Always on
This project successfully funded on 6th February 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Inside the Mountain
Otley, United Kingdom
Aim
Funding the final stages of a UK based, climbing documentary - already in production. This fundraiser will remain open past the deadline.
Yorkshire's biggest climb isn't on a mountain, it's inside one.
In 1988 Paul Eastwood and his climbing partner became the first men to free-climb Britain's deepest open cave shaft, rising from within the UK's largest underground chamber and traversing around its highest unbroken waterfall, three times the height of Niagara falls. The iconic route will have gone unrepeated for almost 40 years.
Decades later a new team of climbers, Olympian Molly Thompson-Smith & legend Steve McClure, will tackle the climb once again, hoping to join the few who have ever free-climbed the route.
How It Started
"It was like climbing the inside of a beer bottle" - Paul Eastwood
This began as a personal project away from my day job as a Producer at Channel 4, what began as a small, self-funded project has grown into something much, much bigger.
The story of that route, and the people behind it, has struck everyone I’ve spoken to. The response from the climbing and caving community has been unreal, and it’s pushed me to make sure this film does the story justice.
Where We’re At
We’ve already captured some incredible test footage of the route, filmed with Paul Eastwood, one of the men who made the first 'free' ascent and and we're well underway with recces for the second attempt in 2026 .
We also have a line up of world-class contributors, including:
- Mick Fowler – legendary mountaineer
- Rick Stanton – leading cave diver
- Geoff Crossley – pioneering caver/cave diver
- Steve McClure – world-class professional climber
- Molly Thompson-Smith – world-class professional climber and Olympian
Why We Need Support
We’ve got a small, dedicated crew, all volunteering their time, but we can’t ask all of our suppliers to do the same.
To take the next steps, we need hard cash. We’ve already had amazing support from brands and organisations lending kit, technical gear, and expertise, but now we need to cover things like:
- Safety systems and rigging
- Specialist camera hire
- Post-production (editing, sound, colour)
All the stuff that turns a great story into a great film.
The Goal
We’re aiming to complete the film by August 2026, and every single penny raised will go directly into production, with all spending utilising small independent businesses operating in the outdoor sector and talented local freelance production crew.
This isn’t about profit. It’s about telling a brilliant story, about a brilliant climb, and bringing it to life on screen.
Why It Matters
The climb went unrepeated for almost 4 decades and, to my mind, it's one of the most epic lines the UK has to offer (don't shoot me).
With your help, we can tell that story, and see that line climbed again, in beautiful cinematic detail, by some of the best British climbers out there.
If you feel there is support you can offer beyond monetary or you're a brand interested in title sponsorship you can reach me - [email protected]
Thank you.
Additional Photographs:
- (Molly Thomspon-Smith) ©Sam Pratt
- (Steve McClure) ©Ian Barton
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made