Dave MacLeod repeats Mystic Stylez 8C at Magic Wood

Ice, mixed or rock... regardless of the element, Dave MacLeod usually makes his hard ascents at home way up north in Scotland, but when he does cross the border and venture south, it usually doesn't take long for his to leave his mark. The Scotsman has just been on a bouldering trip to Switzerland where, a fortnight ago, he sent New Base Line 8B+ at Magic Wood and now Mystic Stylez, a short and powerful 8C established up American climber Daniel Woods.

MacLeod initially made quick progress but was then thwarted by the heat wave which resulted in 35°C in the forest. Sending the problem in these conditions would have been unlikely but after seeing the weather forecast, MacLeod stayed put and rebooked his travel home. The cold front which swept across Central Europe this weekend proved fundamental and MacLeod managed to send his first 8C yesterday, just as the first drops of rain began to fall and the winds began to increase. Perhaps it was these "Scottish conditions" which helped him?