Isle of Portland Climbing and Walking Weekend - 3 nights
12 people attending
6 places left
Join us for an exciting long weekend of walking and climbing on the tiny island of Portland, well-known for its rugged beauty, long coastline, and incredible climbing.
Please note, this is a three-night hostel event from Friday evening to Monday morning to allow two full days of activities over the weekend.
The Bunker is located across the street from the beach and Portland Skatepark. The six bunk rooms are simple, each with a small sink and private shower. There are 3 rooms with 4 beds each and 3 rooms with 2 beds each. Bedding and towels are provided. There is a spacious communal lounge and kitchen, as well as toilets, all on the first floor.
Our Saturday walk will circumnavigate the island in about 15.5 km (9.5 miles), including the Tout Quarry Reserve and Sculpture Park, the Portland Bill Lighthouse, the Old Higher Lighthouse, and the stunning West Cliffs.
A link to the ODL walk event is here, and the OS Maps route link is here.
Stu and David lead the outdoor climbing events on Saturday and Sunday. Spaces will be limited to 14 climbers on each day, including two leaders. It is a great opportunity for newer members and novice climbers to meet and learn from more experienced OutdoorLads.
Please sign-up to the climbing events separately (below).
Waitlist: If an event is fully booked, please add yourself to the waitlist. Places often become available closer to the date. If you will not attend, cancel your attendance as soon as possible to allow someone else to take your place.
Unfortunately, the hostel does not have disabled access, due to very narrow hallways and all communal space being on the first floor.
Dogs Sorry, dogs are not permitted at our accommodation.
Want to Get Out More?
To be informed of all our South West events please click on this Telegram link http://outdoorlads.events/SouthWestNotifications
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photos courtesy of www.unsplash.com, The Bunker and Derventio, and used with permission and thanks.
What to bring
The walk on Saturday will be mostly on gravel and unpaved paths, so expect uneven ground throughout. Please refer to the individual climbing pages above for kit recommendations and requirements.
Should you need any of the items below, remember that ODL members get a 12.5% discount at Cotswold Outdoors, and Snow + Rock (both using the code AF-OLADS-V7), as well as a 15% discount at Berghaus (using the code OUTDOORLADS15)!
Climbing Gear: If you have your own climbing harness, shoes, and helmet, etc., please bring them. If you don't have any of your own kit, don't worry, Stu and David will provide whatever you need to climb safely.
Boots: This hike should be suitable for both hiking boots and mid-ankle hiking shoes. Waterproof and breathable are the best options (Craghoppers Mens Kiwi Light and Abbeydale Mid are good entry-level options from Cotswold).
Socks: Merino wool socks provide the best moisture-wicking and Craghoppers provide a number of affordable "quick-dry" options.
Gaiters: Gaiters can be an essential piece of kit in boggy, wet conditions, but as the Isle of Portland is primarily Triassic period salt rock, we shouldn't encounter any bogs or swamps.
Walking Trousers: Both Craghoppers and Jack Wolfskin make several styles of affordable walking trousers. The best pair would have a large map pocket, as well as other zippable pockets and should be water-repellent.
Waterproof Trousers: As above, Craghoppers, Jack Wolfskin and Mountain Warehouse all stock an excellent selection of waterproof trousers. It is recommended that you have a pair as we will be on the coast so anticipate changing weather.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This could be a cheaper sports top or you could go top of the range with a merino top, as cotton t-shirts can become damp and uncomfortable when hiking along the coast.
Other Layers: On top of your base layer, you can have a variety of options such as a micro fleece, a fleece jacket or a rugby/sports top can sometimes be good. Having one or two additional layers gives you flexibility when the weather is changeable – the more layers, the more flexible you can be in adapting to the weather.
Waterproof Jacket: Good waterproof jackets can range from £30 to over £300! At a minimum, the jacket should have fully taped seams, an adjustable hem, elastic cuffs and at least 1 inside pocket.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. A wide brimmed model provides sun protection for the back of your neck and ears!
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months, windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: For day walks a 20-30 litre capacity rucksack should be sufficient for carrying the essentials. Ideally it should have padded waist straps, several outside pockets and a rain cover.
Map & Compass: If you want to learn to be a leader or you just like to know where you are, then you can bring a map that covers the area - Ordnance Survey Explorer 15 is the best for the area. It is best to bring your map either in a map case or purchase maps which are waterproof.
Food & drink
All dietary requirements will be catered for once everyone has signed up. Please make sure your dietary requirements are up to date on the website for me to work on the menu for the weekend.
Friday night buffet: Please bring some buffet food to share. Discuss options in comments or the Telegram channel to avoid too much duplication. There are several shops on the island, including Co-op, Lidl and a Tesco Superstore.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday breakfasts: Cereals, porridge, toast, yoghurt, eggs, fruit and juices will be available each morning.
Saturday and Sunday lunches: Climbers, you will need to provide your own packed lunch or buy food from any of the local shops before heading out. For those on the walk, there may be an option to visit one of the nice pubs at the southern end of the island.
Saturday and Sunday dinners: I will provide nice evening meals for everyone to enjoy, menus to be decided,
Tea, coffee and squash, will be available throughout the weekend. Bring any other drinks you prefer.
We need to allow plenty of time to tidy, clean up and vacate by 10:00 on Monday morning.