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Bouldering
Follow the river. Conquer the currents across three wild waterways.
Greenhill YMCA offers bouldering activities across three sites, designed for people of different ages and abilities.
Follow the river and take on the challenge of nature’s own obstacle course. At its core, bouldering is about exploring, climbing, and finding your balance as you navigate across riverbeds and rocks. Participants learn to read the landscape, move confidently through the water, and develop resilience as they climb, slip, and try again.
Shallow bouldering takes place in the Shimna River and involves traveling up shallow streams and pools.
Medium bouldering takes place on Spinkwee River (Tollymore Forest Park) which moves faster, has deeper pools of water and rock traverses. Water levels average at knee height, but can reach between waist and shoulder depth.
Deep bouldering takes place in the Bloody Bridge River with strong currents and water levels averaging at chest height. Participants slide down natural water slides and jump into deep pools of water while journeying upstream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bouldering is a form of climbing that involves moving over rocks and riverbeds without ropes, focusing on balance, movement, and problem-solving. Unlike traditional climbing, bouldering is done at low heights over water, allowing participants to experience challenge and freedom in a safe, natural setting.
The water temperature in the river can be low in early April and late September.
All participants will be given a wetsuit in addition to the own clothing to provide warmth and cushioning. We recommend wearing swimwear or shorts under your wetsuit and a pair of old trainers with good grip that you don’t mind getting wet. Bring a full change of clothes, including dry shoes and socks, for after the activity.
We provide wetsuits, helmets, and buoyancy aids for all participants. Our instructors ensure that all equipment fits securely and is worn correctly throughout the session.
Bouldering takes place off-site at three unique rivers, each offering a different challenge:
Shallow Bouldering — Shimna River, featuring calm streams and gentle climbs.
Medium Bouldering — Spinkwee River in Tollymore Forest Park, with faster water and deeper pools.
Deep Bouldering — Bloody Bridge River, with natural water slides and deep plunge pools.
Category A activities are the lowest risk and are suited to most ages. Category B and Category C activities involve a higher risk factor and require more initiative. Some of these activities are run off-site, including Annalong, Castlewellan, and the Mourne Mountains.
As a basic requirement, all participants must be comfortable in water and have prior swimming experience. All sessions are led by our experienced outdoor instructors, ensuring safety and support at every stage. Participants are encouraged to choose the level of bouldering that best suits their age and ability:
Shallow Bouldering (Age 6+) — Ideal for younger groups, featuring calm, shallow streams and gentle rock pools.
Medium Bouldering (Age 10+) — Suitable for those with some experience in moving water and an awareness of underwater hazards.
Deep Bouldering (Age 12+) — Designed for confident participants familiar with fast-flowing water and climbing across slippery or uneven terrain.
