Whilst highly esoteric in nature, Skeleton Ridge (HVS 4c) is highly sought prize for adventure climbers. It takes an impressive and unlikely line up the ridge from the Needles to the clifftop, on chalk that it's fair to say is 'unconventional'. Even at the best of times access is difficult, requiring a spring low tide and calm seas in order to reach the base of the route (and remain dry). However, in more recent times there hasn't been any access at all, with the route having been banned. After negotiation involving the BMC and its volunteers, the route is once again available to climb - providing you have the necessary skills and ability to climb it!

We approached BMC President Dominic Oughton to comment on the result:

"When it became clear that access to the iconic Skeleton Ridge on the Isle of Wight was under threat there was only one response: wheel out the BMC Big Guns! I was delighted to put my signature to a letter, along with BMC Patrons Chris Bonington, Rab Carrington, Mick Fowler and Pat Littlejohn to urge the National Trust to continue negotiations. Great news - it worked (and I imagine Sir Chris carried rather more sway than I did!).

BMC Volunteer, South West Climbing Rep Marti Hallet, and Senior Access Advisor Dave Turnbull picked up negotiations to overcome reasonable concerns about climbers not following the agreed arrangements and potential damage to the historic Old Battery. A new access point has been installed and detailed arrangements are now documented on the BMC RAD (Regional Access Database). PLEASE FOLLOW THESE! 

This happy outcome is a brilliant illustration of all that is best about the BMC - volunteers working in partnership with expert staff, and bringing the broader climbing community together, to achieve sustainable access in collaboration with local stakeholders. From a completely selfish point of view I'm absolutely chuffed - as a self-confessed sea-cliff addict and collector of esoteric adventures, Skeleton Ridge is on my bucket list! Huge thanks to all involved."

For anyone interested in climbing the route it is worth taking note that all current written information is pre-May 2025. The arrangements are quite intricate, so please read them thoroughly, and remember - any infringements will risk future access (so be on your best behaviour!). In addition to that, it's worth being aware of what you're getting yourself into before getting onto it. This isn't your average HVS and will require a broad range of both sea cliff climbing and mountaineering skills to complete. Do NOT underestimate the challenge that it represents - this is not a normal route!

The following information is taken from the BMC RAD, outlining the latest updates:

As of May 2025 this is only process you must follow to climb the ridge:

No commercial or guided groups. No drones.

Access to the ridge is only allowed during the times when the National Trust Needles Old Battery is staffed, March to October.

You must finish the route by 1700hrs. Bear in mind that you can only get to the start of the route at low tide. A very low spring tide is the only time you won't have to wade.

If there is too much of a swell it will make an approach unadvisable or impossible.

Once you have chosen a likely day you will need to contact the National Trust Old Battery Manager. Preferably by email [email protected] Ideally a few weeks in advance - if it is too last minute they may deny your request.

Let them know the time you wish to start. If an early start is required to catch a low tide, with prior agreement, a member of NT staff will come and give access for 0800hrs. The Old Battery opens at 10.30am to the public.

You must confirm or cancel the day before by phone (01983754772). Do not presume NT can read your mind if the weather forecast is bad.

You must also contact the Coastguard to let them know your intention on the day (01983 754231). This will prevent unwanted distress calls from concerned passing boats.

The National Trust would like you to have liability insurance; the easiest way is to be a member or affiliated member of the BMC.

As you are entering a National Trust property, all members of your party must pay the entry fee (free to NT members).

Be aware the nearest parking to the Old Battery is at The Needles Landmark Attraction, Alum Bay. (Fee). Do not attempt to drive up the road that leads to the Old Battery under any circumstance.

The new access to the abseil point is through the Old Battery, from the three stainless steel stakes in front of the searchlight bunker. You MUST get a member of the Battery staff to open the locked gate for you, DO NOT JUMP THE FENCE.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE OLD ABSEIL POINT IN THE MOAT, THE STAKE HAS BEEN REMOVED.

The cliff top is SSSI and a fragile habitat for rare plants. Tread with care and avoid and unnecessary damage to the ground.

You will need a 100m rope to make the abseil to the beach over the south face and a 30m rope to pre-rig for a belay on the end of the ridge to the west. While you are doing this you are in full view of the public, so please act appropriately. Treat the edge with care to avoid unnecessary erosion and use edge/rope protections as there are sharp flints in the chalk.

There is a small groove in the cliff edge to mark the line of the abseil.

Once you have finished your climb (this must be by 5pm) you MUST get a member of staff to open the gate for you. Either ask a member of the public to kindly find a staff member for you or ring the reception (01983 754772).

DO NOT JUMP THE FENCE or you will jeopardise this arrangement for all climbers.

Remember, there is no easy retreat from Skeleton Ridge, even reversing the route will find you cut off by the tide. Do not attempt if the weather is challenging, chalk is very slippery in the wet and the ridge is very exposed to the wind. Good communication with the NT staff is vital not to cause them any undue concern.

These reasonable guidelines from the National Trust must be followed to maintain climbers' access for the future. Trying to climb the ridge without contacting and without the agreement of the National Trust, or behaving irresponsibly in front of the visitors or staff, will cause access to be taken away.

Thank you and enjoy your climb at this iconic location.