Update: The forecast looks to favour the west side of the island, Plan A is to head to Blacknor South, as it’s got a good spread of grades. I’ll be at the car park from 10 to meet people then walk down to the crag, it may feel cold in the shade before the sun comes round, so bring warm clothes and remember the thermos 🙂

Approach notes

Blacknor South is approached from the designated Climbers’ and Walkers’ car park (fee) at the far south west corner of the housing estate in Weston. https://www.google.com/maps?q=50.53961,-2.45124 Do not park anywhere else in the housing estate. If the car park is full, please park on the main street in Weston, and walk through the estate to the car park. It is also possible to park in Reap Lane.

From the car park, walk to the cliff-top path and walk right for 80m. Scramble down into a quarry, walk through a large block wall and then down a narrow gully at the far end of the quarry (rope sometimes in place). This gully emerges below the Medusa Falls Area on Blacknor South.

By popular demand, join us for a day of climbing at the local Dorset crags!

After the success of the last Portland meet (and at the request of a number of members) we are running another day climbing session on Portland.  This will be sport based meet and is free for all members, whether you are just venturing outside or are trying to crack the next grade!

Please sign up below so that we can get an idea of numbers and so that you can stay up to date with any changes of plan or venue

Venue

We are aiming, once again, to head to Portland – the  crag depends on weather and we will post a plan nearer the time – If it is a wash out, we are likely to head for an indoor wall for anyone interested.

Portland is an area that is bolted and maintained by the Dorset Bolt Fund.  The Dorset Bolt Fund is funded by donations from local climbers and 100% of the donations go towards equipping routes and ensuring safe and easy access.

Travel

We will be looking for members to organise lifts with each other and there will be a Facebook group nearer the time to help organise this.  Anyone who cannot find a lift can get in contact with us at sotonclimb@gmail.com

What to expect

A bunch of people playing on rock!  For those who are first venturing outside, this is a chance to get to know outdoor climbing at a friendly crag. There will be helpful and more experienced climbers there to provide advice and talk you through some of the techniques, safety, general consideration for crags… and of course to climb with you.

For those more experienced members, it is a great chance to climb with the rest of the club and meet other members.  Come down and get some distance on rock!  

This will be followed by the traditional visit to the Cove House pub for an evening pint

What to bring

Please bring a few essentials with you;

• Lunch
• Harness
• Helmet
• Rock Shoes
• Clothing appropriate for the weather – recommend wind proof and rain proof options.
• Water

Useful items to bring, please don’t rush out and buy these if you don’t have them already, there will be plenty of climbing gear available

• Chalk bag
• Thermos of hot drink
• Rope
• Quickdraws

If you don’t have any of the items, e.g. helmet, let us know as we have a couple spare in the club that we can bring for you if you need it. Let us know via sotonclimb@gmail.com

We really hope that you can join us! Sign up to book on!