Cave Hole is a long low line of super-steep sea cliffs that are tucked away on the far end of the Isle. It is a fascinating area that is made up of a labyrinth of caves, ledges and tunnels that are worth exploring for their scenic value alone. For the climber however, the Cave Hole area dispels the myth that Portland is all about vertical walls full of crimpy holds. Many powerful routes cross the huge banded roofs whilst others take on the vertical ground in between and, although not much more than ten metres in height, the nature of the climbing packs in the moves. The area includes a couple of the biggest bolted roofs anywhere in the south-west. In addition to the bolted climbs, there are plenty of good deep water solos and this is a great spot to spend time in the summer although the tide window is limiting.

Photo: King of the Swingers (7c+), Cave Hole, Portland © Pete Oxley

ROUTES

6 trad routes (HVS...E5) 20 sport routes (5...7c+) 48 dws routes (HS...7c+) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents

Buttress (click for routes)	No. of Routes	Route Type	Sunshine or shade	Approach walk	Other	Page
Too Funky Beach Area This is a delightfully secluded little bay with one excellent sport route and some pleasant deep...	12			15 mins		135
Desperado Cave The three striking pillars of the massive Desperado Cave have long been responsible for scaring the...	1			15 mins		-
Big Easy Face The highly accessible Big Easy Face is a mini-gem, giving the DWS-merchant a great viewing gallery...	7			15 mins		-
Ixtlan Area A good area of deep water solos on an atmospheric series of steep walls and buttresses. Only a...	7			15 mins		136
Crab Party Area A brilliant area of bicep-busting deep water solo pump-outs on excellent rock. Not for the faint...	7			20 mins		137
Spittle and Spume Area A very popular venue, with a good spread of grades and packed with quality lines.	9			15 mins		-
Waterfall Cave Area This area has some of the best roof climbing on Portland, in an atmospheric cave, that belies its...	12			15 mins		138
Cool Vibe Area This is the tiered overhang in the bay immediately south of the jib crane with an ‘easy’ vertical...	10			15 mins		139
Octopuss Weed Area A steep deep water soloing cave.	9			15 mins		139
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Bare Reputation
"For archiving sake was the first ascent done naked?" 24/Jul

Marine Boy Direct
"This route is in the current guide, is it not? So are some of the other routes i..." 01/Jul

Temporary Lifestyle
"Great big chunk of rock has clearly come off the climb. Doesn't really change th..." 26/May

Penny Lane
"Its in my current guidebook atE1 5b." 13/Nov

Temporary Lifestyle
"First DWS, brilliant." 18/Aug

Aquamarina
"Excellent route. Very crimpy indeed." 13/Aug

Ixtlan
"IXTLAN!!!!!!! i found you!!! dont be put of by the high crux, but do not take li..." 10/Aug

Crab Party
"Onsited by the oldest Porter brother and flashed by the younger!! Mega cool rout..." 08/Aug

Ixtlan
"Ixtlan, where are you my sweet? the picture in my guide book looks wrong for thi..." 12/Jul

Makin' Bacon
"Start under the bulge at the base left of the arete, reach over on slots and the..." 09/Dec

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