UKC

Ahead of the one-hundredth anniversary of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine's disappearance on Everest on 8 June, author Mick Conefrey reflects on Mallory's life and mysterious death and shares an extract from his newly-published book, Fallen.

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I've always wondered if the snow conditions in 1924 were such that the second step was banked out, possibly on the unseen side, which would have enabled them to by-pass the steep rock pitch. It fits with the description of them disappearing behind the step and re-appearing shortly after above it. Modern Everest must be a very different mountain due to climate change than it was in 1924.

Four people in the photo, which one is Mallory?

Standing, Irvine in the hat, Mallory beside him, cut off beside Mallory is Norton, and sitting are Shebbeare and Bruce

Thank you. I'm loving Mallory's punk haircut!

Why is your foot on Edward's shoulder George?

George: "Because it's right there!"

Worth climbing Mallory's Ridge on Y Garn (on Esgair Nantlle rather than Glyderau) just to see how good he was. Given VS/HVS 4c now & climbed in 1911!

Mick Miller cracked a joke about chatting to Chris Bonington once and Miller asks why he climbs mountains.

CB: Mallory said we climb mountains because they are there.

MM: That's the same reason we walk around em!