Test your knowledge: women who made climbing history
Test your knowledge and see if you can name these 10 famous British female mountaineers and climbers, from pantaloon-clad pioneers of the alps, to contemporary crushers.
Stop scrolling and give your brain a workout instead! Test your knowledge and see if you can name these 10 famous British female mountaineers and climbers, from pantaloon-clad pioneers of the alps, to contemporary crushers.
Below you’ll find brief descriptions and a photo, just guess the name and score yourself a point (points don't mean prizes, only bragging rights down the pub)! Of course, this is a just a few of the hundreds of trailblazing women we could have picked from. Answers are at the end.
1.
This Irish aristocrat travelled to the Alps to find a cure for her lungs, yet discovered a penchant for alpine winter. She was one of the first Western females to lead parties and she thanked the mountains for knocking her from “the shackles of conventionality”. When climbing she would wear a hat over her thick brown hair and a skirt over her climbing pantaloons until above the cow-line (this backfired when she left her skirt on the summit of the Rothorn and had to re-ascend to retrieve it). If you still haven’t got it, this lady was also famous for her creative side too, as a mountain photographer, one of the first female filmmakers, and an author, and she was also the first President of the Ladies’ Alpine Club. After she bagged the first winter ascent of the Aiguille du Midi, celebratory canons were fired in Chamonix.
2.
Adventure climber with a capital A. This woman is a 5’2, straight-talking lifer who excels at whatever type of climbing she wants to: she’s six-time junior national champ, first British woman to climb E9, free climb El Capitan and to redpoint 8c. When she learnt to find even trad falls exhilarating, there was no stopping her. She is fascinated by the mental side of climbing and has started a business coaching climbers on improving their mental game and has been described by Beth Rodden as the future of trad climbing.
3.
As a young Army driver, bored in post-war North Wales, this woman followed a climber-god in bell-bottoms off life’s beaten path. She lived a wild, bohemian life for years, making real choices between finding food and going climbing, washing her cropped curls in lakes and often ascending barefoot. Her adventures in Snowdonia, then the Lakes, Scotland and the Alps led to her becoming our first qualified female mountain guide. Later she became a successful crime writer. She was catapulted back into the limelight in 2017 by the BMC film based on her life, which won 20 international film awards and inspired a new generation. She is also one of the first female honorary BMC members.
4.
British Lead Champion in 2002 and British Bouldering Champion in 2002/3, this woman applied her form outdoors to tick Brad Pitt at Stanage, a V10 in Hueco, and a clutch of bold E7s. When she climbed End of the Affair at Curbar in 2010, she was one of the very few women to have climbed E8. After climbing Austrian Oak (8b) and Overnight Sensation (8a+) at Malham in 2011, she turned to coaching and is now a GB Climbing Talent & Performance Pathway Manager, helping to nurture the next generation.
5.
On May 13 1995, this woman radioed her son and daughter from the top of Everest: “I am on the highest point of the world, and I love you dearly.” She had just become the first woman in history to climb Everest without bottled oxygen and fixed ropes (only Reinhold Messner could match her style). The greatest British female mountaineer of all time, she left school at 18 to lead a life unashamedly devoted to climbing. She made the first British female ascent of the Eiger North Face when six months pregnant. Her next big challenge was climbing all six famous Alpine north faces in one summer, alone, during a long camping holiday with her husband and children. This was a first for any climber. After Everest she was in the media spotlight, but it was to be shortlived. Exactly three months later, she made the summit of K2 before dying with five others in a storm, aged 33. Her ambition had been to climb the three highest peaks in the world without oxygen; she had managed two. The stinging media backlash against a mother who dared to climb is still remembered to this day.
6.
Steely determination (and fingers) and a Red Bull ambassador hat? This might be an easy one! As a child, this woman decided to take up climbing after watching Catherine Destivelle scaling the huge cliffs in Mali on TV. Without a doubt, she’s Britain’s most successful competition climber ever with an MBE from the Queen and as the first climber to represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games. She has won every British Bouldering Championship she’s entered, is the only Brit to have won a Bouldering World Cup and is one of only a handful of women to have bouldered 8B+. Co-founder of the Women’s Climbing Symposium, and now a super-mum with a tiny climber of her own on her hands!
7.
This woman thought she was scared of heights until she started climbing, yet went on to become the standout British female climber of her generation. For over a decade, she was ahead of the game whilst others scrambled to keep up. She was seven-times British Lead Champion, a British Bouldering Champion, the first British woman to onsight 8a, redpoint 8b+, onsight E7 and climb E8. She also made the first ascent of an M9 mixed route in Colorado. Once said that she was “an obsessive climber but not obsessed with climbing”.
8.
