Everest explorer joins YHA Gradbach climbing festival

27/06/2008 11:49:00

Trail-blazing mountaineer Cathy O’Dowd – the first woman to scale Everest from both the north and south sides - will be the guest of honour at YHA Gradbach’s Festival of Climbing.

The intrepid explorer and popular raconteur is flying in from her home in Andorra to speak at the three-day event and will waive her normal fee because she wants ‘an opportunity to talk to climbers’.

YHA Gradbach is situated in one of the best climbing locations in the country with Staffordshire’s Gritstone Roaches right on the doorstep.

Normally reserved solely for groups, the festival offers a unique opportunity for those interested in climbing to come and stay and experience the area.

The event gets under way on Monday October 27 and costs £100 for adults and £50 for under 18s, including three-night’s full-board accommodation.

Cathy O'Dowd reached Everest's peak from the south, despite facing the worst storm in the mountain's history.

She took on the challenge of the treacherous north side two years later, but her attempt ended when she stopped to try and save a dying climber.

A year later she returned and succeeded in becoming the first woman to climb Everest from both the north and south sides.

Cathy will be speaking on Tuesday 28th October with 10 per cent of the proceeds going to YHA’s Breaks 4 Kids – a fund that provides financial support to disadvantaged young people to ensure they can join their friends and classmates on residential trips.

There is a fully-licensed bar at the hostel and there will also be representation from the BMC, Mountain Rescue and local climbing shops offering advice expert guidance on local climbing routes.

 For more details and bookings call YHA Gradbach on 0870 770 5834