Southern Sandstone, Sussex

Family friendly top roping and bouldering in the Sussex countryside

The sandstone crags and boulders in Southern England are some of England's most popular crags, being just an hour's drive from South London.

Please read the Southern Sandstone code of practice and check the BMC Regional Access Database before you visit any of the sandstone crags - access to these sites is under threat due to inconsiderate users, and failure to do so could lead to future access issues for other climbers.

Sandstone climbing is certainly an acquired taste: the rock is, by its very nature, sandy and too soft to take bolts or traditional protection so climbing is limited to top-roping or bouldering. That said it does offer some delightful climbing in locations that are perfect for families with babies and children.

The best crag for children and babies is Bowles rocks with 240+ routes spread right across the grades. The approach is 2 minutes from the car park up a tarmac drive, and there is toilet block and a lovely open garden area at the base of the crag. If you're new to Southern Sandstone climbing I definitely recommend starting there.

Logistics

Parking: Mostly free. Pay and display at Harrisons rocks.

Cost: Mostly free. £5 at Bowles rocks

Walk in: Generally less than 5 mins from the parking to the start of the crag.

Grade range: 1000+ routes spread across 12 sites. Full spread of bouldering and top-rope grades.

Baby friendly: *****

Child friendly: *****

Suitable for buggies: yes

Guidebook: Southern Sandstone Climbs Rockfax

Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death.

Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

If an area is listed here as baby- or child- friendly it simply means that it is convenient, and does not mean the area is safe. Parents must make their own assessment of risk.