Southern sandstone at this time of year

New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
 Pottsy84 14 Dec 2022

Hi all - heading back to Kent for Xmas, never climbed on sandstone, have read the BMC guide to ethics and understand no climbing when wet, but what’s it like at the moment with the freeze? Any good or stay away?

Thanks

Chris

 jbrom 14 Dec 2022
In reply to Pottsy84:

Southern Sandstone needs a long time to fully dry out. With the rock being so soft it is porous and it's not just a case of the surface needing to dry, the rock it's self needs to dry out. Plus the sheltered nature of many of the crags lead them to be slow drying and suffer with seepage.

Add that to quite how easily damaged the rock is (particularly when wet), and some of the sensitive access arrangements that exist, I really wouldn't bother in the winter months.

No doubt you'll get someone telling you that they've climbed on it after a few dry days in the winter and it was fine and I know how tempting it is when it is the only way you can scratch the outdoor climbing itch in the SE, but a bit of restraint will mean it's there to climb in the drier months for many years to come.

OP Pottsy84 14 Dec 2022
In reply to jbrom:

That answers that then, thanks. Looks like there’s a bouldering wall in Maidstone now, that’ll have to do.

 CurlyStevo 15 Dec 2022
In reply to Pottsy84:

During particularly dry winters it can be possible to climb there. But for typical winters it’s out until mid spring or so depending. During wet summers the majority of routes are not in condition most the time.


New Topic
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Loading Notifications...