There’s an extra day this year, the 29th of February is just around the corner - what are you going to do with it? Go climbing of course! We caught up with legendary climber Emma Twyford to find out her top five climbs for the leap year.

Back in 2019 Emma made history by becoming the first British woman to climb 9a with her ascent of The Big Bang at Lower Pen Trywn. The film about this climb, The Big Bang, won Best Climbing Film at Kendal Mountain Festival that year and it shows how she powered and crimped her way to the top after three years of hard work at the crag. She also has several E9 ascents under her belt. But don’t worry, she hasn’t got anything quite so hard in her top five climbs below! The hardest thing about this for her was deciding which to include, “My top five climbs? That’s tricky!” she said. 

As a BMC ambassador and routesetter, Emma is passionate about encouraging others into her favourite sport. “I’m really keen to encourage girls into climbing, and trad climbing in particular,” she says. “Throughout my climbing career simply being outside has been one of the most important things and the effect it has on our mental health is, I think, huge. We are seeing lots of women climbing indoors these days; wouldn’t it be great if we could encourage them to climb outside, to make it a lifelong activity.”

Emma’s top 5 climbs

Once Upon A Time in the SouthWest (E9 6c) Dyer's Lookout, Devon

I climbed in the Southwest a fair bit when I was younger with my Dad and loved climbing on Dartmoor and at The Dewerstone but this one really sticks out as a superb climb. Moderately bold and really tests your ability to hold it together mentally. But for me this was also a fun trip with great people which made it truly special.

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BMC Shop: Pembroke VOL 5: Stackpole and Lydstep >>

Always the Sun (E7 6c), Pembroke, South Wales

I couldn't do a top five without a route in Pembroke and you really are spoilt for choice. This one 100% lives up to the hype. I love routes by the sea, for me it feels incredibly therapeutic and this route just has everything. Great climbing, a beautiful arête, good gear and some spicy insecure moves that make you fight.

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BMC Shop: Pembroke Rock 1000 Select Rock Climbs >>

Lord of the Flies (E6 6a) The Cromlech, North Wales

The Cromlech just has so much history surrounding it and I always held this route up as a big one to try and onsight. The climbing on it is beautiful, bold and technical. A real treat to climb, though I feel that way about all the routes up there. Bring your best head game.

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BMC Shop: North Wales guidebooks >>

Regent Street (E2 5c) Millstone, Peak District

I've always struggled on the grit but Millstone was one of my favourite places to visit when I lived in Sheffield and this route is one of the best at the grade.

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BMC Shop: Peak District guidebooks >>

Raindrop (E1 5b) Black Crag, Lake District 

This one is a hard choice because I grew up in the Lake District. I could have easily thrown in anything at Gimmer, Pavey or Central Pillar on Esk Buttress but for me Black Crag holds a special place in my heart because I spent a lot of time there with my Dad and his friends as a kid and this was one of my favourite climbs to do.

Click here to veiw on the RAD >>

BMC Shop: Lake District Guidebooks >>

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