelope.

[@Parkerlee1000]

You are very lucky man, I'm a semi decent climber and I wouldn't even risk that, you never know what can happen in the moment and if holds will be stable enough on mountains so glad to hear you story rather than you never being able to share it.

[@garymitchell5899]

Utter bllx

[@stephenmcc9270]

Thanks for sharing, can I ask is it easy to get to the top via tourist routes?

[@JC-ry5sz]

Every time Dave says 'exciting' my mind says 'terrifying'. Great climb! Loved the explanations.

[@james7095]

For me personally.....DM is pound for pound the UK's best climber by far....what a legend !!!

[@paulhewitt6034]

Definitely

[@uthikoloshe]

He gives Alex Honnold sweaty palms.

[@MindSurf248]

Depends in what metric right, I think he would say himself people like Steve McClure have strengths he doesn't, and vice versa.

[@james7095]

@@MindSurf248 yes....that's another name that sprung into my mind when I first posted the comment .... And nick bullock too....although he's more of an alpinist

[@tomw4322]

There's also Leo Holding

[@darnick54]

Dave Macleod is the real thing……absolutely brilliant.

[@ScottishMunroJourney]

Incredible again, the dedication with the drone is something else.. it really pays off as the footage really puts things in perspective 😁👏

[@bookerjam]

My legs and stomach go everytime when looking down on those backpack shots from behind! Love the edit on these videos. The scenery is just stunning and there's a crazy (extermely talented and fabulously skilled) person climbing up the middle with no rope! Love it.

[@retnuHDJ]

My palms immediately start sweating. It looks absolutely terrifying!

[@reddiver7293]

Great video! Don't let brother's underspoken tone fool you. This is heart pounding climb to see.

[@stage3300]

The way you make a feat like soloing Ben Nevis seem as casual as going for a walk along the beach is fantastic and seems to highlight well the presence and calmness of mind needed to complete such a task. Thank you for these amazing videos!

[@dabisnit]

What is the rating in American?

[@Kiltoonie]

@@dabisnit It is called Scottish: meaning Americans are not allowed near it ;-)

[@BigMyo]

@@Kiltoonie 😂😂

[@adriant4479]

@@dabisnit The route is a VS trad so probably between 5.7 ad 5.9 American

[@tecontech663]

Crazy skills. I have no idea how people can comprehend doing this without a rope, let alone enjoy it. Different breed man.

[@trollmcclure1884]

right? I do occasional rope access jobs, two ropes, and I barely move on the rope not to stress the system. Facing fear of height for more than a decade. Never truly trusting the equipment. Last week I was working with paint and my intoxicated brain challenged all morale I ever had. Even standing on the roof was hard. I thing the brain can be trained by falling again and again into a dynamic rope. I never had a chance to do it tho. Still I dont think I'll ever enjoy it

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I was NEVER a proper climber but I scrambled up a very awkward route indeed on Pen Yr Ole Wen about thirty years ago and I nearly got myself into a HELL of a lot of trouble at one point (slight overhang) but it was *absolutely NOTHING like as knee trembling* as in this video! It was a powerful lesson for me about making a very poor decision on the mountains. Sometimes the far less extreme routes are the most dangerous because they can tempt those unwary souls with limited climbing abilities.

[@blaisedsouza6985]

I just shat my pants!! Respect my brother! Your life is literally in your hands !! I hope to try climbing shit one day, right now I'm just a regular peasant on the hamster wheel, but I'm optimistic about the future!!! Love your videos brother, you a warrior!

[@thecovidprisoner]

Having climbed too vs level and scrambled level two this is a league or two up, incredible. Wow......drone shots are just awesome.

[@Alexander-uj5pb]

The video of Dave on the climb really brings home just how big the Orion Face is.

[@fiammag84]

The use of the word exciting shows the work you've made on your mindset and fear. This is very interesting!

[@taylorlayton4508]

Love it! Was just eating pizza in Fort William and doing some hill walking in the highlands with my wife. We were there for our honeymoon, and she's not much of a climber, but seeing this plus the beautiful sights walking around Glencoe and the Great Glen --- I need to go back!

