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

12 trad routes (VS...E7) 72 sport routes (6a...8a+) 7 boulder problems (V5...V10) 1 dws route (E1) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents

Buttress (click for routes)	No. of Routes	Route Type	Sunshine or shade	Approach walk	Other	Page
Benny Area The far western end of The Promenade is the location of this fine crag - high-quality, well-bolted,...	20			30 mins		260
Tensile Groove Test Area The Promenade has a relatively easy approach scramble down an open amphitheatre. To either side,...	25			30 mins		262
Ride the Lightning Area This short area has been developed mainly as a bouldering area. The problems here are short,...	12			30 mins		264
Becalmed Area The next section provides a welcome respite from the hard routes and boulder problems encountered...	13			30 mins		265
The Futurist Area The final section of The Promenade contains more of the same - big steep roof routes with powerful...	22			30 mins		266
		What do these symbols mean?

Rise of the Robots
"I think it's 7b+ but when I tryed it recently It felt hard again. So maybe it wa..." 26/Jan

Titter Ye Not Mrs!
"joel 'the route destroyer' perry pulled a rather large finishin pinch off just b..." 19/Aug

The Futurist 2002
"the hanger has fallen off one of expansion bolts higher up. but there is an easy..." 18/Aug

Grossville
"done! Amazing!" 17/Aug

Grossville
"rebolted with with glue ins. shares the same first bolt as spacewalk. a very goo..." 22/Jun

Boiling Point
"The second bolt needs replacing- it can be partially removed by hand." 14/Jun

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