The only way is UP
Woman & Home Feel Good You|July 2020
If you’ve got a head for heights and love a challenge, climbing might be for you. Take inspiration from these three women who’ve made it their passion
JO WILLACY
The only way is UP

‘IT’S GREAT FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH’

Sally Moss, 45, from south London, enjoys outdoor rock climbing. My favourite type of climbing is traditional outdoor rock climbing using a rope and placing your own protection as you climb. I climb in the Peak District and North Wales. I used to enjoy trail running and hiking; now I see climbing as another way to enjoy the outdoors.

Trad climbing is a lot more involved than indoor climbing – you have to think about the environment you’re climbing in, and there’s a lot more to do, as the routes aren’t planned out for you. It’s a full-on experience – more like an expedition, as it’s also time-consuming. I climb twice a month, usually going for trips lasting from two days to a week.

I love the feeling of strength I get from climbing. It involves a lot of agility, but it has an endurance element to it, too, which I enjoy. There’s also a gymnastics element – it’s made me much more flexible, as I have to get into some strange positions to help me move or balance. I’ve found most of my climbing partners through the main forum, UKC (ukclimbing.com). I’ve met Doug, 60, who I climb with most, as well as a group of four female friends, all of us in our 40s.

This story is from the July 2020 edition of Woman & Home Feel Good You.

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This story is from the July 2020 edition of Woman & Home Feel Good You.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

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