[@paulthreesixty]

I love the commentary. You describe your thoughts so eloquently that they could be my own.

[@DanIngham]

We’ve done some grade 3 scrambles recently and the height and danger is powerful. This is another level but I can feel that feeling of life or death watching him do it and knowing the focus you get on focusing and asking what is the next move

[@paddypower2553]

Nice one as always Dave. I like how you mention of the zen like flow but this type of climb involves a sense of fear. I think its the combination of those two what makes climbing in the mountains such a rewarding endeavour. The feeling of soloing rock is very hard to explain to someone who hasn't tried it before because it's a personal experience for everyone. I think you have summed it up nicely here. Once again a great ambassador for climbing.

[@engladsjbanan5750]

This is mabye the most ispiring episode yet! :) Thank you mr Dave! :) This gives me strength!

[@SilentRio]

Wowzer!!!! Cup of tea deserved!!!! More impressive than the climb is the on point footage AND battery change!!!!! 👏👏👏 Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@daveg-j1866]

Can't believe you free solo a route you've never done before! At least the fact you've posted the video means I can watch without too much fear

[@roughtakes7271]

Totally agree with you! Free soloing a route you have done with ropes on multiple occasions (to test routes+moves) is bad enough but to free solo on a blind run (first ascent for the climber) has to be a crazier risk surely?

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I watched it knowing he made it but I was still quite terrified!

[@wings2585]

The free solo itself was great, but to capture the experience by self-filming? Wow!!

[@RedRamble.]

Bravo! I love it there! Got to be the most beautiful place ever any weather! I “climbed” the west face of cmd in my last video up to the arête! Best drinking water ever out that pipe :)

[@Rycamcam]

Amazing! Really enjoyed hearing your thought process overall and at a micro level

[@antinumchrum9440]

The prominence of Ben Nevis is insane to me, it's only 6 meters taller than Mount Mansfield in Vermont, yet has a 300 meter cliff.

[@natalieminnis]

Note: Don't try this unless you are Dave MacLeod.

[@Alex-pr6zv]

or Alex McHonold

[@gordon1545]

@@Alex-pr6zv Aye, big Eck Haun-hold is some climber so he is.

[@hliaskap1853]

If you try it don’t wear a helmet

[@I-am-Veritas]

Lol 😅

[@Cecrophia]

​@@Alex-pr6zvAlex Honnold.

[@avonnabors]

looked like so much fun. 👏🏼👍🏼💪🏼

[@mattw4176]

I love watching content like this but it scares the hell out of me at the same time. Incredible that people can choose to do this for fun

[@Kiltoonie]

Having been up there a few times, (with partner and rope) I love the way you do this - and how the heck you manage the drone and make the movie sure beats me!

[@ChiefTief]

Amazing climb, and amazing that you crammed such an exciting video in under 7 minutes

[@Zoomdak]

Incredible climb, really impressive!

[@I-am-Veritas]

Solo'ing and flying a drone 😅 Brilliant Dave! I'm a new subscriber and really appreicate you taking the time to upload beautiful and educational videos. Can't wait for new videos 😊 Cheers from Canada

[@Peacefulwarrior975]

Looks like a beautiful route. I’d love to solo that. Absolutely agree- when you solo a moderate route the crux is the route finding. Luckily I’ve never been hundreds of feet off the ground without a rope and off route. That would be a nightmare

[@darkace37]

What a production! Thanks for sharing Dave!

[@DeadEightVids]

Great video. As someone who just likes climbing, I love the idea of free soloing without any rope faff. I honestly prefer top rope sometimes, unless it's overhanging. I'm relatively afraid of height though so I'll never do it. Bad idea for me I think, dangerous position to accidentally look down then get panicked, no matter the grade.

