Following his impressively quick ascent of Shallow Groove (8B/+) in Trowbarrow Qaurry, Aidan Roberts has kept his attentions close to home with another highly noteworthy send. This time a first ascent in Coniston’s Compermine Valley.
This new problem, Copperline (8A), resides in the lower boulder field, below the Pudding Stone, on Boulder 8 (page 215 in guidebook). When I originally discovered this block about 6 or 7 years ago, this, along with what became Manic Miner, were the two standout lines. I actually nearly did this problem around 18 months ago, chucking for the top right handed from the last LH edge. This method is pretty hairy and requires a solid spot and not having one I never quite committed enough to latch that last throw. Being approximately ten billion percent stronger than me, Aidan opted for a much more solid sequence utilising a really small RH undercut and then going for the top LH. As well as being more controlled, this also looks a much nicer sequence.
I’d also noted the sitter to this problem – a next level classic in waiting – which was partially why I tipped off Dan Varian about the project. Dan’s currently being niggled by a case of tennis elbow so, being an altruistic chap, he got Aidan involved. Here’s what Aidan had to say about the line, both sit and stand, on his instagram page:
Pleased to get through this intense and involved sequence with deceivingly poor holds though the sit remains the main prize. With the only sequence I’ve yet managed to figure out, this full line is no doubt the hardest climb I’ve ever tried. Ridiculous physical moves and a unique sequence make for a great project, albeit next level for me. All the moves done but a long way from feeling close to linking it... I’ve never yet gotten stuck into this projecting game and look forward to pushing my limits a little!
If Aidan manages the sitter I have little doubt it will be one of the hardest problems in Europe and perhaps more importantly it will be a really cool line!