0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:01 > 0:00:06- The documentary Dringo I'r Eitha' - was broadcast on S4C in 2007.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- Life has since changed for the young - Bethesda climber Ioan Doyle.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- People will think I'm crazy.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- The 22-year-old - needs to earn a living.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- His vocational choice - has surprised his mother, Catrin.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- Farming is everything.
0:00:27 > 0:00:33- But Ioan has another passion - - the thrill of climbing.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- I started climbing - to get that feeling.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- This is a year in the life of the - climber and shepherd Ioan Doyle.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- Subtitles
0:00:51 > 0:00:56- Ioan was 17 - when Dringo I'r Eitha' was filmed.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- It's quite a drop!
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- At the time, he had reached - extreme severe grade 5, or E5...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- ..within only a year - of starting to climb.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- This level is beyond - many experienced climbers.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- Scary!
0:01:19 > 0:01:24- In sports climbing, - popular on the Continent...
0:01:24 > 0:01:30- ..he reached grade 8A, - with his mother holding the rope.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- But Catrin's 2007 holiday - was a nightmare.
0:01:34 > 0:01:40- She literally found it difficult - to let go of her talented son.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- Let me go!
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- There's too much pressure.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56- In 2008, he went even further with - sports climbing, reaching grade 8B.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- Only a small minority of climbers - reach this level.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- He spent a year on the Continent...
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- ..developing the strength - that this level of climbing demands.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- I've seen my body change.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- I've grown and I have more muscles.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- I feel much stronger.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- Back home in Wales, traditional - climbing is his favourite style.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- He has scaled dangerous climbs - in the Llanberis Pass...
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- ..that were graded E7 and E8.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- This put Ioan Doyle at the top, - one of Britain's best climbers.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- He was only 18.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- I know how dangerous they can be.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- He has tried to frighten - and goad me.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- "Anything after E5 is death," - he said.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- I was going well.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- I don't know what distracted me.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17- Girls, I think.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19- Hip hip!
0:03:19 > 0:03:20- Hip hip!- - Hooray!
0:03:20 > 0:03:21- Hip hip!
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- Hip hip!- - Hooray!
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- Helen and I have just got engaged.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- It's very exciting.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- We're celebrating.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- And this is Helen, - my future daughter-in-law.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- Yes!
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- She's learning Welsh.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- She's learning Welsh.- - Not very good.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- She's good, really.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49- She's good, really.- - Cheers.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- All these holes, it's good - to just fill everything in.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Ioan Doyle - is now a professional waller.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Find a better stone.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13- Leave that one there.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- We're on the slopes of Tyddyn Du.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- The Ogwen and Carneddau warden - gave us the job...
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- ..of rebuilding the wall - and putting in a stile.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36- It's our first National Park job. - I'll see the wall being used.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- I've done work on the mountains - but I don't see it get used.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- It's nice so close to home.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- I'm enjoying it.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- I can work with friends and Helen.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- Not all days are as enjoyable. - This is one day in a hundred.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- The rest of the time, it's raining - and we shout at each other.
0:05:02 > 0:05:03- Don't we?
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- Don't we?- - Blood is spilt by lunchtime!
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- Why did Ioan - turn to this sort of work...
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- ..instead of joining the elite band - of full-time climbers?
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- I didn't turn professional...
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- ..because I couldn't.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- It probably sounds defeatist.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- I didn't think - it was something I could do.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40- When I was at my best, - I had no responsibilities.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- I lived at home - and didn't need to work.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- When I moved into my own place...
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- ..I realized that I needed money.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- Unfortunately, in Britain...
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- ..earning a living - in the climbing game isn't possible.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- It was natural for me - to choose a way to earn a living...
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- ..and to throw myself into it 100%.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- Working took over everything.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- Climbing became a hobby.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- # I'm a man - who likes to build a wall
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- # A sturdy and tall wall
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- # I like walling
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- # I like walling #
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- Ioan struggles to find the time - to climb.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- One option is bouldering, - this sort of climbing.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- Harnesses and ropes aren't needed, - only shoes, chalk and a mat.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- This is Parisella's Cave - in Llandudno.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- People who work in offices - or indoors...
