Swanage 2024 Trip Report

Dear SMC,

In June the Club set off to Acton Field Campsite, Swanage, for a weekend of sea cliff trad climbing. The campsite had a glorious sea view, with the Isle of Wight on the horizon. The campsite itself had rolling hills, with enough flat areas to pitch up! On Saturday morning Vivek, Dave, Lucy, Martin and John walked from the campsite to the Cattle Troughs crag, carrying all their ropes and climbing gear with them! I opted to drive to the crag carpark situated at Durlston Country Park (home of the UK’s hilliest Parkrun, where I received a history lesson) It was the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings; an event that resonates with the residents of Swanage. We were encouraged to look across the sea and picture the ships filling the horizon. 

Reunited at Cattle Troughs, we all spent the day climbing at the Isis Area and Amphitheatre Ledge. There were metal stakes at the top of the cliffs to allow abseiling to the ledges below (several meters above the waterline). Between us we climbed some good routes, including Bunney’s Wall, before the slog back to the campsite. 

We wandered into Langton Matravers that evening for pub grub. 

On Sunday we all parked at Durlston and walked to Subliminal crag (Face/Stroof Area). The weather was glorious t-shirt weather at the campsite, but there was considerable windchill once we reached the cliff.  The rock felt much better at this crag. Climbs included Balcony, Stations Road, a great lead by Vivek on Joker, and many more. Thanks Vivek for organising, it was a great trip!

 Cheers,

Ali