Come and make the most of the sunny south coast in the middle of summer!

If you’ve never tried Deep Water Soloing (DWS) then Portland Bill is a great spot to start. Access to the routes is easy, grades go down to sport 4+, and there are plenty of short routes over very deep water (including several traverses where you’re only just off the surface). Add to this, high tides through the middle of the day, on both days and it’s like bouldering with a large, blue, splashy mat! 😊

For those who want to push things a little harder, there are safe 3-star routes all through the grades, up to 7b+ (!).
If it is too wavey for DWS (or it just doesn’t take your fancy) Portland is probably the best sport climbing destination in the country, with a wide range of grades and route lengths available.

The Plan: On Friday night, for those staying in Dorchester, meet up for some drinks and / or food at one of the many local pubs / restaurants. For those who choose to stay on Portland we’ll see you at the crag on Saturday morning.

Climb at Portland Bill on Saturday before a BBQ back at ours (Dorchester), more climbing Sunday before heading home Sunday afternoon / evening. If sea conditions a poor then we will switch venue to one of the many sport climbing crags on Portland, so bring your harness just in case.

There are many routes at a range of grades at Portland Bill, so two days will give us plenty of time to explore and for those new to DWS to build confidence. DWS is very much like bouldering, short intense bursts interspaced with chatting / recovering, so there will be plenty of time for swimming, etc., and eating ice creams! There is also plenty of sport climbing in the area if you want to mix it up.

What to bring: Swimmers, liquid chalk, climbing shoes, sport climbing equipment (in case of poor DWS conditions), large beach towel, small hand towel, optional wetsuit or rash vest, waterproof sun lotion, anything else you want for the beach (e.g. changing robe, paddle board, snorkel, etc.)

Services: There are several supermarkets in Dorchester and one on Portland, as well as plenty of pubs, restaurants, and takeaways in the area.

Accommodation: I’m based in Dorchester (about 45 minutes’ drive to the climbing) and have a baby, so will be staying at home. It would be ideal if people could stay in the Dorchester, however accommodation in the town is limited to hotels, and a couple of AirBnB’s, with camp sites on the outskirts. There is room on our couch and space for a tent on the patio, as long as you don’t mind sharing the place with a 1-year-old.

As this is the South Coast in August, it is advisable to book accommodation as far in advance as possible.

Hotels:

Booking.com: Hotels in Dorchester. Book your hotel now!

Camping:

Thorncombe Farm, Dorchester, Dorset – 2026 from £17/nt
Dewflock Farm, Dorchester, Dorset – 2026 prices

If you’d rather stay on Portland, then there is a bunkhouse (PortlandBunkhouse | The perfect Portland Holiday), and basic campsite near the Bill.

Food: Meal out on Friday night for those who wish, and BBQ in Dorchester on Saturday.

Transport: Car is by far the easiest way to both get to Portland and around it. However, there are two train stations in Dorchester, and the nearest station to Portland in the nearby town of Weymouth. So, depending on the number of cars between us, we could organise a lift from Dorchester or pickup from Weymouth.

Tide Times: