Indirock is the first indoor bouldering wall in Southend, Essex, and has been designed to allow climbers of all ages, sizes and abilities the opportunity to practice their love of climbing in a safe, stylish and super-awesome space (if we do say so ourselves!).

But long before indoor bouldering venues were around, climbers used what nature provided and practiced the art of bouldering outdoors.

Essex is a pretty flat county, but our Climb Club crew are always looking for outdoor bouldering spots near and far to complement the indoors walls we visit, so we’ve compiled a few of our favourites within an hour or two of Southend-on-sea.

First of all it’s worth mentioning that there are few different types of climbing, and some outdoor sites cater for one more than the others. We’ll keep it simple:

Bouldering

Climbing without ropes where climbers usually bring mats along to soften their fall

Top Roping

Where a rope is passed through an anchor at the top of a route, and the climber is securely attached through a harness. Participants are required to wear a harness and helmet

Sport climbing

Where fixed bolts are available in the rock surface for climbers to clip into as they climb. Participants are required to have a harness and helmet

So where can you go to experience a bit of outdoor climbing near Essex?

Fairlop waters, Ilford

First up is Fairlop waters, about an hour’s drive from Southend in Ilford. The boulders are situated in a leafy glade with some sunny aspects and shade. There are nine boulders catering for all standards from novice to expert which means it’s ideal for beginners or newbies as well as seasoned climbers.  It’s really easy to access with dedicated parking, and gravel to break your falls so you can always jump on the tube and walk the 5 minutes to the venue as you only really need to take the basics with you.

Harrisons’s Rock, Tunbridge Wells

Slightly further afield, around 90 minutes drive from Southend, is Harrison’s Rock in Tunbridge Wells, which is another easy-to-access site with dedicated parking (the car park has a suggested donation of £1 to help with the upkeep of the rocks). Popular with walkers and climbers alike, it’s set among the Birchden wood with spectacular views and it’s south facing so warm when sunny. It’s also suitable for beginners and up, and with over 380 climbs there is something for everyone. Just make sure you have someone to set up the ropes and enjoy the views. 

Bowels Rock, Tunbridge Wells

And just around the corner from Harrison’s Rock is Bowels, also in Tunbridge Wells. Thought to be one of the best rock climbing venues in the South East, there are over 230 climbs up to 10 metres in height. It’s also a top rope venue so make sure you have someone to help set up. They offer instructor hire so you can learn how to set up safely. They charge £5 for adults and £3 for under-16’s and close at dusk. Suitable for all abilities, this is a great venue to soak up the atmosphere and check out the pros.

If you’re interested in checking out one of these venues, or even some of the indoor walls around and about, why not drop us a message to be added to our Climb Club whatsapp community? We are often people arranging social climbs to these spots and lift-share if needed. Drop us a message or email and let us know if you’d like to join, no obligation to attend.

And if you would like to guest blog for us after visiting one of these outdoor venues (or have any other ideas) just let us know!

Thanks to local climber and Indirock board member, Mat MacKinnon for the tips! 

Photo by Steve Bruce on Unsplash