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- ..go out climbing after work.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11- They're fresh.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- I've had it. - I can't do anything.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- I've been lifting stones - or chopping wood all day.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- Yes, it keeps me fit.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- But it's hard to find a time - when I'm not tired.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- This is much easier than work.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- It feels easy.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- The cave - is for specialized climbing.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- It's regarded as somewhat bizarre - even among climbers.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- They make complex moves - as they follow short routes...
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- ..which are known as problems.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- Every problem has its own name - and difficulty grade.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- This one, Broken Trigger, - is one of the most difficult...
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- ..not only in this cave, - but throughout Britain.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- It has only been climbed - once successfully before today.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- After becoming - only the second to climb it...
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- ..Ioan shows the Parisella crew - the true meaning of bizarre.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- This is Florence.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- She's an orphan lamb.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55- OK?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Her mother died in Mynydd Llandegai.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- We found her - and then Helen spotted the lamb.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- I wanted Helen - to experience lambing.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- We picked the lamb up.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- It's a part of climbing!
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- I said to Helen, - "We've started farming now."
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- I decided I wanted to find out more.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- It's in my nature.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- I don't do anything - by half measures.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- It's the same as climbing. - It has become an obsession!
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- It's shearing time at Tyddyn Du.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53- This is his Uncle Bob's farm - above Bethesda in the Ogwen Valley.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- This year, Ioan has his own dog - to help with the shepherding.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- It was my first time - on the hillsides.
0:10:01 > 0:10:07- I'll take the dog up to work - next time. I've cracked it today.
0:10:07 > 0:10:13- I'm a great believer in tradition. - This is mountain shepherding.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- It's what I want to do.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- I have the chance to learn.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- I've looked and learned.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- That's how I do everything.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Keep your knees together.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- He has started to shear now. - I never thought he would.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- It has come full circle.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- It's something he disliked - when he was a teenager.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- He loves it. Farming is everything.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Helen, his girlfriend, is keen too.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- She wants to be - a proper farmer's wife.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59- She will be too.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- He's fit and strong. - That's what keeps him going.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- He works himself too hard.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- There's a way to hold - and turn a sheep...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..without using - every muscle in the body.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- He'll find the easiest way - eventually.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- Being around farmers - is the best education I could get.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- I want to be a sheep farmer.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- Helen wants to as well. - She likes the lambs.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- I like the whole process of walking - on the mountains with a crook.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- They both suit each other. - We'll make a good team.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- We'll try it out - and see what happens.
0:11:48 > 0:11:48- .
0:11:53 > 0:11:53- Subtitles
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- The Tremadog cliffs in North Wales - are a popular climbing spot.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- The Neb, graded E3, - is a fairly easy climb for Ioan.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- He's climbing - with his old friend, Mills.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- Mills trained Ioan - in the early days.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- But the pupil - soon became the master.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- I couldn't have led that, no chance.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- Mills has held the ropes for Ioan - on most of his hardest climbs.
0:13:03 > 0:13:09- Since we filmed, Ioan's development - has greatly improved.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- He's one of the best in Britain.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- But he leaves me behind a little!
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- It's time to let go.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- Just as Ioan - has turned to farming...
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- ..Mills has a new interest, - photography.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- I do this more often than climbing.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- Climbing gets more difficult. - I enjoy taking photographs.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Climbing gives me - more of an adrenalin fix.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- It's another release.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- People know me as Mills the - photographer, not Mills the climber!
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- I really enjoy taking pictures.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- I can show - what the area has to offer.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- I'm an ambassador for Wales.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- I sell the beauty of the country.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- I take climbing photos of Ioan.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- He is such a good climber - that all I can do is take his photo.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Then home for a glass of wine.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Happy days.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- Helen and Ioan have nine sheep.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- A friend has lent them a field.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- Open the gate.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- The sheep needs dosing.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Helen does the paperwork...
