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Rainshadow

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description Rainshadow Overview

Rainshadow is a sport climbing route at Malham Cove in North Yorkshire, England, first ascended by Steve McClure in 2000. Graded 5.14d (9a), it follows the limestone overhang of one of Britain's most notable sport climbing crags. The route was a significant achievement in British climbing at the time of its ascent and remains one of the hardest sport climbs in the United Kingdom.

help Rainshadow FAQ

What grade is Rainshadow at Malham Cove?

Rainshadow is graded 9a in the French system, equivalent to 5.14d in the Yosemite Decimal System. It became one of Britain's defining sport-climbing testpieces.

Who made the first ascent of Rainshadow, and when?

Steve McClure made the first ascent in 2003 after working a line previously attempted by Mark Leach. Later ascents by climbers including Adam Ondra confirmed its 9a difficulty.

Does Rainshadow share climbing with Raindogs?

Yes, Rainshadow begins by climbing Raindogs, Malham's classic 8a, without stopping at its lower-off. It then continues into a much harder extension on the limestone headwall.

How is Rainshadow connected to Steve McClure's Rainman?

Rainman links hard climbing associated with Rainshadow and other sections of the Malham Cove wall into an even more difficult line. McClure completed Rainman in 2017 and proposed 9b, or 5.15b.

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