Nick climbed his über winter route back in February 2006 on his second visit, taking a memorable fall from high up that left him at the half-way resting niche. From here he topped out on the 45 metre overhanging pitch that effectively takes the summer line of The Crack, given E1 (2pts aid) in the current Ogwen guidebook.Andy confirmed the grade and said: "It's an amazing three star route. I had to pull harder on Sassenach [a summer E3 6a on the Ben that is also IX 9] but Cracking Up is more sustained." Like Nick, Cracking Up also took Andy two visits. On his first attempt, with the crag veiled in cloud and swirling hail, Andy fell just below the niche with the crux behind him, after a hook unexpectedly let him down leaving him swinging in space. Lowering back to the stance and feeling tired he pulled the ropes and opted for a return visit the next day to maximise his chances of getting it in one push. On his return, the conditions couldn't have been better. At the point where he'd previously come unstuck, he found a bomber placement over a small chockstone a few inches above the hook that had spoilt his previous day's effort .
As Andy successfully reached the belay, fighting rope drag, Rich Cross and Ian Parnell approached Stuart's stance with the intention of also making the first repeat of a Nick Bullock route from February 2006, Travesty VIII 8. Andy and Stu got back to the foot of the crag just in time to see some gritty determination and 'power screaming' from Ian get him across the difficult first pitch after a couple of falls - one of which ended with him suspended from his elastic leash with the tool out of reach while holding the other one between his teeth!
Photo: Andy Turner making the first no-falls ascent of Cracking Up IX 9, Clogwyn Du, Ogwen. © Ray Wood
