This week’s video is special not only for its big grade and cutting edge climbing but for its sheer historical significance within the British climbing community. In September 2019, Emma Twyford became the first British woman to climb 9a with an epic tick of Big Bang, a Neil Carson route at Lower Pen Trywn. Having first been shown at the 2019 Kendal Film Festival where it won ‘Best Climbing Film’, this fantastic David Petts production is a diligent account of the years leading up to Emma’s ground-breaking ascent. 

Following Emma as she juggles her work as a route setter alongside being a professional climber, the film is a fitting insight into the lives of Britain’s top climbing talents with the likes of Jerry Moffatt and Steve McClure featuring throughout. During the lead up to climbing Big Bang, we get some great footage of Emma climbing Big Issue (E9 6c) and Mind Control (8c), two routes she used as ‘stepping stones’ on her journey to making history. One of the most significant ascents in British climbing history from a truly special climbing talent, this one isn’t to be missed!