Introduction to Climbing - Portland
On this one day course, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to get started on your rock climbing journey. Our syllabus covers how to tie onto the rope, how to safely belay your climbing buddy, the techniques you’ll need to climb your first outdoor wall, as well as the fascinating history of the sport.
With a full day on our hands, we’ll be able to slowly increase the difficulty of your climbing routes while also making sure they’re suitable to your experience.
The limestone climbing on the Isle of Portland is not to be missed. Projecting out into the English Channel, the climbing can be found on both sides of the island which means there's always somewhere to climb in the sun. The climbing on Portland is a little less intimidating than Swanage as most crags can be accessed via paths rather than by abseil, and are usually set a little way inland rather than directly above the sea
Surrounded by the sea, the Island of Portland provides the climber with superb steep limestone cliffs to scale. The views stretching out over the sea are spectacular, especially on a sunny day!
About Portland
The Isle of Portland is 6km long and 2.7km wide and is accessed from Weymouth in Dorset. A barrier beach (Chesil Beach) joins it to the mainland and is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Coastline (England's first). Portland Harbour sits at the entrance to the Island, and is one of the largest man-made harbours in the world. Portland and its harbour have always been of great strategic importance and it's steeped in history from lighthouses and castles to tales of smugglers and pirates! Much of this can be seen along the crags and cliffs.
Portland is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with its famous rock climbing cliffs, superb watersports from diving, kite surfing and was even the site of the UK's Olympic sailing waters in 2012.
Rock Type
The rocks that make up the climbing areas of Portland are Limestone and are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Limestone typically has smaller sharper edged holds and the crags generally have steep faces.
Information
Season
March - October
Duration
7hrs
Group Size
4-8
Restrictions
Minimum age: 18 Max weight: 18 stone (115kg).
Aim
To teach the key rock climbing and belaying techniques needed to get started in this fantastic sport and to look at personal climbing skills.
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for first-time climbers, as well as anyone who’s ever tried climbing or bouldering indoors. We’ll provide you with all the equipment you need and teach you the basics of climbing.
Prerequisites
A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Groups
Group bookings can be arranged:
Please note that all group bookings will be available for others to book, unless booking for a minimum of 6 people.
Itinerary
The course starts with an introduction and safety briefing from our climbing instructors. We then head to the rocks for some warm up bouldering problems. Your instructors will then show you how to fit your climbing harness and helmet. Then comes the techy part as we teach you how to tie your climbing knots and learn how to belay each other.
Once the basics are learnt the fun really begins as you scale the 40-60ft rocks! You’ll learn about correct climbing technique and experience some great limestone sea cliffs.
As the day progresses we'll introduce more climbing techniques and skills, and challenge you on a range of different climbs from slab climbs, vertical climbs, crack climbs and steep overhanging climbs!
Skills Covered
- Safety awareness
- Knots
- Belaying
- Bouldering
- Climbing techniques
- Hand and foot techniques
- Body positions
- Route grades
- Climbing etiquette
- Climbing history
Locations
Portland, Dorset.
Equipment
Equipment supplied
All rock climbing and safety equipment is supplied including:
- Ropes
- Harness
- Helmet
- Rock boots
- Belaying device and karabiners
Equipment needed
For all outdoor climbing courses you must have extra warm clothes and waterproofs, we will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.
- Comfortable clothing, suitable for the time of year*
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Trainers**
- Rucksack
- Packed lunch and plenty of water
- Medication / Tablets / Inhaler etc.
The above list is just a guide and appropriate clothing for the time of year should be worn.
*Clothing should comprise of several layers to trap the warmth. Please do not wear denim as it restricts movement, is cold when wet and is slow to dry.
**Please wear soft-soled shoes such as trainers; you are not permitted to wear walking boots etc. as these damage the rocks. Please remember that the rocks are a short distance from the car park so it's important to put all of your kit in a suitable size rucksack, leaving space for climbing equipment.
Equipment shop
Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Faqs
1 Day Introduction to Rock Climbing in Portland – Frequently Asked Questions
About the Event
What is the 1 Day Climbing Portland course?
It’s a full-day beginner’s rock climbing course on the limestone sea cliffs of the Isle of Portland in Dorset, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. We’ll cover how to tie onto the rope, belay your climbing partner safely, basic technique and a little of the history of the sport. Once the basics are in place we move on to a range of climbs – slab, vertical, crack and steep overhanging routes – on 40–60ft cliffs.
Who is this course for?
It’s ideal for first-time climbers as well as anyone who has tried climbing or bouldering indoors and wants to get outside on real rock. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
How does it differ from the Harrison’s Rocks course?
Same syllabus and skills, different rock. Portland is sea-cliff limestone with smaller, sharper holds and steeper faces, so the climbing feel is quite different to the sandstone at Harrison’s. Portland is also less weather-sensitive than sandstone, so the course can run in a wider range of conditions.
How long should I allow?
A full day – please allow around 7 to 8 hours from arrival to finish.
Logistics
Where does it take place?
The Isle of Portland, Dorset – accessed from Weymouth via the Chesil Beach causeway. Your instructor will share the exact crag and meeting point ahead of the course, as the venue is chosen on the day to suit conditions.
Can I share a lift with the instructor?
Unfortunately not. Vehicle insurance doesn’t cover this, so customers organise their own transport, either independently or amongst the group.
Kit & Equipment
What equipment is provided?
All technical climbing and safety equipment is included: ropes, harness, helmet, rock boots, belay device and karabiners.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for the time of year, a waterproof jacket and trousers, trainers, a rucksack, snacks and plenty of water, plus any personal medication, tablets or inhaler. We’ll send a full kit list before the event.
Can I bring my own climbing shoes or harness?
Yes. Both should be in good condition and within the manufacturer’s lifespan. Your instructor will check anything personal on the day before it’s used.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Helmets must be worn at all times during the course.
Spectators
Can friends and family come and watch?
Portland is a public area and friends or family are welcome to come along. Please note crag access can involve uneven coastal paths and exposed cliff tops, so visitors should be sensibly dressed and able to keep clear of the climbing area.
Can I bring my dog?
We’re unable to accommodate dogs on our Portland courses.
Weather Conditions
What happens if the weather is bad?
We monitor the forecast continuously in the lead-up to every event. Forecasts can change daily, so a final decision may not be possible until the day before – occasionally on the day itself. Adverse conditions may force us to cancel, postpone or change the venue.
