Christmas Climbing Day – Portland 

Location: The Cuttings or Cheyne Weares, Portland

Time:  9.30am

Meeting Place: Cheyne Weares Car Park

*Please note: due to recent government guideline changes, please observe the ‘rule of six’ and appropriate social distancing when meeting in the car park. There will be a meet briefing on the day before climbing starts.

COVID-19: If you plan on coming to this meet, please make sure you sign up below, as this will aid track and trace if required. Please remember to adhere to government social distancing rules and do not attend if you have a shielding letter or if you have or live with anyone who has any of the symptoms of coronavirus. 

For further information Club members are directed to:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-phased-return-of-outdoor-sport-and-recreation

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing 

BMC document entitled ‘COVID-19 guidelines for groups of outdoor climbers and hill walkers’ found on: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/covid19-restarting-club-meets

About

Although our Club Christmas traditions have been put on pause for a year, a change in the guidelines has meant we can at least try and get out for a Christmas climb! Pack your tinsel, baubles and Santa hat (and climbing gear too!) for some Sport on Portland where there is a range of grades so it is an ideal meet for climbers who are comfortable with sport leading but also for those keen to get more time on real rock. Due to all the wet weather, it may be muddy in places and there may be some boulder hopping getting to and from the crag so please wear appropriate footwear. Given the current situation, unfortunately this meet is not suitable for beginners training is not possible on this meet.

There is no planned pub stop at the end of the day but a flask of hot chocolate is highly encouraged! 

Being Mindful

For those new to outdoor climbing – We are given access to many crags by land owners, and are expected to treat the land with respect. Please be mindful of any litter (you will see many of us picking up and taking litter home, to help keep the area clear).  There are no toilets once we are at the crag so please be prepared for this. 

Kit – where possible please bring your own equipment*

• Climbing shoes
• Climbing harness
• Climbing rope 
• Sport quick drawers
• Spare slings and carabiners
• Clip stick
• Helmet
• Dorset guidebook
• Your own chalk/tape (liquid chalk if possible)
• Pack lunch & water
• Hot chocolate in a flask
• Christmas fancy dress
• Layers – just in case it’s cold!
• Waterproof – just in case it rains!
• Sun cream – for all that sunshine!
• Sturdy pair of walking/approach shoes
• Personal alcohol gel/hand sanitiser
• Personal first aid kit

*Club equipment is available on loan, please see https://southamptonclimbingclub.org/club-gear/scc-equipment/ for more information

Weather

In the event of a bad weather day, this meet will be cancelled and rescheduled if possible.

Travel

Please travel in same households only. If travelling by public transport, please ensure a face covering is worn and there is appropriate social distancing in accordance with the government COVID guidelines.

Directions

For Church Ope Car Park: Drive through Easton towards Southwell driving past the Glen Caravan Park and turn right into the Church Ope car park. This is a small car park and is likely to fill up quickly

For Cheyne Weares Car Park: Drive through Easton towards Southwell driving past the Glen Caravan Park along Pennsylvania Road continuing onto Southwell Road and the Cheyne Weares Car Park is on the left (signposted).