Having been utterly delinquent as a father up till now, I intend to make amends by introducing the kids to outdoor rock climbing somewhere in Dorset next week. I know Portland reasonably well (other than the various "micro routes" of the last decade!) but herds of donkeys have lived and died since I went to anywhere in Purbeck (Winspit/Dancing Ledges) and even when I did I certainly wasn't looking at it from a kid's perspective. I will be with non-climbing wife so ideally looking for:
(1) easy routes suitable for nearly 10 year olds (tall for their age and pretty sporty, but only done indoor climbing so far)
(2) bolted belays, ideally with access to top, but could probably solo/get Mrs Nic to belay if needed
(3) easy access to routes themselves.
Various previous threads have mentioned Dancing Ledges (no belays?), the Cuttings (just no...), Triple Slab (tricky access, only a couple of routes?)...any corrections to this, further suggestions and up to date information would be much appreciated...also suggestions as to how to combine with a wider day out (e.g. walks etc.) - lunch at the Crab House Cafe is already nailed on, but any other "must do" activities in Portland or Purbeck near the climbing areas welcome.