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Born:

1997, Ullapool, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Biggest achievement:

First ascent of Fatman (8b+), Glutton Crag / First ascent of Blood Moon (8a+, 13 pitches), Madagascar / First ascent of Sea Dildo (f8a), greenstone, Scotland.

DMM athlete since:

2017

Calum Cunningham is a Scottish climber from Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands, born into one of the most climbing-dedicated families in the country. Raised by climbing parents alongside his brothers Eadan and Duncan, the Cunningham youngsters were introduced to route and boulder development from an early age, canoeing out to the remote Summer Isles to establish trad first ascents during family summer holidays. Without a local climbing wall, Calum and his brothers spent their after-school hours roaming the hills, finding and developing new boulders wherever they could. That resourcefulness has shaped a climber with a strong technical mind and a deep love of his home terrain. His achievements include 8b sport climbs across Europe, the first ascent of The Force Direct (8b) at Brin Rock, 8A boulders in Rocklands, and a 13-pitch 8a+ big wall first ascent in Madagascar alongside Robbie Phillips and Alan Carne. Most recently he added the first ascent of Fatman (8b+) at Glutton Crag near Ullapool to an already impressive list, completing a project his dad had bolted over a decade earlier. Having just returned from two years living in Canada, Calum is excited to rediscover what Scotland has to offer.

"The more I've travelled I've come to realise my local crags are just as good as anywhere, which in hindsight would have saved me a load of money on travel."

Get to know Calum

When did you start climbing?

I come from a very keen climbing family. My two brothers and I were climbing short boulders and top roping easy slabs from as early as I can remember.

What do you consider your most significant climbing achievement to date?

Probably the first ascent of Fatman (8b+) at Glutton Crag near Ullapool. I remember watching my dad put the bolts in it on a day off school. A decade later, after many unsuccessful attempts, it felt great to finally clip those chains. In true Scottish fashion it requires a 30-minute vertical bog approach and on a non-breezy day you are not only fighting your own demons on the route but a swarm of midges. It just adds to the challenge.

How would you describe your climbing style and your anti-style?

I think I am naturally quite a technical climber and enjoy working out moves in the most efficient way. My anti-style would be big jumps and coordination moves. I leave that to the new generation.

What has climbing taught you?

To never give up and that things always get easier with practice.

Favourite type of rock?

Torridonian Sandstone with Lewisian Gneiss a close second. If you know, you know.

Which crag or mountain is your favourite and which do you consider the most beautiful in the world?

The best crag I have ever been to has to be Ceuse in France. However, the more I have travelled the more I have come to realise my local crags are just as good as anywhere, which in hindsight would have saved me a load of money on travel. Oh well.

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