In reply to Derry:
Yeah, granted it was a bit stupid, and its people like me that let Ryanair charge so little as they make their money otherways.
However, there surely should be some sort of agreement between airlines and security. I mean, a high heel shoe or a hardback book could also be deemed a security risk. It was pretty obvious we were climbers. and cheap dirtbag climbers at that!
Wish I had read the forums on here first! even worse, I'm pretty sure I would have got the rope through on the return journey, but didn't want to risk it, thus posted it home.