James McHaffie sends the Meltdown project...

On Monday 9th July, James McHaffie sent the legendary 'Meltdown' project in Twll Mawr, Llanberis slate quarries. James sent me a mail afterwards saying: "Dont ask how but got it 3rd go today with jim big guns. My job for the year is done x" The grade is to be comfirmed as James says 'As for the overall sport grade, I'm not sure, it's around 8c+ or 9a. Not sure about 9a as it didn't take me as long as I expected." But I'm guessing 9a as he sent this message about the route only a day or so before his ascent and has been trying the route on and off for a few years... "I went on Meltdown with Pete Robbins the other day and took 1 fall high up then went to the top after 1min rest, Pete reckons its defo 9a and the climbing is brilliant so I'll be sticking at it. The Matadors size 6 seem to feel great on it so may require another pair in the next few sessions on it as good edges are essential." But then after this mail saying it would still take him a long time he seems to have pulled it out of the bag...legend! And for anyone who fancies a go we have attached James' beta-map.... James is sponsored by Red Chili...