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Preview
  • Closer to the Edge

  • Climbing to the Ends of the Earth
  • By: Leo Houlding
  • Narrated by: Leo Houlding
  • Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (76 ratings)

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Closer to the Edge

By: Leo Houlding
Narrated by: Leo Houlding
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Summary

Leo Houlding started climbing at 10 years of age in the Lake District and was the youngest person (and first Briton) to free climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in the United States at 18 years, which cemented his reputation. He has since gone on to summit the world's toughest peaks and explore the most extreme places on our planet.

During such explorations he has had to deal with tragedy when close friends and colleagues have been killed or badly injured, and he will discuss how you deal with such loss and carry on. Honest, raw and exhilarating, Closer to the Edge will be a 'warts-and-all' insight into the extreme life of one of Britain's best mountaineer adventurers. What drives him? How does he assess risk and judge what level he'll take himself to be successful, and how does he balance this with teaching his own children the lessons he has learnt in some of the world's most dangerous and extreme places?

©2022 Leo Houlding (P)2022 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
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What listeners say about Closer to the Edge

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Total badass!

What a life, I'm buzzing with inspiration after that :)
didn't realise Leo was so hard-core.
I think the family adventures are amazing, what a way to bring up your kids!

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Truly inspiring

Thank you, Leo. I saw you at the Hayfestival a couple of years ago and you kindly signed this book for me. I am reading and listening to it it on the beach in the south of France having led a fairly adventurous life myself I can only concluded e that everything you did was for the best and hope you and your family fulfil your lives completely .
Thanks again

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For any type of adventurer!

Whilst I’m only an armchair adventurer, Leo does a great job of bringing to life the highlights of climbing and expeditions. No climbing required, just relax into these great adventures…this audio book is pure pleasure. You never know I might even give the local bouldering wall a go after this.

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Great book

I really enjoyed listening to this audio book and I hope there’s more from him

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Inspiring

A must read for any climber! Leo shares his tales of adventure in a way that will keep you hooked. He not only describes the the immense expeditions and climbs he's done but delves into the profound effect that it each life event has had on him. Nothing will make you more psyched to go out and explore.

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Leo’s own words…excellent.

As an armchair adventurer I have watched Leo’s career since before the Top Gear segment brought him into general attention. I have enjoyed presentations at the Kendal Mountain Festival over the years featuring the films of expeditions in this book. It was so interesting to hear more of his early journey to climbing. The struggle to stay climbing after injuries. The behind the scene’s story of the films. And very importantly the friendships and close family bonds that mean so much to him. I’m especially pleased that he read his own words. It would not have been the same if he had chosen a narrator instead. There will obviously be more to come from Leo. Long May he continue to mentor young climbers and inspire families along the way.

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What a life!

Leo knows how to have an adventure! This book tells the incredible tales of how he learnt and developed the art of adventure, how he consistently pushed the envelope of the realms of possibility and hiw his attitude to risk and adversity has developed over the years. Hats off!

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Great listen.

I found it highly refreshing and open about his approach to risk and fear.

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Brilliant and inspiring

Have recommended to anyone who will listen. Unbelievable stories told very well. Always been split between career/conventional life and a climbing lifestyle that I've felt on the fringe of since aged 11. After listening to this I think I will embrace the climbing/adventure side more.

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Incredible!!!

Such an inspiration. Mind blowing stories of thrill seeking advenure. I can't wait for the next book!

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