Having grown up in the Peak District, it is no surprise that James made a name for himself on “Gods own rock” — Grit! Aged 15, he donned his first pair of rock shoes and quickly started climbing some of gritstone’s hardest and boldest routes, with unswerving enthusiasm and an innate ability to move on rock. Having succeeded some of the world’s hardest trad routes, James shifted his focus to include bouldering, sport, and multi-pitch, and currently continues his quest to climb hard rock, all over the world!

Image © Mathis Dumas