ACTIVITIES
● Sea Angling
● Bird Watching
● Portland Walks
● Rock Climbing
● Wind Surfing
● Sailing
● Cycling - MTB
● Dry Caving
● Fossil Hunting
● Nature Reserves
● Attractions
DIVING
● Scuba Diving
● Dive Dorset
● U.water Explorers
● Air and Gas Fills
OTHER SITES
● Maps and Charts
● Aqua Hotel
PORTLAND LINKS
● Portlandbill.co.uk
● The Heritage Coast
● Royal Manor Web
● Tourism Office
Climbing Portland (Stay
at the Aqua Hotel)
 Portland is one of the
most popular centres for sports climbing in southern England.
Its coastal sea cliffs offer over 900 routes to climbers, against a backdrop of a spectacular coastline. Though the Portland cliffs are steep, they do not have the blocky, overhanging structure exhibited at Swanage. The faces are smoother and more pocketed. Some of the more demanding climbing sites are complimented by smaller cliffs that attract the novices. There are bolted climbs in all grades from easy grade F3 to F8A. With climbs on both the east and west coast of the island, it is possible, even in winter, to climb in the sun throughout the day. The vast majority of climbs are situated well above sea level and are therefore not affected by tides. These geologically important cliffs also provide an important habitat for a diverse variety of plants and animals, some of which are nationally or globally protected. Variable restrictions for nesting birds apply some crags between March 1st and July 31st.
Climber Cafes: The more traditional climber cafes on the island include The Tea Cosy and Jammie’s in Fortuneswell and the Cove House Inn right on Chesil beach. The Sugar Loaf in Easton is very popular with climbers while the Church Ope Cafe is a few minutes from the Cuttings.
Further Information & Contacts Resource:
Portland Geology:
An excellent source of information to the climbs and geology
of Portland with a regional breakdown, charts and formation information
can be found at the web site of
Southampton University .
|
