Harrisons Rocks
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Harrisons Rocks is a popular climbing area based approximately 1.5Km south of the village of Groombridge in the county of Kent.
Harrisons Rocks is owned by climbers and it is managed on their behalf by the British Mountaineering Council with funding from the English Sports Council.
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[edit] The Climbing
All of the climbs are "top roped", meaning that there are no leading climbs - this is because all the climbs are quite short, with the highest being approximately 30ft and the lowest being 15ft. Most climbs have a ring drilled and set into the rock at the top of the climb, which is where slings are set up to drape over the edge of the rock in order to reduce the friction between the rock and the sling/rope.
The climbing is very good for beginners and for experienced climbers as the climbs are short but technical. So new climbers can gain new skills rapidly and older climbers can do the climbs they want to do without the traditional slog of getting to a climb.
[edit] Type of Rock
All of the rock at Harrisons is Sandstone, which is a soft rock which is prone to being worn away. However the area itself is maintained extremely well: for example, the top bolts have been replaced or relocated so that there will be less friction between the rope and the rock.
The ground at the base of the climbs is maintained, as it is prone to being washed away. To prevent this large mats have been placed on the ground, eventually becoming a mesh, which - like the roots of trees - stops the topsoil from eroding away.
[edit] The Climbs
There are approximately 200 climbs at Harrisons. A good list can be found here.
The most widely used guide book is 'Southern Sandstone' by Mike Vetterlein published by the Climbers Club.
[edit] Camping
There is a 16-pitch campground which was set up as a memorial to Julie Tullis, who was formerly a club member, who died on K2 in August 1986 after reaching the summit with Kurt Diemberger.
The campground is wardened by Chris Tullis, Julie's son. The site is adjacent to the car park at Harrisons Rocks, where there are toilet facilities (no showers). The fee is £2 per person per night paid by the 'Honesty System' (see the campground noticeboard). Booking is not normally necessary. Turn up, pitch and pay up! The single pitches are in secluded clearings among birch and fern undergrowth.
Info from Doug Stone, original comment can be found here.
