The incredible 'Stone Nudes'

It is a breathtaking - and death-defying feat - which redefines the term extreme sport. Battling both gravity and the elements, the climber claws her way up a granite boulder by just her fingertips.

For most, the lack of ropes and safety equipment would be a perilous step too far. But this woman has gone even further and abandoned her clothes to take part in the new sport of naked rock climbing.

The climber is one of a series of super-fit 'Stone Nudes' captured in action on the cliffs and mountains of America.

Without clothes, specialist shoes or other equipment, participants say the experience captures the 'true essence of the climbing spirit.'

It is the latest extreme sport craze to sweep the US, and is now tipped to become a popular pastime in the UK.