Your Climbing & Abseiling Questions Answered
July 26th, 2021
Climbing and abseiling are two of the most popular outdoor adventure activities on offer at Cumulus Outdoors. Our sessions take place on the world-renowned Jurassic Coast in Dorset, providing participants with spectacular views out to sea and along the ancient cliff face.
The fantastic location boasts a variety of climbing routes, with something to suit complete beginners as well as experienced rock climbers. Here we answer your top climbing and abseiling questions and provide important information on what you can expect during our courses and sessions.
Rock climbing in Dorset
What are the best climbing venues in the UK?
The UK has a wide selection of climbing venues to choose from. Over the years Dorset has earned a fantastic reputation and attracts rock climbers in their drove’s each year. The Dancing Ledge section of the Jurassic Coast is extremely popular with sport climbers and has a range of routes for all abilities.
Why is climbing good for you?
Climbing has a host of health benefits. It provides a full body work out and exercises multiple muscle groups at the same time (arms, legs, core and back). It can improve grip strength and can also improve balance and problem solving. Young people participating in our beginners climbing sessions have also found it’s helped their confidence, team work and communication skills.
Where to go rock climbing in Dorset?
Dorset is one of the best destinations to go climbing in the UK. The Jurassic Coast extends along the length of the county – providing numerous options for all climbing disciplines. The Isle of Portland is undoubtedly one of the best venues, offering a wide selection of high-quality climbs with breath taking views. The Isle of Purbeck is also well worth a visit. Dancing Ledge and Hedbury Quarry are our personal recommendations.
Where can I start rock climbing?
Climbing is an inclusive sport that is suitable for children and adults. Routes can be tailored to suit the individual’s abilities and indoor climbing venues often have dedicated beginners’ walls. When starting out, you should always book a series of lessons with experienced and knowledgeable guides. Never go out on your own – climbing can be dangerous if the appropriate health and safety measures are not taken.
At Cumulus Outdoors we offer beginners climbing sessions on the Dorset coast. These are suited to individuals aged 8 and over and no prior climbing experience is necessary. The sessions last 3 hours and include a scenic walk two and from the venue, a safety brief, equipment and tuition. Our highly qualified guides will teach you core climbing skills and offer expert instruction on identifying holds, moving safely over rocks and belaying a partner. This will help you decide whether climbing is a hobby you would like to pursue further
All of our sessions are tailored around the needs of the group. This means we can cater for groups that have some existing knowledge and would like to improve their technique or learn to place gear.
Where can I book climbing sessions for kids?
Climbing is a fantastic sport for children – it’s an excellent form of exercise and good fun! Here at Cumulus Outdoors we offer children’s climbing sessions from our base on the Jurassic Coast. Children aged 8 and over can join one of our 3-hour sessions and scale to new heights as they make their way up the rock face before abseiling back down. All equipment is provided as well as expert tuition from our team of qualified rock-climbing instructors.
We also offer climbing sessions for school and youth groups. These are great fun and can be incorporated into an adventure school residential trip at our purpose built residential centre or tented villages.
What are the best climbing courses for beginners?
You should always sign up to a course or join a club when starting out climbing. It’s important to participate in the sport safely and following the correct technique. We recommend trying one of our beginners climbing sessions in Dorset. Perfect the basics or hone your existing skills during one of our 3-hour, instructor lead sessions at Dancing Ledge or Hedbury Quarry.
Not only will you have great fun climbing up the dramatic cliffs and abseiling back down, but you’ll enjoy spectacular sea views along the Jurassic Coast and out to sea.
What is the difference between rock climbing and bouldering?
There are many differences between climbing and bouldering. The most obvious difference is height – bouldering usually takes place at a low level, whereas traditional climbing involves much higher climbs. Rock climbers use a range of equipment including a rope and harness. No equipment other than a crash pad is used when bouldering.
Where can I go rock climbing near Poole?
There are some excellent climbing destinations, situated just a short drive from Poole. Our favourite – Dancing Ledge and Hedbury Quarry are situated on the Isle of Purbeck and include a variety of routes for all abilities. The surrounding landscape boats spectacular scenery. You can spend the day soaking up the views while putting your skills to the test!
Abseiling on the Jurassic Coast
How much does abseiling cost?
The cost of abseiling varies between outdoor adventure activity providers. At Cumulus Outdoors our climbing and abseiling sessions start at £45 per person and last for 3 hours. The price includes all climbing and safety equipment.
How safe is abseiling?
Our abseiling sessions take place in a managed environment under the watchful eye of our experienced instructors. We take the health and safety of activity participants very seriously and carry out all of the necessary risk assessments to ensure the conditions and environment is suitable. We invest in the best equipment and all of our instructors are experienced and qualified.
What to wear abseiling?
Your clothing should be based on the conditions and you should dress appropriately for the weather. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and we recommend old trainers that have a solid base and good grip.
Where to go abseiling for beginners?
There are plenty of places to try abseiling for the first time. Always go with a reputable and registered activity provider and never go unaccompanied when you’re just starting out. Abseiling is great fun and can often be enjoyed as part of a climbing session. It suitable for children and adults, making it an excellent activity for family groups.
Cumulus Outdoors in Dorset offer a half day climbing and abseiling session on the Jurassic Coast near Swanage. This is the perfect introduction for complete beginners as well as those who want to expand their existing skills. During the session you’ll have the chance to climb and then abseil back down ancient sea cliffs while taking in the beautiful sea views.
What is the difference between abseiling and rappelling?
Abseiling and rappelling are essentially the same thing. They both involve lowering yourself from a height to ground level using a rope and harness.
How are rock climbing routes graded?
Climbing grades are tricky and often difficult to get your head round. They also differ between countries. We recommend taking a look at the British Mountaineering Council’s handy online guide. It offer’s a brief explanation of traditional UK climbing route grades.
Cumulus Outdoors are award-winning outdoor activity providers in Dorset. We have a wide selection of outdoor activities on offer, suitable for children, adults, school and family groups. Get in touch to speak with one of our team. They will be able to get you booked on a climbing session and answer any questions you may have.