Recently by Richard Pattison

Swiss snow climbs (2 videos)

By Richard Pattison on Sep 23, 09 08:19 PM

After the disappointment of bad weather ending my Eiger attempt, I moved south in search of better weather in the Saas valley. The rain drowned the village of Saas Fee, in sympathy, I "drowned" myself with Swiss beer, while up-high snow loaded the slopes.

I woke on the third morning and checked the view from my window, my dreary eyes were astonished to find blinding sunshine. Climbing is on! I hurriedly threw gear into my pack and raced from the hotel, no time to lose, it was already 9am.

There are two videos showing my climbs...

The Monk, the Young Lady and the Ogre

By Richard Pattison on Sep 17, 09 06:29 PM

Eiger North Face - 24 hours makes a big difference!

It sounds like a fairy tale or some kind of corny joke, but no, it's the Grindelwald trilogy of mountains in the Bernese Alps: The Monch, Jungfrau and Eiger. I came to Switzerland to climb all three, however, I was treated by each as you would expect from their names / personalities.

The monk was very kind and friendly allowing me safe passage to the summit, however, I was scorned by the young lady with a frosty reception and cold shoulder, the Ogre was, well, so "ogre-ous" that I didn't dare get close.

Alpine Climbing (with video)

By Richard Pattison on Sep 13, 09 06:59 PM

I am in Switzerland for a week, hoping to climb the Eiger. I arrived yesterday and spent today acclimatising to the altitude with a solo ascent of the Mönch (4,099m) above Grindelwald. It was a good day with fine weather amidst the mist and cloud.

I have a video of my climb today.

Cheviot First Timers

By Richard Pattison on Sep 6, 09 08:40 AM

With the school holidays coming to an end, it seemed an appropriate time to take some friends for a last taste of freedom before the impending doom of school term!

Our mini expedition included 2 teachers and 2 schoolies. My friend Denise is 29 and has vowed to touch the roof of Northumberland before her 30th birthday just a few months off. With the "30" barrier about to change her life, she has been rather introspective of late and intent on ensuring her life has not been in vane, she'd like to experience as many and varied experiences as possible before the "young" chapter concludes on her life. Climbing a mountain should be near the top of the wanted list for any person wanting a fulfilled life.

Ascent of the Matterhorn

By Richard Pattison on Aug 26, 09 04:11 PM

The Matterhorn is the most iconic mountain in the world, it is THE mountain of mountains. We all know it by sight, it is the mountain that every child draws unknowingly, it is the inspiration of Toblerone chocolate, it is unique, it is perfect - from afar.

I have recently returned from a successful ascent of this giant. The Matterhorn was the last of the great Alpine peaks to be climbed, in 1865. It was the "space race" of the age with all leading climbers across Europe contending, notably many local guides and several Britons. It was eventually Edward Whymper who succeeded on his 8th attempt in an epic climb where only half the team survived. At the summit, Whymper spotted his main competitor Jean-Antoine Carrel just a few hundred metres below on the Italian side - Carrel turned back immediately having realised his defeat.

Welcome to my climbing blog

By Richard Pattison on Aug 18, 09 08:53 AM

Hello, I'm Richard, I was born in Ashington, grew up in Alnwick and now live in Newbiggin-by-the-sea. Northumberland is my home and my heritage.

Climbing is my passion, I have recently returned from the Himalayas where I realised my life time dream, I stood on top of the world. I summitted Everest on 19 May 2009, it had been a long journey, slowly building up experience, skills and the mental toughness required to attempt such a great challenge.

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