Today we have a video featuring a few routes from a blustery autumn in Northern Ireland, climbed by John McCune. It includes a rare ascent of Tolerance E8 6c on Binians North Tor, with its "harrowing mantel"; the first ascent of Duais Arete E7 6b at Fairhead, running it out to the top with a cluster of gear at half height and the second ascent of Ricky Bell's technical slab The Peace Donkey E7 6c/7a on Spellack.
"I guess it shows three quite different routes and styles on varied but quality crags in Northern Ireland."
In reply to UKC News: Once-again John, an exceptional display of the magnificence of Irish climbing...
I've just booked the long awaited trip to Fairhead in June, I promise to follow it up with an updated 'Top 5 E5s' article in light of the classics climbed throughout that week. The Burren will have to wait until the following year, but I can assure you that I'll be back!
Wild routes... What a runout on Duais Arete! So nostalgic seeing footage of the Mournes. Always loved it and glad that its potential has been realised over recent years.
In reply to coolbert: Good effort on Duais Arete .. Still not totally convinced as to the title "First Ascent" that is given to such climbs . Should this not be "First Lead" as its obvious due to the large amount of chalk on such climbs that they have already had a "First Ascent" abet on a top rope.
I think 'first lead' is a more useful tag for things like unprotected minor eliminates at local venues which have previously seen a fair bit of top rope activity by others (to acknowledge that the line has seen traffic in the past). But for routes no-one else has been on it's a slightly silly point since a FA claim for a top roped line would not be allowed, hence the first ascent is by definition the first lead.
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Press Release Alpkit and Outside Bank Holiday Hathersage Tent Show 4-5th May