UKC Forums - Child friendly bouldering in Dartmoor?

Child friendly bouldering in Dartmoor?

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rich.carp 01 Apr 2016

Hey all,

I'm looking to take my family down to Dartmoor over the summer and as I'm not familiar with the bouldering in the area I was wondering, can anyone recommend what crags/locations would be suitable for taking my 6 year old to (and my 3 year old but not so much for the bouldering yet!)

JIMBO 01 Apr 2016

In reply to rich.carp:

Whilst Bonehill Rocks is probably the most obvious place... close to the car park and some great baby rocks about... Smallacombe provides a good place away from the crowds. More of a walk but you can use the tramway paths to make it dry/easy... my two liked it there when they were 5 and 7.

ehole 01 Apr 2016

In reply to rich.carp:

Bonehill rocks is the 100% perfect bouldering/family picnic site. Hay tor is just as suited to grassy picnics but mainly routes rather than bouldering, with classics from VS-E2. Some good bouldering here too though. All of this, then a pint of local ale in a nearby pub........bliss.

Enjoy, hope it stays dry for you!

rich.carp 01 Apr 2016

In reply to JIMBO:

Thanks, I'd not considered Smallacombe. couldn't get an idea of the time for the walk in with a 3 year old in tow!

rich.carp 01 Apr 2016

In reply to ehole:

I can taste that ale already! thanks for the advice. At Hay Tor are there little boulders for the kiddies to muck about on or is it all adult sized stuff do you know?

ChrisJD 01 Apr 2016

In reply to rich.carp:

And Hound Tor - added bonus of Ice Cream Van.

ChrisJD 01 Apr 2016

In reply to rich.carp:

And although not strictly as requested, our boys enjoyed hanging out at the Dewerstone - woods and river. As long as they can be supervised and kept away from cliff base etc etc.

JIMBO 01 Apr 2016

In reply to rich.carp:

Smallacombe is only 1.5 km from the lower car park. Go via the tram way and stop at the quarry half way for a look and rest - some good weaselling to be had. Shouldn't take too long with some imagination and play but be prepared for a piggy back or two! Make a day of it.

apyork95 08 Apr 2016

In reply to rich.carp:

Hound tor is always a good option, parking is about 200m from the crag. There's plenty of stuff that kids can play on and is always full of families. Plus there's tonnes of boulders and a few routes to keep you entertained.
I also found it better for a first time visit to Dartmoor than Bonehill but that's just a personal preference on style of climbing.