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Will Bosi boulders 9A again | Realm of Tor'ment

bouldering

Scottish climber Will Bosi achieves the most difficult first ascent of his career: Realm of Tor'ment in Raven Tor, Great Britain. Bosi suggests a difficulty grade of 9A for the boulder.

The exceptional Scottish climber Will Bosi with the first ascent of the boulder Realm of Torment im Raven gate (Peak District, Great Britain). With a proposed grade of 9A, the line is one of the world's most difficult bouldering problems and is the most challenging project in Bosi's career to date..

Will Bosi climbing the 9A boulder Realm of Tor'ments in the Peak District
Will Bosi climbing the 9A boulder Realm of Tor'ments in the Peak District. (Image Band of Birds)

Long-term project on iconic rock

Bosi began work on «Realm of Tor'ment» in spring 2023. The line, previously known as «Burden of Nightmares», in reference to Burden of Dreams, quickly became his longest and most intensive bouldering project. He achieved the first ascent after numerous sessions and years of fine-tuning his technique and endurance.

I think this move alone is in the 8B+ range

Will Bosi

Will Bosi climbing the 9A boulder Spots of Time

8B+ Single move and complex footwork

The boulder starts with a prominent tufa pinch for the left hand and a ledge for the right hand. This is followed by power-intensive, sustained moves on two holes, where the crux begins: a difficult move to a sharp underhand ledge, followed by complex footwork. This is followed by the most difficult move, a long and dynamic move to the left to a small, flat, and poor ledge. "I think this move alone is in the 8B+ range," explains Bosi. "This is followed by another long splat with the right hand high up to a good flake."

No one has as many 9A boulders to his credit as Will Bosi
No one has as many 9A boulders to his name as Will Bosi. (Image: Band of Birds)

Only one to climb five 9A boulders

With "Realm of Tor'ment," Will Bosi becomes the first climber to climb five boulders at grade 9A (V17). The route is considered one of the most significant contributions to British climbing history and underscores the international relevance of the Peak District as a bouldering area. Although Bosi classifies the grade as "more on the lower end of 9A," it remains to be seen how repeat climbers will rate the difficulty.

I'm curious to hear what future repeaters of the line think.

Will Bosi

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