[@paulrichardson6]

Even soloing on really easy terrain is a lot of fun! Pure focus on the moves

[@Mark-fd3mg]

I'd recommend this series by Dave for you. It's titled How To Climb Trad, but it's widely applicable to not just all types of climbing but also to any venture with significant risk in life. Here's the full video list: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2q7lJKsgqikh5I

[@malcolmgraham9462]

Another classic in perfect light & weather. Scotland loves you!

[@dylbinawesomeperson]

He is so level headed and casual it almost seems like anyone could do it. Then i remember he is one of the greatest trad/solo climbers ever.

[@paulrossiter9567]

Very confident of you to commit to this 🎉 I guess that’s what you call livin !

[@sshaw37]

I guess if you can climb e11 then this is easy but it scared the life out of me watching it. Well done Dave.

[@paulheimweh]

I don't know if I would go free solo on a route that looks so rarely climbed and so overgrown with plants. I think i would rappell over it once before and clean it a bit and check for loose rocks. I hope that nobody gets the idea to copy this just because it looks so easy and comfortable. Dave is an absolute legend and a pro climber with a lot of experience. Nice format and good music by the way!! Thank you for sharing!

[@DanIngham]

After doing some higher scrambling grades recently I can get a bit of an idea of those moments of fear and where to go next and how strong my survival instincts in your must have been when you get to a position where both up and down are seriously not looking good, on your own. Damn.

[@glasgowbhoy8711]

Superb, would love an unedited version of the pov climb 🙏

[@ONCEuponAtime999]

same here. specially the bottom part which was harder than the top part

[@paulrhodesquinn]

Speechless! 😮 What an amazing video.

[@herbiejohnson]

Such a good quality video!

[@vardente]

Magnificient! Thank you for this video!

[@clivesweeting4410]

Amazing .. I don't know how you can be that fearless !!

[@locatedsomewhere-v9l]

Up there with the best . Everyone who inspires you . Wow

[@stephenr80]

I once had to do 50m unprotected climb in Montserrat, a slab with sketchy holds. Scariest thing. I will never do something like that again, at least willingly. Seeing how he does this is more scary to me than Honnolds climbs because I could phisically and mentally try to do this but just thinking about it I get pretty nervous to say the least.

[@ramsden35]

No no no! My hands are sweating watching. This man has zero fear.

[@ACshinealight]

Incredible dedication and commitment respect ✊

[@JoshHeyneke]

Incredible. Not just the climb but the fact that you caught it all so beautifully on camera. For those super close shots was the drone buzzing right behind you? Or were you also using one of those insta360 invisible sticks?

[@Kawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww]

Outstanding video as always Dave

[@andrewchippendale2820]

Absolutely fantastic climbing ❤

[@weforever137]

Simply Wow .... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@seanpinoobers]

I know its for rock fall, but its funny watching someone free solo with a helmet 😅

[@folzarx123]

I've be interested to see a video about your first free solo and the thought process and prep you did before. It something I want to do myself.. I even began a route once but changed my mind about 6 meters up and down climbed.

[@climbermacleod]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqOZeXiBr9V7gcU

[@NorfTec]

Newbie to the channel but big climbing fan, veryy impressive feat with a very strong mindset for soloing, stay safe

[@eamonc]

Never seen this channel before. Bro! You are crazy. Awesome to watch, subbed.

[@phillang3073]

Top man. Really enjoyed this. I’ve been up BN 3 x and never had a view.

[@ItZFlipz]

This is the most incredible ben nevis climb

[@nicanderson773]

Hey Dave, i went passed u on the way up, i was probably to quick for u to see..😮 and if u believe that... well done mate, tremendous 👏

[@shitpostmcgee]

That gies me the boak. Kudos on the climb.

[@mrhandofbod]

Dave, being one of your Celtic cousins from Wales I feel qualified to say that your fucking mad byt. Stay safe

[@fawthro]

Wonderful stuff Dave

[@streetpigeonmtb]

That's wild! ❤

[@GoatSays]

This is incredible. Looks totally superhuman to a non-climber like me.

