"I'd tried it before about a year ago and fell near the top. I came very close to the ground. I had a bit more composure this time and kept it together to the top." commented Ricky.

The route, in the Cooley Mountains just south of Newry, has a hard boulder problem start followed by some scary moves above cams and sky hooks.

Also trying the route was Andy Marshall, who took quite a fall. Ricky said:

In fading light Andy got completely pumped and fell off the last move onto two sky hooks on a big crimp. They held. We were both surprised!"

Route Description:

The Thing in the Forest ** 15m E7 6c

R. Bell (ground up – mats were used) 30/11/09

Cooley Mountains Co Louth. Park at Long woman's grave car park. There's popular bouldering on the hill side east of the road. The Thing in the Forest is in an atmospheric opening about 50m into the forest and about 800m up the hill.

Climb the leaning wall to the ramp near half height (crux). Good small cams in low slot. Red Camalot in higher slot. Continue up and left over bulge to a flake. Sky Hooks are handy.

VIDEO: Ricky Bell bouldering out the lower section of The Thing in the Forest

Ricky Bell is sponsored by Marmot , Scarpa and Zero-G Climbing