0:14:50 > 0:14:56- ..so her name, HW or Helen Wise, - is painted in purple on the sheep.
0:15:00 > 0:15:06- Uncle Bob gave us the yearling ewe - and a three-year-old sheep.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- It was kind of him to give us sheep. - The flock is growing every day!
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- Taid said, - "From one came a thousand."
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- Which one is this one, Helen?
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- This one's Florence, - the first one we ever had.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- She's my baby.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Not any more!
0:15:33 > 0:15:34- One done.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Grab one.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44- That hurt!
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- It sliced me.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Hmm! Sort of successful!
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- It's time to catch - the two that made a run for it.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- Have you got it?
0:16:38 > 0:16:39- Oh!
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- Stuff it right in.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Put it there!
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- I've helped on the farm for years.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Now, it's up to us - to look after them...
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- ..and make sure their feet are OK.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- We're both keen, - and it's a great way of life.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- People will think I'm crazy.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- But there's something great - about looking after animals.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- The summer of 2012 - was exceptionally wet.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- As well as interrupting - the walling and farming...
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- ..it also affected the climbing.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- Ioan is keen - to reach the next climbing level.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- It's impossible to do that - in Britain in these circumstances.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- We're in the Pyrenees in Spain.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- It's one of the best places - in the world to climb.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- That's why we came here.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- Rodellar - is a brilliant place to stay.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- On other trips, - I've roughed it in the trees.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- This is a little slice of luxury!
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- The Ali Baba cave - is similar to the cave in Llandudno.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- The next grade for me is 8B+.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- I've chosen something to highlight - my strengths. It's a harder grade.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- I'd like to say it's about - the climbing, but it isn't!
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- We all say it's about the grade.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- But there's a problem.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Unfortunately, - an old finger injury has flared up.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- I dropped a stone on it at work.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- I have a damaged tendon - and there's no power in my finger.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- I'll forget the grade - and enjoy climbing.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- As a result of Ioan's injury, - Helen gets the chance to lead.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- Ioan's holding the rope.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- I met Helen on the high street - in Llanberis.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- I waved at someone, - thinking I knew her.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- She crossed the road to talk to me. - I had never met her before!
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- I met her that night - and got to know her a bit more.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- I got her number - and we went climbing.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Helen moved from Yorkshire...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..to work in a Capel Curig - mountaineering shop.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- She came here to climb, - to push herself further.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07- She worked up quickly to E4 - that first summer.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Crimpy and technical, my favourite!
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- She's studying Accountancy - at university.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- I'm lucky that Helen does my books!
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- Just rip it.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- We're well-prepared - and we're a good team.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- We're friends.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- She's the best thing - that has happened to me.
0:20:38 > 0:20:39- She's fantastic.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- The finger injury prevented Ioan - from reaching a personal goal.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- But he has had another idea.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- We're an hour and a half away - from Rodellar. Helen is studying.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Can you see the snake-like - white line going up the rock?
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- The route is called - La Fiesta de los Biceps.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- It's a route - with quite a reputation.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- It's a thousand-foot - bolted sports climb.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- You don't get that very often.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- It's one of Europe's most - spectacular sports climbing routes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- There's a lot of hype about it. - You have to do it if you come here.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- It's well within my grade, - and it'll give my finger a rest.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- Helen's quite nervous, - because of the height.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- The climb is within her range.
0:21:56 > 0:22:02- But the height and the whole place - plays with your mind.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- We're coming here tomorrow - to try to do it.
0:22:10 > 0:22:10- .
0:22:15 > 0:22:15- Subtitles
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- It's early on a cold morning...
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- ..near the small village - of Riglos in the Pyrenees.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- Helen doesn't feel at her best - to face her most challenging climb.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- Whenever I have an early start, - I always get really adrenalinny.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- It makes me feel sick - and I can't eat.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- I need to eat because I'm hungry. - I should be alright.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- This is La Fiesta de los Biceps.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- It's one of Europe's most famous - sports climbs.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- A very steep thousand-foot climb.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- It's a challenge for Helen, - because she isn't fond of heights.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- It's hard to climb with a rucksack.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- It's nice to do something, - just about...
