UKC

I'm off to Swanage next week and will probably be taking an 11 year old non-climber for their first taste of proper rock.

I've looked through the guidebook and Dancing Ledge seems to have a section of easy slabs and the access seems ok. However, I've never climbed at Swanage before and really have no idea. Can anyone give me some first hand experience of where to take them please?

No abseil decent, preferably not too scary or exposed (ie crashing waves at their feet) and not too steep.

Thanks!

In reply to Eric the Red:

If memory serves the easier stuff at Dancing Ledge is horribly polished. Have you considered Hedbury?

In reply to Seb2007:

I've just looked in the guide book, can I get to the top of the crag? It doesn't look like it. Ideally I'd like a crag where I can set up top ropes (oh the horror) easily.

In reply to Eric the Red:

Dancing Ledges lower tier is perfect. Not sure whether that is actually in any guidebook or not but ages ago I saw an on line topo.

In reply to Eric the Red:

The lower tier you walk around to top and bottom. The guidebook might only cover upper tier (bolted routes)

In reply to GrahamD:

Is this the beginners area marked in Rockfax?

http://www.kidsclimbing.co.uk/kidrockdancingledge.asp

In reply to Eric the Red: That topo is the area you want. Bolts for belays, nice mix of difficulties and a nice big "safe" area.

In reply to Eric the Red:
Yep, there is some easy routes on the lower tier (I also got this info from an old website). With some staples on top for top rope purposes.. not been for a while but can remeber them to be quite easy going... As luck would have it we have just arrived in swanage on holiday with kids and rack and rope so if we go there this weekend will let you know how it is. Our main objective this trip is a spot of sport climbing and bouldering on/at Portland. Not sure I fancy any of the swanage cliffs with a 5 and 7 year old maybe in a few years !!

In reply to mungo:

Thanks, I arrive tomorrow for what is a family holiday so your info will be too late I'm afraid!

Maybe bump into you without knowing it!

In reply to Eric the Red:
No worries, if you spot a slightly portly 38 year attempting to not to be outclimbed by his kids give us a wave, we will also have our border terrier pup with us
Have a good trip
Jamie.

In reply to Eric the Red:

Yep, thats the one.

In reply to Eric the Red:
Some sport routes at Hedbury specially bolted for you! http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/c.php?i=14865 and its neigbours.