Outdoor Climbing at Harrison’s Rocks
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Been top-roping indoors and fancy doing some climbing on real rock? Join Outdoorlads on a day of climbing Southern Sandstone!
Located in Birchden wood, and owned and managed by the BMC, Harrison’s is one of the larger Sandstone outcrops and one of the few areas in the South-east to get some outdoor climbing in. Due to the relatively soft nature of the rock, only top-roping is allowed, which makes it ideal if you’ve never climbed outdoors before.
We’ll aim to have a couple of top-rope set-ups which we’ll move around the crag so everyone can get some good climbs in.
What experience do I need?
This event is aimed at people who have already done some top-roped climbing indoors. You should be able to put on a climbing harness, tie yourself to a rope using the appropriate knots, and you should be able to competently belay another climber.
If you can't do these things yet, why not have a look at some of our indoor beginners sessions across the country where we'll teach you everything you need to know!
What about the weather?
Due to the soft and fragile nature of Southern Sandstone, the rock should not be climbed if it is wet as the sandstone becomes much softer when damp and is much more prone to erosion. Should there have been heavy rainfall in the preceding few days in the area, the event may be cancelled or postponed at short notice, even if the weather on the day itself appears fine.
Participation Statement
As a BMC Affiliate member, Outdoorlads draws your attention to the fact that climbing is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death. You should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not necessarily qualified, do not need to be qualified, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as ‘technical experts’ but are amateur climbers with some experience and who are happy to impart their knowledge. Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.
What to bring
You will need your own climbing gear: harness, rock shoes, belay plate and screw-gate karabiner - If you have these, please bring them along. As with all outdoor climbing events, you will need to bring a climbing helmet - if you don’t have one, please let the leader know to see if we can arrange some from ODL stores.
It is best to wear the type of clothing you’d normally climb in, something that won’t get in the way of movement, and as we’re outside, something that you don’t mind potentially getting a bit mucky, dusty or wet. Do bear in mind the weather conditions though: as with any UK outdoor activity that means layering is a good idea, as are waterproofs, sunglasses and sunscreen. Do also take note of the weather section.
If you have any OutdoorLads branded clothing then please try and wear this as it will give the group a good level of visibility.
Food & drink
The crag is out in the countryside, and there is nowhere between the station and the crag that sells food or drink, so please come prepared with a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water. When we’ve finished climbing, there is a pub a couple of minutes’ walk from the train station in the opposite direction for a quick drink before heading home.