Climbed here regularly during the period 98-03 whilst studying and then working nearby. At the end of the 90s there had been a mini resurgence of activity here with most of the original lines repeated and some new ones put up. An updated guidebook was written, existing as a MS Word file and a few printed A4 copies. I’ll follow the lead of the earlier poster by not providing any details as climbing is still strictly forbidden here. It was always fun to top out here and pull onto the top of the wall which would surprise passing pedestrians! My memory was of high-ball problems, very technical on tiny edges. The holds were either the mortar gaps between the blocks, drilled holes or erosion on the blocks themselves. Occasionally a route would rely on a power cable or a lighting bracket. The routes are definitely high enough to hurt yourself but the shingle was very effective if you landed on your feet. A series of bricked up windows along the seaward facing wall were always popular as mini problems, the aim being to climb ‘into’ the window and stand on the sill. At the time the only other local training resource was Fort Purbrook indoor wall which had one wall with some useful flakes and crimps but was otherwise a pretty depressing place. Nowadays there are about 8 walls within 60 mins of Portsmouth. Police boats would go past as often as every 30-60 minutes so you needed to keep a look out. If they spotted you climbing through their binos they would radio to shore and once or twice someone came along to have a word. If you jumped down and stayed put til the boat went you usually got away with it. Happy memories of sunny days spent with friend in this relaxing place.

This was a fairly extensive climbing area in the late 70's and early 80's I met Nick Buckley and the crew here on my first visit. there is a complete guide in existance but I don't think I should upload it as it seems illegal to climb here now. The Hot walls led to Swanage, Bristol, Cheddar and many other Coastal places. Growing up in Cosham this was the closest place to climb. I have great memories of hitching to Swanage to climb at weekends whilst at the art college. These walls were significant to me.

In the early 80's, Portsmouth Polytechnic Mountaineering Club were in receipt of an official letter from the Mayor of Portsmouth giving permission to climb on the "Hot Walls". In the fullness of time of course this letter was lost and the council duly denied that the letter was ever issued. An unofficial guide complete with names/grades was available - will try to find more details. I was a student there in early 80's and this was the place that really honed my footwork and complex fingerwork. Wonderful place, but now you are highly likely to be arrested if caught climbing!

I think you'll find this is a historical monument and if found climbing you may be fined or imprisoned. So be careful!