The only way is UP

If you’ve got a head for heights and love a challenge, climbing might be for you. Take inspiration from these three women who’ve made it their passion

- JO WILLACY

‘IT’S GREAT FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH’

Sally Moss, 45, from south London, enjoys outdoor rock climbing. My favourite type of climbing is traditional outdoor rock climbing using a rope and placing your own protection as you climb. I climb in the Peak District and North Wales. I used to enjoy trail running and hiking; now I see climbing as another way to enjoy the outdoors.

Trad climbing is a lot more involved than indoor climbing – you have to think about the environment you’re climbing in, and there’s a lot more to do, as the routes aren’t planned out for you. It’s a full-on experience – more like an expedition, as it’s also time-consuming. I climb twice a month, usually going for trips lasting from two days to a week.

I love the feeling of strength I get from climbing. It involves a lot of agility, but it has an endurance element to it, too, which I enjoy. There’s also a gymnastics element – it’s made me much more flexible, as I have to get into some strange positions to help me move or balance. I’ve found most of my climbing partners through the main forum, UKC (ukclimbing.com). I’ve met Doug, 60, who I climb with most, as well as a group of four female friends, all of us in our 40s.