Southern Sandstone Beginners Meet

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’

Accommodation

We will be staying at Hook Farm Campsite on Friday and Saturday night. Booking must be made individually. The campsite has basic facilities but no showers I’m afraid. Please follow the link below to book and mention you are part of ‘Southampton climbing club’ in the extra information section.

Please book on to this event below as well so we can see who is attending.

https://www.hook-farm-west-hoathly.co.uk/bookings

Please use the top field as the lower fields are very difficult to extract vans and cars from in wet weather.

About

This meet is aimed at beginners and experienced people alike. If you are new to climbing outdoors this will be a good introduction to setting up top-ropes and belaying. There will be some training available to anyone who is inexperienced or needs guidance. Please contact us if you’re interested in training so we can get an idea of numbers.

“Beautiful and unique rock architecture which provides challenging climbing across the grades is the stand out feature of this incredibly popular South East crag. The intricacy of movement its routes require and stunning woodland setting transport you into another world and it’s easy to imagine you’re a character in a folk tale long ago as you wander around below the crag. As with all southern sandstone, leader placed protection cannot be used because of the soft nature of the rock and whilst this might be a little unusual for us trad obsessed Brits, you will quickly get into the top-roping zone and come to appreciate the fine climbing on offer. ” – BMC

The rock is delicate and can be easily damaged by rubbing ropes, so there is a strong ethic of top-roping or soloing climbs only. When setting up ropes every effort should be made NOT to damage the rock.

Bouldering is also very popular, and there is plenty to find on the Sandstone.

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. There is however a toilet available at the Harrison’s Rocks car park.

Kit – where possible please bring your own equipment

As climbing on the Sandstone is top-roping or soloing/bouldering, you don’t need to bring much kit. Here are the essentials…

• Climbing shoes
• Small towel or carpet for cleaning your shoes before climbing.
• Climbing harness
• Helmet
• Your own chalk/tape (liquid chalk if possible)
• Slings (for extending your rope over the edge of the crag)
• Static rope – not all climbs have bolts at the top so you may have to use tree belays – 15-20m should be adequate with rope protectors.
• Climbing rope – this can be dynamic or static (better) 30m will cover most climbs.
• Screwgate carabiners for rigging.
• Boulder mat – if bouldering
• Pack lunch & water
• Layers – just in case
• Waterproof – just in case
• Sturdy pair of walking/approach shoes
• Personal alcohol gel/hand sanitiser
• Personal first aid kit

Check out this guide to equipment for more information.

Please make sure you read the Sandstone Code of Practice before attending this meet, and check out these videos from the BMC on respecting the rock.

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.