The Golden Road E9 7A First Ascent

On the rain-swept Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, Dave MacLeod returns to his vlog series for a sharp, intimate look at a new hard trad challenge: the first ascent of The Golden Road, graded E9 7a. With the Atlantic weather rolling in and the cliff face turning uncertain by the minute, he documents the process of committing to a beautiful wall project when conditions are anything but perfect. What makes this worth watching is how clearly it captures the real currency of hard trad: decision-making under pressure. Between gusts of Hebridean wind and sudden showers, MacLeod breaks down the shifting psychology of risk, focus, and momentum—how a route can feel impossible one moment and strangely “go” the next. It’s a short film that delivers big atmosphere, honest reflection, and the uniquely Scottish mix of grit and beauty that turns an ascent into a story.

Dave MacLeod · 7:40

Vlog #17 Last week on the Isle of Harris I made the first ascent of a beautiful wall project called The Golden Road, E9 7a. It was raining. Rain is not uncommon in the west of Scotland and often we have to work around it. In fact the last time I did a new E9 on this island is was raining as well! Mostly it was blowing over the crag and not getting the holds too wet. But at one point it definitely did get heavy enough to get things a little damp. Strangely, as I explain in the video I think this actually helped me get up the route, with the help of a fresh Hebridean wind and a brief interlude in the showers. Hard trad climbing is so much about the psychology of the situation. More details about the route on my new blog. https://www.davemacleod.com/blog