Southern Sandstone

Southern Sandstone is a local name for the Ardingly Sandstone of southeast England, a soft sandstone of Cretaceous age separating the Tunbridge Wells Sands from the overlying Grinstead Clay. The outcrops in the Weald of Kent are the rock climbing crags closest to London and are probably the most heavily climbed in the UK.[1]

Steps and rocks at High Rocks outside Tunbridge Wells

Geology

The horizon of thick, cross-bedded, fine-to-medium grained quartz sandstone separating the Tunbridge Wells Sands from the overlying Grinstead Clay is known as Ardingly Sandstone. It is particularly well exposed throughout the region between East Grinstead, West Sussex, and Tunbridge Wells, Kent.[1]

Climbing

Stone Farm and Harrisons Rocks are managed by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC). The rock is particularly soft and care needs to be taken to prevent erosion. It is climbed either solo or on a top-rope. Many bolts have been placed at the top of the crags. Soloing requires no more equipment than bouldering.[2]

Locations

Southern Sandstone is outcrops of sandstone situated in the Weald of Kent, on the borders of Kent and East Sussex.[3]

Major Outcrops

Minor Outcrops
  • Basset's Farm Rocks, near Cowden
  • Chiddinglye Wood Rocks near West Hoathly
  • Happy Valley Rocks west of Tunbridge Wells
  • Ramslye Farm Rocks, south of High Rocks
  • Jockey's Wood Rocks, Penn's House Rocks, and Rocks Wood are in Penn's Rocks near Eridge. This is an SSI and climbing is not allowed.
  • Under Rockes, south of Rotherfield

References
  1. Messenger, Alex (9 July 2011). "Southern Sandstone: guidelines". The British Mountaineering Council.
  2. "Southern Sandstone rock climbing near london". TryClimbing. 16 September 2012. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014.
  3. Southern Sandstone Climbs - Climbing Areas

Further reading
  • Southern Sandstone and the Sea Cliffs of the South-East England by Mike Vetterlein and Robin Mazinke, 2008, ISBN 0901601802
  • Southern Sandstone Bouldering by James O'Neil and Ben Read, 2011, ISBN 0956876609
  • Sandstone - Climbing in South East England by David Atchison-Jones, 2010, ISBN 1873665148

51.0°N 0.2°E / 51.0; 0.2

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