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- ..with my finger as it is.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51- It's a steep climb...
0:23:52 > 0:23:57- ..but there are enough wide holds - where Ioan can use his whole hand...
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- ..and so rest his weak finger.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- My biceps are fine! I'm a waller.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- I'm a pick and shovel lad - - and I'm fine!
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- But the climb is too high for Helen.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36- She weakens - before reaching the halfway point.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- But turning back isn't an option.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- It's my idea of relaxing.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03- Relaxing?!
0:25:03 > 0:25:08- A relaxing holiday on the beach. - It's like a beach, Helen, look.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- The last part of the climb - is even steeper.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- Nuts up here.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23- Amazing.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- Catch up, Helen.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44- Flex those biceps.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- Come on, Hels. Good job.
0:25:48 > 0:25:49- Yeah!
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- Come on!
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- I've got you.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- Keep coming up, keep coming up.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05- Oh, my God.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- Oh, my God.- - Lean back.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- Lean back.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- That's knackering.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- I want to get off now.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- How are you doing?
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- About another three, Helen?
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- I think so.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- My idea of a holiday, isn't it?
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- There are only three pitches - to the summit.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- But they are the steepest - and most difficult of the lot.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Helen is pushed to the limit.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- You're doing great, alright?
0:26:52 > 0:26:55- OK? We're nearly there.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01- I'm on my way.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- I'll climb as fast as I can.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- They have been climbing - for over four hours.
0:27:10 > 0:27:15- The sun hides behind the clouds. - The weather threatens to turn.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39- Bit more.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Bit more.- - Yeah, I've got you.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- Look how steep that is.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- I don't want to look.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- Don't look, don't look.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- Well done, Helen. Come on!
0:27:57 > 0:27:59- Oh, my God!
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- Fiesta de los Biceps.
0:28:08 > 0:28:09- Very nice.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11- Lovely.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17- THEY LAUGH
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- It's quite loose here.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- I've just sat on the top, - by the way.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29- Thank God for that!
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- You did great.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- Not under any circumstances - am I doing that again!
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- It's one of the best routes - I've ever done.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- I haven't enjoyed climbing - as much in years.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53- It's nice to do something - within my grade and just enjoy it.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- I started climbing - to get that feeling.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- It's September, and time - to gather sheep on the Carneddau.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26- This is the biggest expanse - of upland in England and Wales.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- At 80 square miles, it includes - six of Wales's highest peaks.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33- It's a hard place to farm.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- It would be impossible - if everyone didn't get along.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45- Helen and Ioan are helping out - on the ridge of Yr Elen.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- Taid taught me - the traditional skills...
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- ..about farming and keeping sheep.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- Most of all, I've learnt - what sort of personality I am.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- I think I'm hard to live with. - Fair play to Helen.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06- I'm up and down - and full of new ideas.
0:30:12 > 0:30:13- I'm sweating.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- I had to run after the sheep. - He has done a brilliant job.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- We'll be shearing - and gathering again...
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- ..later this year.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- There are fewer people today.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- Years ago, - there were farmhands on every farm.
0:30:41 > 0:30:47- It went OK - it's a bit hot. - The sheep didn't want to move.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- We've reached here, - that's something.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56- It's good for a young man - like Ioan to be here.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- We need a new generation - to carry on...
0:31:00 > 0:31:06- ..or the traditions - will disappear altogether.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- It's a tough job. He's a handy lad!
0:31:11 > 0:31:17- He's fit! He's good at getting - the sheep from the rocks!
0:31:21 > 0:31:23- Everyone's sheep are here.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29- We gather the sheep and everyone - takes what they need to go home.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- We'll bring them back in a few days.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- I've been coming here at least once - a year since I was a little boy.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- I want to go around with Kevin.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- He gives me a lot - of helpful farming tips.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- I want to get - as much information as I can.
