Franco Cookson

About

United Kingdom

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I'm a 26 year-old climber from Yorkshire in the North of England. I got into climbing the old fashioned way and am now learning the potential of modern training. My formative years were spent trying to establish the hardest and boldest routes I could in the North York Moors. These days I've branched out from my home turf and am beginning to explore Northumberland, The Lake District, Scotland and even the odd route in the Alps. Some of the most magical moments of my climbing so far:

First ascent of Nothing Lasts (E11 7a), Sandy Crag, Northumberland
Surviving a 20m groundfall in 2011
First ascent of I Am You (E7 7b), Coquette View, Northumberland
Tucking into dinner below a perfect Chamonix sunset at the bivi with my good friend, the late Ian Jackson
Flashing Dave MacLeod's Apophenia (E7 6c), Glen Shian, Scotland
First Ascent of Sky Burial (E10 6b), Maiden's Bluff, North York Moors
First Ascent of Divine Moments of Truth (E10 7a), Kay Nest, North York Moors

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Latest News & Articles

News posts and Articles featuring Franco

News The Dewin Stone, 9a+ slab, for Franco Cookson

Franco Cookson has made the first ascent of his long-term slab project, The Dewin Stone, 9a+, at Twll Mawr, Gwynedd, Wales.

36 27 Oct

The Ticklist VIDEO - Hard Trad for Cookson and Wright, 9a+ for Berthier and flashes from Bosi

In this week's episode of The Ticklist, we talk about yet another hard ascent from Franco Cookson, Will Bosi's rampage in Adam Ondra's stomping grounds, Nolwen Berthier's ascent of a 9a+, and Mat Wright's...

21 Apr, 2022

News The Sandman E10 7a and The Meltdown Extension by Franco Cookson

Franco Cookson has climbed a direct finish to Steve McClure's GreatNess Wall E10 7a at Nesscliffe. The Sandman merits the same grade of GreatNess, according to Franco, but adds slightly harder climbing in fewer moves. Following...

10 19 Apr, 2022

News Hold Fast, Hold True E10 7a by Franco Cookson

Franco Cookson has continued his current run of good form by repeating Jules Lines' Hold Fast, Hold True...

8 4 Apr, 2022

The Ticklist New Video Roundup - 9b for Ondra, Garnbret Crushes, and Cookson Redpoints

In our new video roundup of The Ticklist, where we will be...

4 11 Mar, 2022

News The Meltdown 9a by Franco Cookson

Franco Cookson has ticked The Meltdown 9a in Twll Mawr in the Llanberis slate quarries, North Wales. The line eluded...

43 8 Mar, 2022

News 2021 - A Year of Climbing News

The second year of the pandemic was another strange one. The year began with another lockdown in the UK; climbing walls...

30 Dec, 2021

News Ground Up Variation of The Young for Franco Cookson

95 26 Mar, 2019

Article Franco Cookson's Guide to Headpointing

146 15 Jan, 2019

Destination Guide Spittal Crag, Northumberland

16 Oct, 2018

News Academia E10 repeated by Franco Cookson

214 17 Aug, 2018

Article Franco Cookson's Guide to Highballing

13 Jun, 2018

Destination Guide The Yorkshire Coast

22 16 Apr, 2018

News Franco Cookson climbs hard highball at Highcliffe Nab

23 15 Nov, 2017

News Nothing Lasts H10 7a by Franco Cookson

79 10 Apr, 2017

News Black Knight Re-Climbed at E7 6c by Franco Cookson

16 24 Aug, 2016

News Impressive New Highball / Solo for Franco Cookson

43 12 Apr, 2016

Update Franco Cookson and Divine Moments of Truth H10 7a

34 2 Jun, 2015

News Franco Cookson Adds New E10 to NY Moors

17 2 Aug, 2013

Video Franco Cookson takes 20m Ground Fall

399 24 Mar, 2011

Video Franco Cookson Headpoints New Possible E8

79 15 Apr, 2010

News 100,000 Routes in UKC Logbook - Franco Cookson

19 12 Nov, 2008

Videos

News

THE TICKLIST: Interview - Franco Cookson talks The Dewin Stone (9a+)

In this week's Ticklist, Rob talks to Franco Cookson for an insight on his latest masterpiece: The Dewin Stone (9a+) - a contender for the world's hardest slab climb. We also take a look at the lastest climber to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Latest Reviews for Franco's Sponsors

Reviews from the UKC editorial team

Recycled Gear - Reducing Our Impact

With a growing awareness of environmental issues, and the urgent need for greater sustainability, many outdoor brands are increasing their use of recycling. To highlight these efforts, we look at a diverse range of products featuring significan...

3 3 Oct

Montane's Lightweight Legwear

In hope that there's still a bit of life left in the autumn sun, Dan Bailey checks out a range of lighter legwear perfect for warmer conditions, from running shorts to an interesting trouser/leggings crossover.

19 Sep

Montane Protium Fleece Collection

In an age of active insulation and softshell it may feel like fleece has been sidelined; but it still has benefits. Here Rob Greenwood and Penny Orr take a look at Montane's updated and extensive Protium Fleece collection.

6 1 Aug

OTS 2023 - Our Best of the Show

This year's Outdoor Trade Show has just wrapped up. Staged in a tropical Liverpool, the show brought practically all the...

3 16 Jun

Montane Anti-Freeze Hooded Jacket - Men's and Women's

"In a crowded market, Montane have succeeded in making something that stands out"... Rob Greenwood and...

16 Mar

Montane Dynamic XT Thermal Mountain Trousers - warm legs guaranteed

Close-fitting, stretchy, and very very snug, these winter-only softshell trousers are...

17 Feb

UKC / UKH Gear of the Year 2022

Our hard working review team get through a mountain of kit every year. Amongst it all some items stand out from the crowd, and...

27 Dec, 2022

Latest News from Franco's Sponsors

Announcements direct from manufacturers

Montane Extend More Sustainable Choice Programme

Montane has extended its 'More Sustainable Choice' initiative which will now include communication tools to be available to all stockists across a wider range of products as part of the brand's continued strategy to improve product tran...

9 Jan

Montane Collaborates with Outside, Hathersage on 'Hope Valley Round'

Outdoor clothing specialist, Montane, has announced plans to support the 2022 Outside Hope Valley Round in a bid to encourage runners and hikers to take on the challenge of the trail route.

28 Oct, 2022

Montane Dragon's Back Race - Days 4 and 5 Review

On day four, participants ran through the remote Elan Valley, covering 69km of generally runnable terrain, with the route including more tarmac than previous days. The weather was extremely changeable, with both torrential rain and patches...

10 Sep, 2022