0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- Ioan Doyle from Bethesda is - one of Wales's best young climbers.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- But after school, rather than - be a professional climber...
0:00:16 > 0:00:21- ..he chose sheep farming - on the Carneddau.
0:00:22 > 0:00:28- It feels like a path to me. I'm - in charge of that path in my life.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- It was a varied and busy year - for Ioan and girlfriend Helen.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- Their business enterprise - was a success.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- But because of work, Ioan hasn't - had many opportunities to climb.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- Is he fit enough to accept - friend John McCune's challenge...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- ..and be the second person ever...
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- ..to climb this very - difficult cliff in Donegal?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- Can he still climb - at the highest level?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- He's still got it.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Ioan and Helen are on holiday.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- This is Owey Island - off the coast of Donegal, Ireland.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- At first glance, it's a small, - unremarkable red granite island...
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- ..a mile from the mainland.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- People don't live here all year now.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- But in summer, the islanders' - descendents return to the old homes.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Come on, Darcy! How are you?
0:01:50 > 0:01:55- Ioan and Helen are staying with - Pauline Cowan, originally from Owey.
0:01:55 > 0:01:56- This is rainwater.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- We don't have any - piped water on the island.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- So it's straight from the sky.
0:02:06 > 0:02:07- I have four children.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- So making dinner - for six is just normal.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- Staying in the house - with Ioan, Helen and John...
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- ..are two more friends - from Wales, Gareth and Llyr.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- Some cottages are kept - as they were in the old days.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29- This is the last house that was - occupied by the real islanders.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30- Wow.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- Wow.- - Other cottages are being renovated.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- We've had two housewarming parties.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- The soil on Owey is marvellous - for growing vegetables.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- Look at that for a turnip.
0:02:41 > 0:02:42- Look at that for a turnip.- - Wow.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43- That's mega!
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- Life is still simple - and self-sufficient here.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- It's turnip and carrots for tea.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- It's turnip and carrots for tea.- - Shall we pick a few?
0:02:51 > 0:02:52- If you like.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- As well as relaxing - after a busy year...
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- ..their main purpose is climbing.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- John has challenged Ioan - to be the second person ever...
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- ..to climb the Holy Jesus Wall - on Owey's northern coast.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- A horseshoe of cliffs - are hidden from the mainland.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- They were discovered - only recently by John McCune.
0:03:28 > 0:03:28- Good morning.
0:03:28 > 0:03:29- Good morning.- - Hi.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31- The weather is fine.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- They must go to - the Holy Jesus Wall without delay.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- The weather rules everything.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- Pauline's daughter, Sosha...
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- ..drives the team's climbing - equipment across the island.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- Two months previously in June, - John came here with a partner...
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- ..and climbed these amazing cliffs.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- They were the first ever - to climb them.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- This is the best cliff of all, - named the Holy Jesus Wall by John.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- That's a serious bit - of wall. Soaked, isn't it?
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- At the time, he thought - it was an E7 climb.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- But John is keen for Ioan to climb - it too and have a second opinion.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- This is the custom - in the climbing world.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- That bottom chimney - looks like a battle.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27- It looks so greasy.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31- It looks good.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32- It looks good.- - Yes.
0:04:33 > 0:04:34- Great.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- I don't fancy it if it's greasy.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- The atmosphere - of the place is brilliant.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- The first step - is to abseil down and have a look.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- When I was at the top of the climb, - sorting stuff out to go down...
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- ..we placed the ropes - and threw the rope down.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- We saw the rope hovering in the air - and realized how steep it is.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- The rope was sticking - out of the rock.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- It put me off quite a bit.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24- WHISTLES
0:05:26 > 0:05:27- Jesus.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- It looks good, Gar.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- It's damp at the back of the cracks.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- In the back of the cracks, - it feels slimy.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- I don't know - if that's just how it is anyway.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- If you're fit, it's alright.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- It's like that, on both sides.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- Make big moves, maybe.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- Just go up like that.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- You don't have many places to stop.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Once you're at the bottom, - you have to just go.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- Before taking the risk, - he has to gather his thoughts.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Ioan isn't too fond of sea cliffs.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- There's a lot of pressure - to try it today.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- That's the kind - of thing that happens...
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- ..when you try a tough route...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- ..or climbing in general.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- Many things play on your mind, - like not doing it!
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- But you want to do it too.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- That's it, it's always been a fight.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- I haven't climbed - at this standard for a long time.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- It scared me a little.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11- I'm very nervous.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15- Shall we have a go?
0:07:15 > 0:07:16- Shall we have a go?- - Yes.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- Have you got doubles on greens, - reds and purples?
0:07:23 > 0:07:24- Yes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- John goes down first.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- Ioan is tense - and worried about Helen.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- He thinks she's too - close to the edge.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Back!
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- Just going down - is enough of a worry for me.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49- Oh!
0:07:50 > 0:07:51- Chill.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- When I think about it, - climbing above the sea...
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- ..makes it three grades - more difficult for me...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- ..because of the way - it makes me feel.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- Going down to the place - where you start the main climb...
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- ..is quite an experience in itself.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29- The climber in me - is still intense and wants to do it.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- It will mean more to me - because it's new.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- It involves the ego, - but there was no ego any more.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- You just think about it - and that's that.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- In the end, I thought, - what do I have to lose?
