WHAT TO BRING
Please pack light — you will need to carry your belongings to the crag, and bags may sometimes be left nearby while we climb. Avoid bringing valuables.
Essential items:
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Suitable clothing for the weather (layers recommended)
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Waterproof jacket if rain is possible
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Soft-soled shoes or trainers for climbing
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Sturdy footwear for the walk in (optional)
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Food and snacks (for full-day courses)
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Plenty of water
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Sunscreen and hat in hot weather
Optional items:
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Your own climbing shoes (if you have them)
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Personal climbing equipment (subject to instructor approval)
WHEN & WHERE
Please meet at Birchden Wood (Harrison’s Rocks) car park promptly at your course start time.
Your instructor will meet you by the toilet block in the centre of the car park.
DIRECTIONS
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At The Junction Pub in Groombridge, cross the railway bridge towards Eridge
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After a few hundred metres, take the right-hand fork into Eridge Road
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About 200 metres along this road, there is a gravel track on the right leading down to Harrison’s Rocks car park
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Follow the track down into the car park
We will meet you by the toilet block, the only building in the car park.
Sat Nav postcode: TN3 9NH
If you get lost on the day, please call 07595 985247
CLIMBING KIT
All specialist equipment needed for your course will be provided.
If you have your own climbing equipment that you would like to use, you are welcome to bring it along. Personal equipment can be used as long as it meets our safety standards and is approved by your instructor.
WHAT TO WEAR
Please wear comfortable, loose clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty or scuffed. Rock climbing is adventurous — you may get muddy, dusty, or a bit slimy depending on conditions.
You will be outdoors for the duration of the session, so come prepared for the weather and dress in layers so you can adjust as needed.
FOOTWEAR
Please bring soft-soled shoes for climbing. Trainers are ideal.
You may prefer to wear sturdier footwear for the walk in (approximately 10 minutes and sometimes muddy) and change into softer shoes at the crag.
Hard walking boots and steel toe-capped footwear are not permitted on the rock at Harrison’s Rocks due to the soft and fragile nature of the sandstone.
If you already own climbing shoes, please bring them. If you would like to purchase climbing shoes, let us know your size in advance and we can bring a selection for you to try.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Jewellery — especially rings — can cause serious injury if caught on rock or equipment. We strongly recommend leaving all jewellery at home on the day of your course.
In warm weather, you may prefer to avoid shorts, as knees can get scraped during climbing.
WEATHER
Climbing is an outdoor activity and most courses run in light rain. If it is wet, we may adjust the format of the session to suit the conditions. Please bring warm and waterproof outer layers.
In rare cases of severe or unsafe weather, we may need to postpone or cancel a course. If this happens, we will contact you as soon as possible by email and offer either an alternative date or a full refund.
PARKING
ANPR pay-and-display parking operates at Birchden Wood to help maintain the site and facilities. There is a 15-minute grace period for drop-off and pick-up.
The machine accepts card payments only.
For more information, please visit the Forestry England Birchden Wood page.
CAMPING
There is an official but basic campsite at the car park. Camping is first come, first served and cannot be booked in advance.
Facilities include toilets with hot water and sinks (no showers) and a communal fixed BBQ available for shared use.
If you enjoy camping but prefer a few more comforts, Caracol Camping is just a 5-minute drive away.