0:31:57 > 0:32:03- If this is the path I've chosen, - now's the time to start.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- In the autumn and winter...
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- ..Ioan does contract work - with his partner, Dafydd Emlyn.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Dafydd is sharp and sensible.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- He's the voice of reason - - my right-hand man.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- Ioan's climbing skills - are the key to chopping wood.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- When they're fencing - or building a bridge...
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- ..Dafydd is the boss.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- I prefer stonework. - It's more artistic.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- I don't like anything too square.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- But I'd rather do this - than anything else.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- In the winter, - he hones his climbing skills.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27- In November, Ioan turns his sheep - to the rams at Tyddyn Du.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- I hope they'll get pregnant. - I'll get lambs next year.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- He keeps a close eye on his flock - after the first snowfall.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Ioan and Helen - have been loaned another field.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49- Before work or college beckon, - they see to the sheep.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- It has snowed overnight.
0:33:54 > 0:34:00- I have to take responsibility - for them in the snow.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07- I'll feed them and keep them happy - - and keep them alive.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- We gave them quite - a lot of ivy yesterday.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- They've munched that.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- We give them this energy lick.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- It has a lot of vitamins...
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- ..and provides energy - they can burn...
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- ..to keep them warm.
0:34:33 > 0:34:38- Feeding them - costs more than they're worth.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- But not to us.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- They're worth more than money to us.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53- All of our sheep - have their own personalities.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- We were worried last night - about the snow, but they're OK.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- They're tough!
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- Winter had set in, - but there was worse to come.
0:35:09 > 0:35:09- .
0:35:14 > 0:35:14- Subtitles
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:35:23 > 0:35:27- Ioan and Helen's first lamb - arrives a week before Easter.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- She's an ewe lamb.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- We'll keep her.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- She'll be a mother herself one day.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46- She's an extension to the flock.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- This lucky lamb has the chance - to get its strength up...
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- ..because a week later...
0:35:54 > 0:35:59- ..the worst snowfall in many years - fell on the Carneddau.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03- It was even worse - on the hills of Tyddyn Du.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- We're going to see Uncle Bob...
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- ..to see how the snow - has affected them.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- It's the lambing season.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- They won't stand a chance.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- I've never seen it like this.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- There are deep drifts.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35- Have you ever seen it like this?
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- Have you ever seen it like this?- - No.
0:36:37 > 0:36:43- It snowed heavily - two and three years ago.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- I've never seen it this bad.
0:36:48 > 0:36:53- We pulled 17 dead sheep out - yesterday.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57- Crows have eaten - some of the sheep's eyes.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- We're killing the weaker ones - as we pull them out.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- We won't be able to say - until it has melted.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- At the moment...
0:37:09 > 0:37:14- ..I'd say that around 150 sheep - are missing.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- Maybe more.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- That's a lot. It's a terrible blow.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- It'll take years to recover.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- This wall is usually higher than me.
0:37:38 > 0:37:39- It's terrible.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- It's a place - that's close to my heart.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- It's the place I call home.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- It's hard to earn a living - at the best of times...
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- ..without having to face this.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03- Come on! - You can see the tracks of the crows.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- Crows, look.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13- Come on.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- It's heartbreaking. - It's something I'd never show Helen.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26- She doesn't need to see it. - It's all out of your control.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31- We've invested so much money, - time and love into the animal.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- It still happened.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- It's hard. It has hit me hard.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- After seeing the sheep earlier, - I've come to fight with the snow.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- The snow has caused a lot of damage.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- I may as well - get something out of it.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- It's totally different - from climbing in the summer.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- I'm climbing on ice, - which is only temporary!
0:39:16 > 0:39:20- It's challenging! - We only do it once a year.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25- His old friend, Mills, - is holding the ropes.
0:39:37 > 0:39:43- This is the first time that Ioan - has climbed a frozen waterfall.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- He's going well.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- He hasn't done much ice climbing, - and he's doing incredibly well.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55- He was nervous at first. - He's going well now.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- A problem with ice climbing...
0:40:00 > 0:40:05- ..is that the leader releases - lumps of ice onto his partner.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- I'm not feeling very confident.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17- A piece of ice hit my mouth - and I have a headache.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- He's confident, he's in the swing.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- He's flying, fair play to him.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- As Ioan reaches - the top of the first pitch...
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- ..Mills decides to go down.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- Another friend takes over - on the rope for Ioan to finish.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57- We'll be the last ones to do that - this season. It's beginning to melt.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59- I was quite scared.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- It's totally alien.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- I don't do it often.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- It's time for a cuppa now.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17- At Tyddyn Du, they continue - to dig sheep out of the snow.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- It's not the money, - but being unable to help them.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- I'm finding dead sheep everywhere. - I found a dozen in one hole.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- They were like wafers, - tightly compacted.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- As farmers, - we see prices going up and down...
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- ..but we can't fight nature.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- After a week under snow, - some sheep are still alive.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- How can it walk away like that?
0:42:05 > 0:42:06- It's weak.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- I admire my uncle - for carrying on, but he has to.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- I wonder how he does it, - but he has to. He has no choice.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- I have the choice not to, - but losing the farm would kill me.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- We're meant to be there.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31- Most people who are farming now - ask me what I'm doing.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- It's a struggle and hard work. - It is a bloody struggle.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- I find something romantic about it.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- I want that life.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- This is where I started to climb.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- I could see climbers over there...
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- ..when I gathered sheep with Taid - as a child.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56- This is where I want to farm.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- It wouldn't work for me - anywhere else.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- Where's the dog?
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- Spring has finally arrived - in Nant Ffrancon...
0:43:14 > 0:43:17- ..and the slopes of Pen yr Ole Wen.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- Ioan has discovered a pearl - of a climb that's incredibly hard.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- It has only been climbed - once before.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29- It has always caught my eye.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- It would stretch me to do it.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38- Being the second person to climb it - would be a feather in his cap.
0:43:39 > 0:43:45- It's a tough climb - because the holds are so small.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- Every move is exceedingly hard.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53- If that wasn't enough...
0:43:54 > 0:43:58- ..the crucial holds - on the hardest part are wet.
0:43:59 > 0:44:00- IOAN CRIES OUT
0:44:01 > 0:44:05- It's good that Mills - is once again supporting him.
0:44:07 > 0:44:08- It's soaking.
0:44:14 > 0:44:20- The final moves - are the most difficult of all.
0:44:22 > 0:44:27- At this level of climbing, practice - and preparation are allowed.
0:44:27 > 0:44:32- But for the honour of being - the second-ever to climb it...
0:44:32 > 0:44:35- ..Ioan has to do the climb - in one attempt...
0:44:36 > 0:44:40- ..without falling and without - putting his weight on the rope.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- I chose Ogwen Crack - because it's home turf.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46- I grew up near its base.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- It means a lot to me.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- It's intense all the way to the top.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- It's like a 100 metre sprint.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- I'm Usain Bolt!
0:45:05 > 0:45:10- Ioan hasn't been in the news - in the climbing world for a while.
0:45:10 > 0:45:15- Everything has to come together - perfectly for this climb to succeed.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19- It's important to him.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30- Ioan has never made this next move - without falling.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35- This time, he succeeds.
0:46:43 > 0:46:48- He must finish the sprint, as he - calls it, before he's exhausted.
0:47:13 > 0:47:14- Yeah! Come on!
0:47:25 > 0:47:26- Whoa!
0:47:31 > 0:47:35- At last - the success - he so desperately wanted.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43- Back in business.
0:47:45 > 0:47:50- I made it! It shouldn't happen, - I haven't really climbed for a year.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52- It just happened.
0:47:53 > 0:47:58- I miss the state of mind - that comes with a hard climb...
0:47:59 > 0:48:02- ..of being on the top.
0:48:02 > 0:48:07- It has opened me back into it.
0:48:08 > 0:48:10- I'm back now.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13- Thanks.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:48:32 > 0:48:32- .