This record-breaking Punjabi woman from Derby has many claims to fame, but most recently, in January 2023, she conquered one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet, alone! This British Army Captain trekked over 922 miles over 70 days in temperatures as low as -50C to complete her expedition across Antarctica and in doing so broke the record for the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey by anyone ever. During the gruelling journey she fell over more than 40 times in just one day, suffered a cold burn to her leg, and just kept going despite it being the hardest thing she’s ever done. And in 2022, after her first expedition, she became the first Asian woman to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole.
9.
Britain’s reigning trad and sport queen. This coolheaded woman has headpointed multiple E9s and climbed stacks of E8s – flashing one, and in September 2019 she became the first British woman to break the ninth barrier when she climbed the 9a sport route, the Big Bang. She grew up in the Lakes, climbing with her dad and his strong friends. By 15, she’d climbed E4 and was hooked. She moved to Llanberis in search of a hardcore trad scene and hasn’t stopped since. Working as a route-setter, this lady is down-to-earth and open - her blog talks about facing fears and bouts of depression.
10.
Legendary Liverpudlian who made headlines with the first female ascent of the Eiger in 1864. In 1871, after hearing Meta Brevoot (the first female mountaineer to dare to wear trousers) was planning on bagging the first female ascent of the Matterhorn, she couldn’t have that. She got there first, in a long flannel skirt and on a diet of champagne and sponge cake. This woman completed 98 alpine climbs and several female firsts with her guide Melchoir Anderegg, always chaperoned by her brother or father. Acclaimed as the pioneer of Western women’s climbing, she became second president of the Ladies’ Alpine Club in 1913.
ANSWERS:
- Elizabeth Hawkins, AKA Lizzie Le Blond
- Hazel Findlay
- Gwen Moffat
- Lucinda Whittaker
- Alison Hargreaves
- Shauna Coxsey MBE
- Lucy Creamer
- Preet Chandi, AKA Polar Preet
- Emma Twyford
- Lucy Walker
NOW WATCH: Operation Moffat
Related Content
Rock Climbing
A peregrine survey by boat with high-quality photography organised by local BMC Access Reps Iain Peters and James Mann has helped to identify peregrine nesting sites so that a blanket ban on climbing at the Cornish climbing site of Carn Cowla can be lifted. A temporary ban had been put in place by the National Trust covering the cliffs between Tubby Head and Bawden Cliff, including major route locations up to and beyond the America Buttress. The ban has now been lifted so all sections are open, with only crag- and area-specific restrictions in place when necessary.
Rock Climbing
A climbers’ meeting this week expressed their opposition to the continued ban on climbing at Symonds Yat, Herefordshire, imposed by Forestry England.
Mountaineering Destinations
Now is the prime time to plan your winter adventures. To help you explore the British mountains over winter, we have chosen six stunning winter ridges to guarantee a grand day out.
Rock Climbing Skills
Do you know your gaston from your guppy, and can you spray about it while sandbagging your mate? Find out what it all means with our guide to climbing terminology.
Rock Climbing Articles
The Youth Ready to Rock Sport climbing course is designed to help young climbers (11-17 year olds) make their first moves onto rock by having a fun day out, as well as covering the use of some key skills and equipment, for both the participant and the parent/carer.
Rock Climbing Skills
It’s Britain, it’s summer, and it’s wet. Why am I not surprised? But all is not lost! There are ways to circumvent the weather when you want to go climbing...
Rock Climbing Skills
Lowering off from a sport climb isn't always as easy as it is at the climbing wall. Knowing a few techniques can make the difference between an enjoyable day's climbing and a trip to A&E.
Rock Climbing Articles
Back in 2017, Margo Hayes ticked La Rambla 9a+ in Siurana, Spain. By September that same year she had climbed another 9a+, Biographie at Ceuse, and in 2019 she ticked her third. How does she do it?
Hillwalking Skills
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Mountaineering Destinations
We asked five experienced climbers for their top pick of Europe's alpine routes to get you inspired...
Hillwalking Skills
How to choose an ice axe for your next winter adventure
Rock Climbing Gear
Everything you need to know about the various types of rope for climbing and mountaineering can be found in our handy, free guide.
Hillwalking Skills
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Rock Destinations
Have you ticked this list? Five British IFMGA mountain guides pick their absolute favourite long rock routes in the Italian Dolomites, the Aravis range close to Chamonix, and from the ‘Grats’ near Andermatt to the Monts Rouges du Triolet; there’s something for everyone to go at from 5c to 7a. If in any doubt of your skills and experience, you know the score: hire a guide.
Mountaineering Destinations
Five of Chamonix's leading ski guides tell us their favourite beginner ski tours in and around Chamonix.
Access Articles
Access to the south side of Cheddar Gorge is fragile and relies upon climbers following the agreements in place with the landowner.
Rock Destinations
Climbers have a responsibility to understand the relevant access and conservation issues associated with the places we climb. Here are a few pointers to help you enjoy these areas sustainably.
Rock Climbing Skills
A look at the essential skill of abseiling. What do you need to know to get down in one piece?
