THE PROMENADE

In recent times The Promenade has been re-equipped and a significant number of new lines have been forced through some impressive ground. These two events have pushed the area to the forefront of development at Swanage and it is now the best place to go for those after mid to high-grade sport climbing. The Promenade is the first of the sport climbing areas at Swanage reached when approaching from Durlston Country Park. This is one of the best steep roof and wall areas at Swanage with many superb power-packed pitches. Nearly all the routes overhang and range from monstrous roof climbs to the more continuous stamina tests on the occasional leaning wall. There is also a number of good traditional routes that should not be ignored. Unfortunately there are only a few routes below E3/6b+ since the rock is so steep. Most of the climbs are strenuous with very few pockets but lots of edges and incuts. The Promenade is destined to become the most popular sport crag in the area for those with “the Guns” needed to tackle the obviously high quality challenges of the crag. There is also some good bouldering that includes some great traverses. Conditions are often favourable in this area as the severely overhanging nature of the rock keeps many of the routes dry, and numerous east and west facing buttresses mean that sun and shade can be found in about equal measure. The big flat belay ledges at the base of the crag are another of The Promenade’s enticing features.

Routes

29 trad routes (S...E6) 72 sport routes (6a...8a+) 7 boulder problems (V5...V10) 1 dws route (E1) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents