Set in Stone

The documentary film by the multi-award winning adventure filmmakers Alastair Lee and David Halsted has all the hallmarks of becoming one of the most significant british climbing films in years. The film charts the routes of arguably the world’s best traditional climber, Cumbrian Dave Birkett. Despite his status as one of the world’s great athletes, few people are aware of the enigmatic Birkett and his stunning exploits. Set in Stone aims to change all that: the movie takes the viewer up the rock with Birkett as he climbs phenomenally hard and dangerous routes set against the beautiful Lake District fellscapes. Set in Stone also features exciting and historically important footage which will set the pulses of climbing aficionados racing. It includes the first ascent of 'Return of the King', Dave's latest addition to Scafell's East Buttress, as well as many other modern Lakeland test pieces such as the extraordinary 'Nowt But a Flee'in Thing' on Cam Crag, Wasdale Screes; a stunningly evocative line. Other highlights include the legendary 'If Six was Nine' on Lakeland’s esoteric Iron Crag; a route climbed 14 years ago and which remains one of the country’s most formidable climbs. Plus Birkett recounts how he made the hardest traditional ‘on-sight’ ascent in the world at Dove Crag: the aptly-named 'Fear of Failure'. This is not simply an action film however. Birkett’s surprising and engaging self-deprecating and humorous personality has been a boon to the Burnley filmmakers, whose reputation has been built on a unique mix of spectacular cinematography and quirky comedy. Their profile also includes 'The Brief History of Birkett ': an animation which covers a 70-year long Birkett family climbing ‘dynasty’ that started with Dave’s grandfather, the cutting-edge inter-war climber Jim Birkett. Dave’s more unusual extra-mural activities, such as his unofficial role as a one-man sheep mountain rescue service, are also showcased.