The Bells! 2025

Directed by Emma Crome

The Bells, The Bells! is an iconic route that was put up in 1980 by John Redhead. It had a fearsome reputation because he, in his own words, nearly died on it. At 74 years old, Lakes climbing legend Rob Matheson set the climbing world buzzing when he announced his attempt on The Bells, The Bells!—the iconic, uncompromising E7 6b testpiece on Craig Gogarth where falling simply isn’t an option. This film follows Rob’s bold return to one of Britain’s most serious sea-cliff routes, exploring the mindset, history, and unshakeable drive behind a climber who refuses to let age define his limits.