Climbing Adventures with Amy Hamilton
Amy Hamilton is quickly growing a following on Instagram as she documents her climbing adventures and life in the Scottish Highlands with the goal of inspiring people to build their confidence with climbing and simply getting outside more.
Find out how Amy's climbing adventures began, favourite Cotopaxi product and future adventures and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram @amys_adventures10.
How did you get into climbing?
Climbing is such a lovely way to get outside and meet people. There’s a real sense of community and is a natural conversation starter when you arrive at a crag! People are always friendly and get chatting about which route you might do, what they’re doing and any recommendations they might have. I have met people from all over the world climbing and got the same experience! It’s such a lovely way to get some fresh air and really give yourself a challenge in such a supportive community
What is your favourite thing about climbing?
Climbing has come naturally to me because my dad has spent his life working (and playing) as a professional climber/mountaineer, introducing hundreds of people to the sport! I don’t even remember the first time I went climbing with my dad, it’s just always been something we have done together, and that’s such a special thing to me. When I was 24, I finally plucked up the courage to lead my first climb independently and adding my own protection into the rock as I climbed. Once I had reached the top and set everything up safely my dad proudly said: “my work here is done”.
What is your favourite product from Cotopaxi and how has it improved your climbing experience?
I love Cotopaxi products as they are ethically made, practical and I enjoy the range of bright colours the products arrive in. My go-to product is the Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket, it’s designed with synthetic PrimaLoft® Gold P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions). Insulated clothing is essential for my climbs as they regulate your temperature, and the stretch panelling in the sleeves and the knitted side panels allow me to make quick movements with ease. I love layering and not being restricted by clothing allows me to climb to my best ability.
What advice do you have for those who have yet to climb before but would like to start?
In my adult life I have met many people wanting to try climbing for the first time (and some who initially didn’t want to but eventually came around). As I mentioned before, the climbing community is such a supportive and welcoming one. There are so many types of climbing and the key is to find the type of climbing that suits you! Don’t like heights? Great, then try bouldering! It’s by far the cheapest and easiest way to get into climbing. There are so many centres up and down the country. My local centre is The Ledge in Inverness, you can hire shoes and you’re away!
Do you fancy more of a challenge? Book yourself a lesson or join a climbing club! This is a great way to be, quite literally, be shown the ropes! This opens so many doors to your climbing opportunities. Learning the basics and getting them right are so important, so that you can keep yourself and your partner safe!
The possibilities are endless. I recently returned from my first ever climbing holiday abroad where I climbed a 400 vertical metre route, scrambled along a 4km ridge, climbed some fabulous short routes and even tried something called deep water solo, where you climb with no ropes above the sea! What if you fall? Well… you get wet and go for a lovely swim!
Hopefully this is your sign to get out and try climbing for the first time!
Do you have any future climbs in the pipeline? Can you give us a sneak peek of your next adventure?
Future climbs for this year are mostly in the Scottish Highlands, I am super lucky to live in such a beautiful place with amazing climbing opportunities on my doorstep.
Follow Amy’s climbing adventures and shop our climbing gear collection today!
