Closer to the Edge: Climbing to the Ends of the Earth

by Leo Houlding

One of Great Britain's finest climbers and adventurers, Leo Houlding started out climbing at ten years of age in the Lake District literally learning the ropes tackling the many historic peaks and crags in the area. Honing his skills as he grew, at eighteen Leo became one of the very first to free climb the mighty El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley, California widely regarded as the most impressive rock face on the planet cementing his reputation as a world class climber. He has since gone on to not only summit the world's tallest walls and toughest peaks, but has become a twenty-first Century explorer, crossing continents to take extreme sports to the most remote corners of Earth - from the frozen mountains of Antarctica to the sweltering jungles of South America

How did a working class lad from the north of England scale such heights and avoid the pitfalls and fatal accidents that have struck down so many of his colleagues and friends? Honest, raw and exhilarating, Closer to the Edge is Leo's 'warts-and-all' insight into the extreme life of one of Britain's best climbers who is active today and still planning epic adventures. In a page-turning narrative, Leo describes his childhood inspirations to climb, his mentors who guided him, and the exhilaration of those teenage years when he broke into the public consciousness - such as his infamous race against Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear . He will reveal to the reader what drives him, how he assesses risk and judges how close to the edge he can go and return safely, and how he balances this with teaching his own children the lessons he has learnt in some of the world's most dangerous and extreme places. Closer to the Edge is the story of a remarkable climber and free spirit who has been at the top of his game for over thirty years, with still more mountains to explore.

Genres: Climbing

368 pages, Paperback

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Lucy Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very speedy read, enjoyed reading about all the epic adventures and definitely gave some good inspiration.
I enjoyed the quote "Scottish winter climbing often involves climbing in bad weather, small mountains punching well beyond their weight in the suffering division" - Leo isn't the biggest fan of Scottish winter
His family ascent of Piz Badile sounded incredible

[George Bowles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Leo, I've seen many of his films and always thought it was cool to see another British guy (not from the US) doing epic s**t. However, I don't know if it's because I listened to this book or what but he comes across as incredibly arrogant. So much so that it was hard to finish. Hearing him talk about his own "obvious talent" and move on incredibly quickly to some other adventure after mentioning the death of a friend disturbed me. Great stories, but I'll stick to the films for now.

[Jocelyn Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could use another proofread but other than a few little typos, excellent book. Had me want to get out and climb harder, jump off cooler shit and LIVE LIFE ! Can’t wait to read books featuring his newer expeditions.

[Alex Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, compelling account of one of the best adventure climbers ever, final chapter made me tear up. Highly recommended!

[Austris Cirulnieks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally inhaled this book. If this doesn't motivate you to go on an adventure, I don't know what will.
A condensed and engaging biography of Leo Houlding mixed with breathtaking adventures, a delicate balancing act of danger and pushing the limits.
Loved every single bit of it. I hope to read about other Leo's adventures at some point in the future.
In the meantime, I'll try to channel all the stoke and enthusiasm this book radiates into my own adventures.
Highly recommended read to all adventure lovers, world explorers, thrill seekers as well as young parents on how to take kids out for adventures.

[jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really interesting book. Didn't know BASE jumping was an acronym. Very cool insights into mindset and many different personalities that Leo has been around. Neat that the pilot was the same for the Antarctic as the arctic trip. Interesting considerations around risk management.

[Andrea Mad Vacca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adventure book. I've been watching Leo's movies since long ago, and I was aware of most of his achievements, yet this book gives a all different perspective.
Kudos

[Lola Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Epic stories, bit of an ego, as per male climbers!

[Charlie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was gonna be a good one for me and it did not disappoint chur

[Freyasocal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best autobiography ever,Would reccomend to all.