Is dumbarton rock the hardest climb in the world?

Answer 1

One of the lines on Dumbarton rock was Greaded as the hardest Trad route under the adjective grading system. The Route was called rhapsidy and it was graded at E11 7a by Dave MacLeod, there has been a suggestion that it was overgraded Now James Pearson has claimed Walk of Life is an E12 7a though the same debate rages.

MacLeods latest route Echo Wall, as yet ungraded may prove to be even harder.

Argument is intense at this end of the grades, should a tiny jump in dificulty from E10 at this level mean a whole grade jump to E11 or simply be called a very difficult E10. I am undecided.

It is also important to remember, with an adjective grade other factors than pure dificulty are considerred. And the tech grade the 7a is only for the hardest move. It could be a whole route of 7a moves, or lots of 4a moves with one really hard move. And it could be really easy climbing with no protection, or nails climbing with lots of proctection availiable. So Rhapsidy may be easier to climb than something with a bit more gear. Though at this level it is thought that the sftey level is less considerred when grading.