THE EASTBOURNE GAZETTE

Eastbourne, Sussex, England

1 August 1894

(page 6)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

CLIMBING BEACHY HEAD.

Sir,—In a paragraph one of your correspondents alludes to “Crowley's Climb" up Beachy Head from the East Foot of the Devil's Chimney as "though difficult in places—comparatively safe."

"If Mr. Crowley thus described it he must—unknown to me—be a victim to that misleading modesty which prompts a man to speak disparagingly of his own achievements. In the Alpine Club Journal, when speaking as a mountaineer to mountaineers, I should take no exception to the expression, for the comparison would then naturally be with such climbs, as say that of Peter Botte, or the "Tooth of Bhastair” in our native Cuchullins; but when it appears in such columns as yours for the information and, perhaps, guidance of visitors who are not but prone to attempt that which they hear others have done, without stopping to enquire, how? I feel I cannot let it pass without a word of warning.

Mr. Crowley and I have been over the whole ground again, and found that particular ascent, even when taking into consideration the disturbing influences of a high wind and driving chalk flakes, which cut one's face and hands, and rendered the opening of but one eye at a time a matter for mature consideration, we found it, I repeat, both difficult and dangerous, de-spite the fact that we had the best aid that rope, ice axe, and no little experience can give, without all of which it would be the maddest folly for any but an old hand at chalk climbing to follow in our footsteps.

Trusting that you will find space in your valuable columns to insert this letter or the pertinent part of it, as a warning to ad-venturous ramblers.

I am, dear Sir, yours truly,

G. F. GREGOR GRANT (President "Cuchullin Club").

The Tower House, Crook Log, Bexley Heath.