Climbing Days

Dan Richards embarks on a journey to uncover the life of his great-great-aunt, Dorothy Pilley, a pioneering mountaineer. The narrative explores her legacy and the timeless allure of climbing mountains.

In Climbing Days, author Dan Richards embarks on a journey to uncover the life of his great-great-aunt, Dorothy Pilley, who was a notable mountaineer in the early twentieth century. Dorothy's adventurous spirit and groundbreaking achievements in the world of climbing had been largely forgotten over the years. However, upon discovering her memoir from 1935, Dan is inspired to delve deeper into her story and the legacy she left behind.

As Dan retraces Dorothy's footsteps, he not only seeks to understand her life and contributions to mountaineering but also grapples with the timeless question of why people are drawn to climb mountains. Through his exploration, he reflects on the motivations that drive climbers, from the pursuit of adventure to the desire for self-discovery. This introspective journey allows him to connect with his ancestor in a profound way, as he seeks to find common ground between their experiences.

Climbing Days is more than just a biography; it is a celebration of a pioneering woman who broke barriers in a male-dominated field. Dan Richards crafts a vivid portrait of Dorothy, illuminating her passion for the mountains while also inviting readers to contemplate their own relationships with nature and adventure. The book serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of trailblazers like Dorothy Pilley and the universal allure of the mountains that continue to inspire climbers across generations.