Kelly Holmes on Stanage Edge last year. Photo: Alex Messenger/BMC

Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes’s career in rockclimbing took a few steps upwards with a new personal best.

The former middle-distance runner spent a week as a ‘rock improver’ on the crags of north Wales with Plas y Brenin instructor James McHaffie, and led her first route on rock. The former Women’s Royal Army Corps sergeant had her first taste of civilian climbing with British Mountaineering Council guidebook editor Niall Grimes and International Mountain Guide Rich Cross last October on Stanage Edge.

Dame Kelly said then: “I was nervous when I first looked at what I had to climb but I was up for the challenge and knew I was in safe hands with the BMC.  It was both a thrill and a relief getting to the top. It’s definitely something I’d like to do more but I’m not a big fan of the cold so next time I’ll pick a warmer day.”

Dame Kelly Holmes, a former Army driver and physical fitness instructor

Dame Kelly continued her climbing progresssion with routes on Holyhead Mountain, at Tremadog, Rhoscolyn and Bus Stop Quarry. She successfully tackled the Christmas Curry route at Tremadog, rated Severe 4a.

Plas y Brenin chief executive Martin Doyle said: “Kelly was a model student for our climbing coaches. Strong, agile, balanced and incredibly determined – everything you need to become a truly great climber.

“But what struck us most was her obvious passion for climbing and in turn the natural affinity she had with everyone else on the course. I’m sure climbers around the country will be bumping into Kelly for many years in to the future as she continues to improve in this unique sport.”

Plas y Brenin, the national mountain centre, offers courses in a range of outdoor activities, from hillwalking and climbing to paddlesports and family activities.