Two years his senior, Robin Smith had much to do with Dougal's quick rise in mountaineering circles. For instance, at a very early stage in Dougal's apprenticeship he put in a solid week in Wales where Robin lead him up both Cemetery Gates and Cenotaph Corner (seventh ascent), both of which had a fierce reputation. In that week they managed to also knock off a host of other test pieces: Bellevue Bastion, Scars Climb, Rowan tree slabs, Ivy Sepulchre, Lot's Wife, and Brant Direct.
