The Happiness that Hurts, E7 6c. Copyright CH

With more time to focus on climbing in August, Ricky swiftly put up a few more routes for everyone to sample (assuming you can climb E6 6b or higher).

Down in The Burren, Ricky did two new E7's - The Happiness that Hurts, E7 6c and a wee traverse project that turned out to be a proper epic. Ricky was attempting, what is now aptly named; A Slice of the Sideways Life, E7 6c in good style. Ground up (starting left and going right) he got out to the arete. Unfortunately however, totally pumped, he slapped for a hold that turned out, well, not to be a hold. A massive swing, popped cam and subsequent engagement with the ground followed swiftly afterwards. Despite the grazes, Ricky rates it as an awesome climb!

Subsequent to this trip, Ricky set off for Fair Head and put up yet another route on the 13th August called Way of the Jive Monkeys. He rates the 36m route as ** E6 6b. To obtain more information about this route and more at Fair Head, visit www.fairheadclimers.com

Well thats it for August, but September sees Ricky and Craig Hiller off to North America on a climbing road trip. They are going to spend two months visiting the usual honey pots of Squamish, Smith rocks, Yosemite, Boulder...well everywhere really.

We wish them a safe and exciting adventure and look forward to inspiring tales and awsome photography on their return.

Ricky on Slice of Sideways Life, E7 6c. Copyright Craig Hiller