Organisation
A quick overview of the first 70 years of the BMC
Rock Climbing Skills
What are the different types of climbing and mountaineering and what do they involve?
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Rock Climbing Articles
Dream of climbing 7a but think you’ll never reach that level? With a little hard work and some secret beta from top sport climber Steve McClure, you’ll be clipping the chains on your project in no time.
Rock Climbing Articles
In this booklet for managers and landowners, the aim has been to address a range of common questions and concerns about rock climbing in disused quarries. Covering all aspects of access and liability, through a selection of case studies, it showcases the benefits not just for climbers, but for the wider public and land managers themselves. Benefits which can be realised with assistance from climbers and the BMC, through the repurposing of disused quarries as rock climbing destinations.
Rock Climbing Skills
Trad climbing offers an unparalleled sense of freedom. With the appropriate skills, training, and equipment you really do have the ability to go anywhere. Here we give the low down on how to get started.
Mountaineering Destinations
This route of great tradition and history has foiled many a keen adventurer, so what does it take to unlock the aura of mystery surrounding Tower Ridge? Fortunately we have film maker and mountaineer Steve Ashworth on hand to explain it all for us.
Hillwalking Skills
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Rock Climbing Articles
The Youth Ready to Rock Trad climbing course is designed to help young climbers (11-17 year olds) make their first moves onto rock by having a fun day out, as well as covering the use of some key skills and equipment, for both the participant and the parent/carer. Trad climbing is the most popular style of climbing on British crags.
Mountaineering Destinations
Here are some facts, figures and background information on the world's highest mountain.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Rock Climbing Gear
If you’ve never climbed before or have only climbed indoors, the equipment used for tackling real rock can seem mysterious, exciting and expensive. We've put together a list of the essentials...
Mountaineering Learn Gear
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Rock Climbing Learn
If you've learnt to climb routes indoors, sport climbing can be a logical first step into the exciting world of outdoor climbing. Here's how to get started...
Rock Destinations
Planning a winter sport-climbing escape? Leave the crowds and polish behind with these five best-kept mid-grade Spanish sport secrets. Dos cervezas por favor.
Rock Climbing Skills
Climb grade 5 outdoor sport routes, but want to progress? How do you start pushing your comfort zone, and what should you focus on?
Mountaineering Articles
A historic interview with Hamish MacInnes, legendary mountaineer, founder of Mountain Rescue Teams and inventor of pioneering mountaineering equipment.
Mountaineering Destinations
If you’re looking for an unforgettable, high altitude trekking holiday this year we’ve got some great ideas for you here in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and India from climbing mountaineering expedition operator Jagged Globe.
Mountaineering Articles
Where are you currently getting your mountain inspiration from? Are the walls in your house lined with photos and paintings of stunning peaks? Your social media feeds endlessly presenting you with trails and skylines to add to the list of high places to explore? We're here to add to that by giving you five more films to keep your inspiration levels up. Enjoy the watch.
Rock Climbing
Grab a brew, get comfy and enjoy our top five trad climbing films from the BMC TV channel to inspire your next tradventure...
Rock Climbing Skills
Ever since 2021, a new method of setting up the top rope on the bolted anchors at Southern Sandstone crags has changed. Read on to make sure you're following the latest method.
Mountaineering Learn Skills
Dreaming of summit glory? You're in luck: there are still many unclimbed mountains out there. All that stands between you and a victorious summit pose is some research...
Access News
The recent advertisement offering Kilnsey Crag for sale at a price of £150k presents an opportunity to remind members about how the BMC approaches potential land acquisitions. We're also on the lookout for specialist volunteers to support our land management work.
Rock Climbing Learn
Taking your first foray into the world of outdoor climbing? Here's a few pointers to help you get going safely...
Rock Climbing News
Steve McClure on making the second ascent of Lexicon E11 7a, maths, tactics and taking 70-foot whippers.
Mountaineering Destinations
Helicopter rescues in Nepal’s Himalayas are saving lives, but a surge in evacuations has led to insurance fraud, increased premiums, and ethical concerns. As Ed Douglas reports, this new rescue industry may impact your next trekking adventure.
Rock Destinations
Leo Houlding marked his 40th birthday by introducing the next generation of his family to the kind of adventures that he has become renowned for. The Houlding family spent four days climbing Piz Badile, with his children becoming two of the youngest climbers to stand on the summit.
Rock Climbing Articles
Adam Ondra climbed 9c back in 2017. But just how impressive was this step forward in sport climbing? And how do us Brits measure up against the mighty Ondra?
Mountaineering News
Sarah Stirling tracks down mountaineer Paul Ramsden to find out his opinions on his latest award-winning route, sponsored climbers and the media spotlight.
Rock Climbing News
Lucy Creamer once flew the flag for British women's climbing. An injury forced her out of the spotlight in 2009, but now, after several years of DIY and dog-walking, she's back on form.