Dorset Bouldering Meet
Location: St Aldhelm’s Head, Swanage
Time: 10am
Meeting Place: Renscombe Car Park, Worth Matravers.
DISCLAIMER: This location is very exposed to the weather, so we are likely to go on the better day of the weekend. In case of rain or high winds this meet may be cancelled.
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-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing and BMC document entitled ‘COVID-19 guidelines for groups of outdoor climbers and hill walkers’
St Aldhelm’s Head is a quiet little gem of bouldering in Dorset, with numerous boulders spread out across the undercliff/beach and some fine limestone walls in the upper cliff-top quarry. This meet is ideal if you’re wanting to make your first moves on real rock!
We shall meet in the car park at 10am, then head down to the cliff-top quarries (just below the lookout station). There’s a good spread of grades here to get your fingers stuck in to for a couple of hours or more. Once we are done here we will head down to the spectacular setting of the Undercliff area. Be aware that there is a steep path down to this area and care should be taken. Boulders are spread out across a large area on the beach, so we may disperse a little.
Once the sun starts to go down, it’s only customary to have a drink/pasty at the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers.
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. The nearest toilet will be at the main car park in Worth Matravers by the Square and Compass pub.
Kit – where possible please bring your own equipment
- Bouldering mat (there will be a few going so don’t worry if you don’t have your own)
- Climbing shoes
- Your own chalk/tape (liquid chalk if possible)
- Pack lunch & water
- Layers – being quite exposed to the wind you might get chilly in-between problems.
- Waterproof – just in case
- Sturdy pair of walking/approach shoes
- Personal alcohol gel/hand sanitiser
- Personal first aid kit
Travel
Where possible, please travel in same households only. If car sharing from different households or 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
Park at the car park next to Renscombe Farm, after everyone has arrived we will then walk South along the track until we reach the Chapel and the Lookout Station. The cliff-top quarries are just below the lookout. Do let us know if you’re arriving late and send a text to 07896 761992.
