Harrison’s Rocks are owned and managed by the BMC for the benefit of climbers and the general public for recreation on foot. The rocks are well-equipped with bolts for top-roping and as with all southern sandstone crags the rock is very soft meaning leader placed gear cannot be used here as it will damage the rock. The only acceptable styles of climbing are top roping using a well rigged system that will not damage the rock with moving ropes, or if you are confident of your abilities - soloing. A group of volunteers periodically load-test the bolts, but there is no way to guarantee their strength and as with any crag all climbers should make their own assessment of fixed equipment before use.
Birchden Wood (the woodland surrounding Harrisons) is owned by Forestry England and has been dedicated as open access land. The fields to the west of the Rocks are private property. Any trespassing strains the good relations between climbers and our neighbours - if you are in charge of a group please make sure that your party is aware of this. For more information on Birchden Wood and the car park area please visit the Forestry England website.
Isolated Buttress access advice
The large block on the mainland opposite Isolated Buttress which was used to step across the gap has been removed due to it becoming unstable and dangerous. At the Sandstone Open Meeting in May 2015, considerable local opposition was voiced to the idea of construction of a bridge across to the pinnacle (to allow access from above). The Harrison's Rocks Management Group are monitoring the situation to help inform a decision on a long term solution.
In the meantime, please avoid abseiling or lowering off from routes on the Isolated buttress as this will increase wear to the fragile rock.
Various methods can be used to access the pinnacle and setup your ropes including soloing and being belayed across from above but these will be too risky for many climbers. The method which offers the most protection requires a very long length of rigging rope and is described in this short film on BMCTV or below:
To retreat from the pinnacle at the end of the session:
Reason: Other
The very south end of the Rocks is on private land and is fenced off – this covers five climbs, from Holly Tree Chimney to South Boulder - fortunately they are not worthwhile.
Rockfax Description
A true sandstone classic. Latch the first juggy break and reach for the second one. Swing out and traverse left to reach up and eventually mantel onto the 'Luncheon Shelf'. Finish up the nose (originally known as the Nose Finish) or alternatively (original but less common method) up the final section of Luncheon Shelf. © Rockfax
UKC Logbook Description
Gain the shelf from the obvious slanting jug on the right. Hand traverse out to the widest point (being careful not to snag your rope under the break as you traverse) and gain the Luncheon shelf. Finish up the wall above via a pothole.
Tonbridge School Sandstone Graded List , Starred Southern Sandstone 6a's , Southern Sandstone Rockfax Top 50 , Southern Sandstone *** Routes , Sandstone Top 50 , Harrison’s Rocks 3 star routes
User | Date | Notes | ||
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Jakebirdy | 25 Aug, 2021 |
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βeta: Definitely a serious highball if climbing as a boulder as in Boulder Britain, backed off before the ledge due to lack of pads - class climbing | βeta? | |
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βeta: Definitely a serious highball if climbing as a boulder as in Boulder Britain, backed off before the ledge due to lack of pads - class climbing |
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RaRaTheTiger | 5 Jul, 2020 |
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βeta: HELMET RECOMENDED / POTENTIAL FOR GROUND FALL ON THIS ROUTE: Be extra careful to keep your rope above you as you traverse left on the second break and move into the mantle. The rope can easily get looped under the break and not spotted, as the attention is on campussing left, resulting in a potential ground fall if you come off at this tricky section. Take extra care as at this point of the climb you can easily become inverted if you fall with the rope below you meaning a ground fall onto your head. Helmet highly recommended for this route. | βeta? | |
Show beta
βeta: HELMET RECOMENDED / POTENTIAL FOR GROUND FALL ON THIS ROUTE: Be extra careful to keep your rope above you as you traverse left on the second break and move into the mantle. The rope can easily get looped under the break and not spotted, as the attention is on campussing left, resulting in a potential ground fall if you come off at this tricky section. Take extra care as at this point of the climb you can easily become inverted if you fall with the rope below you meaning a ground fall onto your head. Helmet highly recommended for this route. |
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Grade: 7a ***
(Eridge Green Rocks)