Bouldering is a discipline in climbing where you try to mount a large boulder. It generally demands more complex movement and greater physical strength. As it is not too high, we place crash pads below us to break the fall.

Fair Head – attracting climbers from around the world

Fair Head itself is a picturesque cliff face on the north coast of Ireland, near Ballycastle. It spans five kilometres and reaches over 200 metres tall. Although we sometimes climb on the cliff, the focus of this trip was to venture to the base.

"Although we sometimes climb on the cliff, the focus of this trip was to venture to the base."

Over time, massive blocks have fallen from the face. Gargantuan columns of hexagonal dolerite lie dormant, scattered and broken across the whole area from the base to the sea. This creates the boulder field. Here lies world-class bouldering where people from across the world come to climb.

The weather posed challenges

In the planning for this trip, we had everything in place. We had enough keen members, enough experienced leaders, enough bouldering pads. Unfortunately, the weather always tries to act against us. The weeks leading up had us constantly refreshing the weather apps. It was not looking good. The trip was nearly cancelled last minute, and a good chunk of people dropped out. Those who remained pressed on despite the soggy prediction.

^{Traversing the boulder field with the cliffs in the background}

We arrived in Ballycastle in a convoy of cars to find the sun shining and the sea looking calm and still. Travelling the short distance from the shop in Ballycastle to the boulder field carpark may sound easy, but to some of the drivers it was not. After many back and forth calls and another half an hour gone, we all arrived ready to go and make up for lost time.

Into the wild

Like a line of ants, we all trailed to the first boulder, everyone in a different coloured beanie with a big bright square crash pad strapped to their back, as if they were leaves for the colony. The path can be a bit dangerous. It is much like the Giant’s Causeway but less uniform. As you venture further in, the rocks get bigger. It transitions from traversing stepping stones to leaping across massive platforms. This is quite fun in itself. It doesn’t take long for you to feel a sense of wildness.

"It’s easy to see why Game of Thrones was filmed here."

Deep in the boulder field, you can feel so far away from anything. The view as you look across is entirely bounded by the fortress walls of the cliff and the expansive sea. The juxtaposition of the quiet inert cliffs and the chaotic crashing of the sea gives you a deep sense of peace and respect. It’s easy to see why Game of Thrones was filmed here. We stood in the middle of it all, on what you could clearly see was a part of the cliff. It is history at a glance, you can easily imagine where the rocks would once have fit on the cliff above.

An unforgettable bonding experience

We sat down and took in the sight. We had arrived at the first boulder, the Shelter Stone. Ironically it started raining, but the boulder lived up to its name. We climbed on some of the slabs to warm up, then ventured to the Elvis themed boulder, Jail House Rock. This was taller than the last, but with bigger holds. It is an opportunity to push past your comfort zone and challenge yourself. To do so feels like a privilege in such a beautiful and powerful place.

^{President of the club, Matt Robb, standing on top of Jailhouse Rock}

We climbed until it was nearly dark, then we made our way out, driving up the long windy road as the sun set. Back in Ballycastle we enjoyed chips and the warm fire at the pub. After a day like this you always feel closer to everyone. It is an excellent bonding experience. The conversations were great and meaningful. We went back to the campsite to see our wet tents looking sad.

Post-climb relaxation

The night was still young, and we weren’t ready to resign. In a great stroke of luck, the farmer had suggested we use his empty barn. He said there were tables and chairs there and it had a roof. As we entered it was not what we expected: ornate decorative lights hung from the ceiling, a wooden rustic bar by the entrance and a game of cornhole. It was evident to us that a wedding had been hosted here not too long ago. We continued to talk and laugh until late. We knew it was going to rain the next day and so we savoured the last moments of the trip.

"It is an opportunity to push past your comfort zone and challenge yourself." 

After camping we packed up and had breakfast. Some went to a café, others walked along the beach. We enjoyed the last day until the rain came on at midday. Driving home, we were tired and content. Even though we did not climb much due to the rain, we all enjoyed the scenery and company. We all left with good memories and stronger friendships. That is what climbing is all about for me. It’s just an excuse to get out there and enjoy an enriching life. 

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Queen's Mountaineering Club

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Sean Webb Software and Electronics Systems Engineering | Undergraduate Student | Belfast, NI I’m Sean and I’m 21. Since joining Queen’s, I have been on the Mountaineering Club committee. For the past 2 years I have had the role of development officer. My role means I am responsible for making sure everyone in the club develops their skills should they want to. I’m in charge of teaching, overseeing courses and ensuring everyone who wishes to go on a trip has the right level of skill and experience to go. I absolutely love it. I am very grateful to all those who took time out of their life to teach and train me so I am happy to return the favour to others. The Club has been a huge part of my life and it has taken me all across the world. It has pushed me to be able to do what I thought was impossible and has given me a community I know I can feel strong in.