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- The climb is steep from the outset.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- There is no easy start here.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- The rock felt as if - it hadn't been often climbed.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- A lot of small pieces came off.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- I popped a few footholds.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- There was a lot of salt - and sand in the holes.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- It felt very fresh.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- It felt quite greasy.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- I think that was because - I was gripping tightly.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- When you're climbing, - you have to do it cleanly...
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- ..that is, without falling...
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- ..or holding a piece of gear...
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- ..and not taking - any tension on the rope.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- If you fall, that's it.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- You have to go down or try to find - your way to the top of the rock...
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- ..pull the ropes and start again.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- You can't fall, go back on - and then say you did it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- It has to be without falling, - and clean.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- If you fall, you've failed.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- It's not an option.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12- GASPS
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Ha!
0:11:22 > 0:11:23- That's so pumpy, John!
0:11:23 > 0:11:24- LAUGHTER
0:11:24 > 0:11:25- LAUGHTER- - Jesus!
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- I think I put in too much - protection, really.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- That just tired me out totally.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- I was halfway up - and took a bit of a fall.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- I was gripping very tightly too...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..because I was nervous.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- I think it's definitely an E7 grade.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- I completely forgot - how to climb...
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- ..how to do it.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- That's it.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Ioan has been beaten...
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- ..for today at least.
0:12:04 > 0:12:04- .
0:12:09 > 0:12:09- Subtitles
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- The weather has turned, - giving everyone a chance to relax.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Owey a beautiful place.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- It's a small community - in the mid-Atlantic.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- We're all here - for the same reason...
0:12:36 > 0:12:37- ..to enjoy the place.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- There are amazing rocks - for climbers to find.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- No, those are crab claws. Crab toes - they call them, for some reason.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- It was nice to get away from it all.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- There's nothing else here, apart - from rocks, the sea and a house.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17- Oh!
0:13:17 > 0:13:18- Oh!- - LAUGHTER
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- I'd love to go back next summer.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- We made good friends.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- The improved weather gives Ioan and - Helen the chance to climb together.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- I hate abseiling.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- Perhaps I don't like the fact - I don't know what's beneath me.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- I'm going down to start the climb...
0:14:05 > 0:14:06- ..and I can see the wild waves.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- ..and I can see the wild waves.- - Oh, those waves.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- There's no way out.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- If I can walk to the foot - of a cliff or mountainside...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- ..and something goes wrong...
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- ..I know I can walk or climb away...
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- ..or descend on the rope - to a safe place.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- When you're on a tiny ledge...
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- ..above deep waters...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- ..and pulling the ropes through...
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- ..you have to climb out of it.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Right then.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- On your marks.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- This is another big cliff on Owey.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Sron Tochasach means itchy nose.
0:15:18 > 0:15:24- When I started climbing with - Mills and Gareth, and at my best...
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- ..I was the one who dragged - the lads to go climbing.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- That was the only thing in my life.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- When I wasn't climbing, I was upset. - I had nothing else to do.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- Perhaps it has - something to do with my age.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- I'm only twenty four...
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- ..but I seem to worry more.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- I'm more unsure.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- I know I have the experience.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- I have so much more to lose.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Nothing is closer - to my heart than my sheepdogs...
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- ..and the sheep.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- It brings me and Helen closer. - We argue from time to time.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- It brings us closer, we're a team.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- There are a lot of people - who depend on me...
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- ..and Helen, of course.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- I find it hard - knowing she's watching me.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- When she was close to the edge, - I told her to go back.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- It's only natural.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- It's good to have - someone to worry about...
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- ..to think about what I have - at home, and what I could lose.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- That comes with age.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- The sheep and climbing...
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- ..have taken over my life...
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- ..over the years.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- Climbing was always my priority.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- I'm very lucky.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- I wouldn't want to do anything else, - or do things differently.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- I'm glad I did everything from - scratch on my own and with friends.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33- That gives me a greater buzz...
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- ..than any climb I've ever done.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- HELEN CHEERS
0:17:39 > 0:17:40- Lovely!
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Nice one.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- Very nice.
0:17:44 > 0:17:45- Very nice.- - Good!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- Ioan can't leave Owey...
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- ..without visiting - the Holy Jesus Wall once more.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- It was just that niggle, the climber - in me saying to try again.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- On the last day of the holiday, - Ioan goes for it.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- It's the climber's instinct in me, - to go back and try it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- It was a half-finished task.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Ioan is climbing - with more confidence today.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- But he has 50 metres to go.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- On the highest part of the route...
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- ..as I searched - for pinches to hold onto...
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- ..the autopilot took over.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- My body remembered how to move.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- I didn't have to stop to think. - Everything fell into place.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45- It's just in me...
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- ..remembering how to grip - the different pinches.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- It took over. I was in autopilot - and kept going up.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- I put the turbo on, got on with it, - and didn't let go.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Almost there.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- You can do it!
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- Yes!
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- It's good to know I can still do it.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57- Yes!
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- I feel like crying.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Fantastic. - I didn't think I could do it.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- I was negative yesterday, - and hard on myself.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- I proved it to myself.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- It's a brilliant feeling.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- I thought I was out of it.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- I'm not.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- I'm still there.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- Whoo!
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:46 > 0:23:47- .