Climbing legend heads Otley's first mountaineering festival (From Wharfedale Observer)

Climbing legend heads Otley's first mountaineering festival

11:00am Monday 29th October 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

A climbing legend will launch Otley’s first moun-tain festival next month.

Doug Scott CBE, the first British climber to conquer Everest, will give an illustrated lecture about his gravity-defying adventures around the globe when he speaks at Otley Courthouse on November 30.

The talk will mark the start of a two-day “celebration of all things mountain related” that will see a climbing wall installed outside the venue and include free bouldering and abseiling trips to Otley Chevin.

Otley Mini Mountain Fest will also see mountain-eering-themed movies, art workshops, stalls and photography based at the Courthouse on December 1.

Chairman of the Court-house’s board of trustees, Dave Robson, said: “When we knew we had the one and only Doug Scott coming to talk on the Friday, we just thought what else could we build around that, and it snowballed from there.

“If it goes well, we’re hoping this can become a regular event, if not annual then biennial.

“Otley and the surroun-ding area enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery, and we will have local experts and internationally-renowned climbers sharing their knowledge, skills and expertise, along with activities for all ages, film shows, stalls and talks, with Fairtrade food and drinks.”

Mr Scott, who became the first Briton to ascend Everest in 1975, is also a famous ‘big wall’ climber, and has taken many spectacular shots of his ascents.

As part of the festival, he will also be judging a ‘great outdoors’-themed photo-graphy competition, open to all, on November 30. Entries should be A3 or A4 and must be clearly labelled on the back with their title and the photographer’s name and contact details.

Images will be displayed in the Courthouse’s Courtroom until judging night.

The festival’s daytime Saturday events, meanwhile, will run from noon to 4pm, and include stalls from the likes of the British Mountaineering Council, Community Action Nepal, Leeds Wall, Friends of Otley Chevin, The Wainwright Society and Otley Walking Festival.

They will conclude with the screening of The Long Hope, a film showing the ascent of St John's Head by Dave McLeod, and other short climbing films.

The Long Hope will be introduced by leading winter climber Andy Turner, who will also talk about his experiences and answer questions.

Visit the website at otleycourthouse.org.uk for further information.