The Trailblazing Women of 1908: Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken Conquer Salisbury Crags
In 1908, a pair of intrepid women made history in Edinburgh, Scotland, defying the conventional norms of their time by ascending the Salisbury Crags dressed in full Edwardian attire. This daring feat was not only a testament to their adventurous spirits but also a pivotal moment in the history of women in mountaineering.
The photo of Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken climbing the rugged cliffs of Salisbury Crags—wearing long, ankle-length skirts, blouses, hats, and even smart shoes—captures the essence of their defiance against societal expectations and their pursuit of freedom and exploration. In this blog, we’ll explore their historic climb, the challenges they faced, and how they changed the landscape of climbing and mountaineering for women in the early 20th century.
Salisbury Crags: A Historic Climb in Edinburgh
Salisbury Crags is a prominent geological feature in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, rising 46 meters (151 feet) above the surrounding landscape. The crags themselves are made of columnar basalts and dolerite outcrops, creating steep cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the city. While the crags are a popular hiking destination today, they presented a much greater challenge in 1908.
The Crags are part of a subsidiary spur of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that towers over Edinburgh. The cliffs of Salisbury Crags have been a source of fascination for climbers and adventurers for centuries, but in the early 1900s, the equipment and safety measures we take for granted today were not available. For Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken, the ascent was made without modern climbing gear such as helmets, harnesses, ropes, or climbing shoes. The only safety they had was a single rope tied around their waists.
A Bold Move: Defying the Norms of 1908 Fashion
In 1908, women’s clothing was nothing short of restrictive. The standard attire for women at the time consisted of long skirts, blouses, corsets, and hats, all of which made physical activities like climbing incredibly difficult. Yet, Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken set out to ascend Salisbury Crags dressed in this very attire, proving that women were just as capable of challenging the physical and mental limits of mountaineering as their male counterparts.
The climb posed several risks, from the craggy, vertical rocks to the lack of protective equipment. The photograph of their ascent is stunning not only for the clarity of the moment but for the sheer audacity of these women’s endeavor. They were breaking the mold of what was considered “appropriate” for women of the time while also paving the way for future female climbers.
The Birth of the Scottish Climbing Club
In 1908, women were still often excluded from many of the mountaineering societies that were emerging across Europe. The Scottish Mountaineering Club, one of the leading organizations of its time, was “for men only”, denying membership to Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken despite their clear passion for climbing. Undeterred, the two women formed their own club that same year: the Scottish Climbing Club.
Their club was an early victory for women’s rights in the mountaineering world, challenging the entrenched norms that barred women from the sport. By 1909, the Scottish Climbing Club had fourteen members, with Smith and Ranken leading the charge for gender equality in the world of adventure and exploration.
The creation of the Scottish Climbing Club marked a pivotal moment for women’s participation in climbing, and the club’s formation can be seen as a precursor to the eventual inclusion of women in many of the world’s most prestigious mountaineering organizations.
A Climb for Equality and Empowerment
Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken’s climb of Salisbury Crags wasn’t just about the physical feat—it was an act of defiance and empowerment. Their decision to climb the crags, dressed in the same clothes they would wear to a formal social event, made a clear statement that women too could engage in physically demanding activities typically reserved for men.
Their story stands as an example of how women throughout history have consistently pushed boundaries, even in the face of societal limitations. These pioneering climbers didn’t just change the landscape of mountaineering—they helped shift the cultural mindset about what women could achieve. Their climb is a testament to their determination, resourcefulness, and the unyielding pursuit of equality.
Challenges Faced by Women Climbers in 1908
In the early 20th century, women faced significant obstacles in the climbing world. It wasn’t just about the physical challenges—women were often discouraged or disallowed from participating in many of the activities that were deemed too dangerous or strenuous for them. Societal expectations about women’s roles in society meant that they were often excluded from outdoor and athletic pursuits.
The Scottish Mountaineering Club and similar organizations not only denied women membership but also belittled their ability to participate in climbing and mountaineering expeditions. As we can see from Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken’s experience, their creation of the Scottish Climbing Club was a response to this discrimination, and it laid the foundation for future generations of women climbers.
Why Their Legacy Still Matters Today
The story of Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken is more than just a moment in mountaineering history—it’s an example of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. Their climb of Salisbury Crags, done in the face of overwhelming obstacles, opened the door for women to participate fully in the outdoor sports and activities that had long been dominated by men.
In the modern-day world of climbing, we see the impact of their bravery and pioneering spirit. Women continue to break records, scale peaks, and challenge societal expectations—whether they’re climbing the highest mountains on Earth or pushing the boundaries of rock climbing, mountain biking, or other outdoor activities. Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken’s legacy lives on through the accomplishments of female climbers around the globe who continue to embrace the spirit of adventure.
Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken
The daring climb of Salisbury Crags in 1908 by Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken remains a powerful symbol of female empowerment, trailblazing courage, and unwavering determination. Through their historic ascent, they not only made a mark on the climbing world but also challenged the conventions of their time, inspiring countless women in the outdoors for generations to come.
Today, when women climb mountains and explore the world, they do so on the shoulders of these two pioneering women. Their Scottish Climbing Club may have been small in its early days, but it became a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, proving that women were just as capable of greatness as men, both on the crag and beyond.
Fun Fact: The Scottish Climbing Club formed by Lucy Smith and Pauline Ranken was one of the first women-led climbing organizations in the world. It was an early example of how women have historically created their own spaces to push for equality in male-dominated activities.
