description Hugh Overview
Hugh is a sport climbing route in Eaux-Claires, France, first climbed by Alexander Megos in 2014. Graded 9a, it is one of the hardest routes in the area, consisting of powerful moves on overhanging limestone. The route has become a notable testpiece for advanced climbers.
insights Ranking position
Hugh ranks #288 of 358 in the Climbing Route ranking, behind Muir Wall, ahead of Panem et Circenses.
help Hugh FAQ
Where is the climbing route Hugh?
Hugh is at Les Eaux-Claires, a limestone climbing area in southwestern France. It is a short, extremely powerful sport route rather than a long alpine or multi-pitch climb.
Who made the first ascent of Hugh?
French climber Fred Rouhling established Hugh in 1993. He proposed the grade 9a, or roughly 5.14d on the Yosemite Decimal System.
Why was Hugh's original 9a grade controversial?
Hugh appeared when only a tiny number of routes worldwide had been proposed at 9a, and its heavily manufactured holds also drew criticism. Later ascents by elite climbers helped establish that its physical difficulty belongs near the grade Rouhling proposed.
What style of climbing does Hugh demand?
The route is known for explosive, gymnastic movement on steep limestone rather than sustained endurance over a great distance. Its roughly 20-meter line includes powerful sequences that made it exceptional when Rouhling climbed it in 1993.
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