Beyond the Summit: A Journey from the UK to the Alps

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‘Fay Manners grew up with a love for adventure, dreaming of climbing high peaks. Her journey into alpinism began in North Wales, where a community of inspiring female climbers pushed her from indoor walls to outdoor challenges. In 2022, she made history with the first female ascent of the Phantom Direct route. Now based in the Alps, her climbing style embraces "fast and light" multi-day routes. Passionate about empowering women in mountaineering, she encourages others to embrace the outdoors, overcome fear, and push past societal barriers. For her, the climb is as much about personal growth and exploration as it is about the summit itself.’

Background

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I was born and raised in Bedforshire, in the Midlands of England. I had a pretty ordinary British life, running around in the rain playing field hockey, arguing about who gets the last piece of chocolate cake with my older brother and dreaming about what life would be like when I grow up. 

For those learning about you for the first time, can you share what your outdoor passion is?

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With my English roots I would call myself a mountaineer but now I live in Europe I tell people I am an alpinist. My passion is to adventure into the unknown. When it comes to steep skiing I love the creativity of finding a new line that looks impassable but then somehow is possible. I like onsighting rather than redpointing climbs with traditional protection and I like the adventure of climbing multi day routes on big mountains via repetitions that are rarely done. 

What initially drew you to mountaineering, and how did your experiences in the U.K. shape your passion for the high mountains?

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I always had a dream to make a career out of being a sports person, however, I never really thought it could be possible. So, I studied data science and for many years worked as a data consultant remotely from my van around the UK and Europe. I even lived in New York for 3 years working for one of the biggest FMCG companies in the world. While I was working in my van, I was also travelling around the UK exploring the mountains. It was a climbing trip to North Wales that captivated me and first drew me towards this newfound obsession of mountaineering. 

You completed the first female ascent of the Phantom Direct route during the pandemic of 2022. What was the experience like, and what does this achievement mean to you personally?

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I climbed The Phantom Direct route with my best friend Line van den Berg. She is my every memory of that route. Her cackling laughter, her huge grin, her endless determination and energy, her fearlessness and her drive to empower women.

I cannot remember the technical details of the climb, just the conversations and moments I shared with Line.

 Can you share a specific memory from your hiking trips in North Wales that stands out as a pivotal moment in your journey toward alpinism?

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While I was in North Wales, I stayed in a little climber’s town called Llanberis. I was surrounded by a group of very strong female trad climbers who I was welcomed and inspired by. No matter the weather there was always some type of climbing I could do, whether it was climbing in the slate quarries, scrambling up ridges in the rain or climbing on the sea cliffs with surrounding Razorbills. 

How has living in the Alps influenced your climbing style and techniques?

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While I was mountaineering in the UK it was very much about climbing for a single day and going heavily prepared for any possibility with the weather. Now while I climb in the Alps I tend to do multi day, longer routes and take a more “fast and light” approach with the more reliable weather. 

 Can you share an essential piece of equipment, clothing, or gear that you think is often overlooked but is important to bring on your climbs?

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I always take a Petzl multi hook as its super lightweight and I use it as knife. I can also use it as a tool for creating a v thread ice anchor. 

I take a Petzl Nano Traxion and have it as a back-up for any kind of rescue situation. 

Lastly, I always take a super light down jacket even in summer incase something goes wrong. TNF have a new AMK 2.0 range releasing in autumn 2025 and their down jacket in this range is the lightest and most warm I have ever owned.

These 3 pieces of equipment are always in my “essential kit” for any kind of climbing or skiing I am doing. 

You’ve dealt with a variety of terrain during your various climbs, which kind do you find to be the most challenging? And which do you prefer generally to prefer?

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I just love everything that challenges me. If you ask me this question in winter, I will tell you “steep skiing” or “ice climbing” but if you ask me in summer I might say “climbing big walls” or “trad climbing”. I don’t need to be the best in one sport and prove myself. I just want to progress in whatever sport I am doing at the time and enjoy every second of the process. 

One of your my ambition is to inspire women to pursue their interest in alpinism, why do you think women are hesitant to transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing?"

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There are a few reasons why women might be hesitant to transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing. 

The obvious reason is that outdoor climbing can seem more dangerous than indoor climbing due to the natural environment, unpredictable weather, and potential for accidents. This perception of increased risk can deter women from making the transition. But I think that can be a reason that men do not transition from indoor to outdoor climbing too, I don’t think this is gender specific. 

I would say there could be more cultural and social barriers to entry for women. Outdoor climbing can sometimes be dominated by male climbers, which can create an intimidating environment for women. Additionally, societal expectations and gender norms may discourage women from participating in outdoor adventure sports. 

What advice would you give to climbers, especially women, who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

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If you have a desire to venture into the outdoors, then embrace a learning mindset and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Because if you don’t try then you will never know. 

To continue following our explorers Fay’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram

@faymanners

Website

www.faymanners.com

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