Fort William Mountain Film Festival (FWMF)

This year the Fort William Mountain Festival is taking place from the 11-15 February. As usual there is a great line up. This year is the 50th anniversary of Robin Smith's and Jimmy Marshall's historic week of first ascents on Ben Nevis.

Dave MacLeod and Andy Turner are aiming to celebrate this by completing all of the Smith/Marshall routes: 'The Great Chimney' IV,5, 'Minus Three Gully' IV,5, 'Smith's Route' V,5, 'Observatory Buttress' V,4, 'Point Five' V,5 (second ascent), 'Pigott's Route' V,6, and 'Orion Direct' V,5.

Many people have drawn comparisons between this historic week and the cutting edge ascents of 'Sassenach' IX,9, 'Bruised Violet' VIII,8, and Centurion VIII,8 (early repeat) made by Andy Turner and climbing partners in 2009 - three major routes in five days.

I guess only history will tell if these two events are comparable, but three charismatic climbers coming together to celebrate these and other ascents at FWMF should make for a great evening..

For the full line up check out the Fort William Mountain Festival website. Also UKC post.

11th to 15th February 2010

• Andy Kirkpatrick hosts the Extreme Night.
• Paul Diffley from Hot Aches screening Single Handed plus The Asgard Project on the Adventure Night.
• Dave MacLeod and Andy Turner celebrate Jimmy Marshall and Robin Smith's incredible first ascents on Ben Nevis 50 years on with Jimmy Marshall himself.
• Best of Banff World Tour.

Tickets are on sale, buy yours now so you don't miss out!