In reply to Mike Goldthorp:
I'm torn on this one. Normally I am anti bolts in the majority of 'bolts in trad routes' type debates but I can really see the other side of the coin in this case.
I have been trad climbing at Brean Down on several occasions (probably more than the 3 routes in my logbook) and generally had a pretty harrowing time both topping out, exiting from the top and coping with sandy routes. However, I always had a very memorable time that provided some great stories.
On one occasion I can remember hauling myself over the top expecting to belay from the guidebook advertised belay stakes to find absolutely nothing but 50 degree sandy grass, some ivy and 2 rabbit holes. After a thorough search I body belayed off a bucket seat in the sand, my feet wedged in the rabbit holes and a sling round some ivy that I hoped might act like some kind of organic screamer allowing me to hold the fall with the rabbit holes. Following this was a 3 pitch grassy sand pit with several saplings to sling enroute before climbing over a barbed wire fence onto the path at the top. While at the time it was definitely 'type 2 enjoyment' I look back on it with a feeling of proud accomplishment.
While bolted belays would definitely make the climbing more popular and arguably safer for the climbers it is worth bearing in mind that the beach below is a busy place and more rock climbers means more dislodged rock and a greater chance of hurting a foolish but innocent member of the public.
I also can't decide whether making the trad routes at Brean more popular through bolted belays is a good thing or not. Is it better to allow more climbers to enjoy a location and have a good day out than to allow a smaller number of climbers to have the kind of adventurous experience that will stay with them forever?
Ultimately, I can't really decide what would be best here. I would probably do more trad here if bolted belays went in. As it is I probably wont do much/any more trad here. Does that mean it should be bolted? I don't know.