Description
Jutting out into the English Channel the ‘Isle’ of Portland is almost completely surrounded by water and this helps ensure a year round mild climate which is ideal for climbing. Portland Limestone has long been a prized building material and in addition to the natural crags overlooking the sea there are numerous abandoned quarries that now hold many climbs. This full colour definitive topo guide describes all the sport climbs, trad routes, deep-water solos and most of the boulder problems on the Isle. No apologies are made for backing the topos up with plenty of beta in the text. The A5 landscape page format is designed to show topos and routes on the wide cliff faces in one open spread for routes which are mainly one pitch and where the guide can be left at the bottom. The spirit and many faces of the climbers of Dorset are reflected by the sheer number of action shots throughout the book. Grades range from VB to V10, Diff to E7 and F2 to F8a+ are covered. Included too is the deep-water soloing mecca of Stair Hole at Lulworth Cove, as well as the outlying areas of Durdle Door, Lulworth East and Worbarrow Tout.
The main author, Steve Taylo,r has years of experience of climbing at Portland, both repeating routes and adding new ones. His experience and contacts with the local activists have resulted in this authoritative definitive guide. Supporting him, two local activists Ben Stokes and Jim Kimber, have added their knowledge of their preferred specialism of climbing. The book is heaving with experience and many handy tips and warnings are given within the text or highlighted in blue boxes on the page.
Key features of the book include:
- 416-page full colour guide
- A5 landscape format
- approximately 250 topos and 16 maps
- 130 action shots by top notch photographers including Keith Sharples, David Simmonite, Mike Robertson as well as the authors.
A visit to the area can be combined with trips to the many sandy beaches, unspoilt countryside and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site – all of which are blessed with sunshine for much of the year. With local venues offering world-class sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing instruction, you’ll be spoilt for choice on your rest days.
ISBN: 978-0-901601-77-3