[@420pilz]

messing with cameras at the same time really puts you off tho ,,well done bro ,,must be satisfying to watch it back

[@ashleyoldroyd657]

Fantastic commentary over the video. Psyched to get to Ben Nevis. I'm around Teeside so not too far. Hoping to do some rad trad in the Scottish mountains some day. Hope you are well

[@jpswaddle7899]

2:54 - 3:00 is the most accurate description of multi-pitch soloing I've ever heard.

[@curtisdoucet8996]

I love your content man.

[@NeillWylie]

Real nice video today. Loved it.

[@danbrown4772]

Very committing ... nice work Dave.

[@bbillyddave]

You also controlled a drone wtf you are a legend

[@joncooper4293]

Brilliant skill❤

[@robertcreer8826]

One for the wishlist

[@stephendavies925]

Sunday afternoon walk for Alex Honnold, but still a good watch

[@alastairbarker1840]

You have a massive set of kahoonas! Geesus!

[@matteodressler1992]

Danke!

[@VetinariClone]

Watching this was terrifying. I could never free solo a climb. The very idea freaks me out. lol.

[@DanIngham]

Quite exciting = absolutely terrifying. Got it

[@andihofacker]

Great video as always! For a new challenge, try it with your right hand :P

[@candidaprout8441]

serious balls.

[@leakybean501]

Wow Kudos👏👏👏👏

[@_noirja]

Is it a hike or a scramble down? Could be nice to see more descent footage. I know its not as exciting but the top is only halfway! Would be nice if climbing media could spend a bit more time on this aspect.

[@roo9569]

Yeah one thing going up, it's another going down. Sometimes it's easier to go up, than down. It's a pain but when I can free solo, I like to bring a rope up so I can rap down. Helps me push knowing there's an easy way down

[@josephday6044]

Love love love this. Proper bo 🏔️

[@bigdog5112]

Video idea - recently hearing Magnus perpetuate the idea that climbing peak falls of very fast with age, it would be interesting if you did a video where you coached him and he projected a hard grade outdoors near his previous limit to break this age stereotype.

[@bigdog5112]

Thinking about your recent 9a sport routes along with Chris sharmas recent FA. ^^

[@civilizedlemur9410]

he more means his strength in competitions

[@bilaltahir9978]

Were you using a drone or insta 360 x3 to record?

[@Ausaini17]

This is just how I get to work every morning. I get up at 4am from my bivouac atop Ben Nevis (who can afford a tent, am I right?) downclimb in about 20 minutes, shit shower shave and drive to work at the Green Welly in Tyndrum.

[@4zn1nv4zn3]

im impressed you can focus on the climb and filming at the same time. Were you checking the battery inbetween pitches?

[@trickeyt.v96]

Awesome ❤

[@Leon-qh9br]

Aspiring free solo climber aspires to get to this level

[@skyviewap2591]

A wee drink while havin a wee think

[@rp8164]

Absolute madness....he's in Scotland without a midge net.

[@keithclimate]

Great send. What camera mount did you use?

[@johnsmith-hs1we]

Legend 💪👑

[@verbalwound5874]

I too go out and look at rocks and go "too easy, will save it for free solo.

[@engladsjbanan5750]

omg this is awsome! :)

[@hughreilly3075]

Subscribers should crowdfund some tickets for Dave to fly out to Vegas to climb with Alex Honnold.

[@AlanAndSaskia]

What's the filming set up for the in close clips? 360 cam attached to pole attached to bag? Such amazing footage

[@paulliptrot3098]

Love the video, Dave. The rock looks fantastic. I think a trip to Scotland is in order. When did you climb this ? When in your opinion, it would be the best time to climb this ( with ropes and gear, though 😅 ).

[@Charliened1]

I’ve done some climbing in Scotland, Ben Nevis is rarely in condition for summer climbing, it’s often wet and outside of summer covered in ice and snow. But in the summer the midges can be unbearable so it’s a toss up really. I recon very late April till early June is pretty ideal

[@climbermacleod]

Early June, but some years it takes a little longer for snow to clear and the face to dry out. June-Sept with a good few dry days first.