Harrison's rocks is owned by the BMC (British Mountaineering Council) and is managed on their behalf by the Harrison's Rocks Management Group (HRMG). Harrison's Rocks is one of the most popular sandstone crags and is approximately one mile south of the village of Groombridge in the county of East Sussex.
There are an extensive amount of climbs at Harrison’s ranging in style and grade. Most of the routes have bolts in place for setting up top ropes, but still bring long slings and static rope with you. Harrison's Rocks is situated in a beautiful woodland setting, and is suited to everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers, and is a popular choice for families.
The Forestry Commission own and maintain the toilet facilities, car park, camping area and surrounding woodland. Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a lead near the climbing areas. Please do not climb when the rock is wet or damp.Please report any Harrison's Rocks issues to the BMC at access@thebmc.co.uk
New Routes
Submit new route information here (UKC Logbook)
Car Park - Open 8am - 10pm
Note: There is a warden on site for emergencies only. Enquiries concerning the carpark can be made to Chantelle at the Forestry Commission - Phone 07771 943664 or email Chantelle.Jay@forestryengland.uk
Pay & Display -
- Cars £1 per hour, £4 per day, £6 for 24 hours
- MiniBuses £2 per hour, £6 per day, £8 for 24 hours
- Discovery Pass £27 per year
Camping - CLOSED
Pay at the pay and display machine:£5 per adult (per night), £2.50 per child (per night)
If you experience payment issues then call the Forestry Commission to pay over the phone 0300 067 4480 Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm (leave a message if out of hours).
Toilets - OPEN
Access Issues
- Isolated Buttress - you can no longer step across onto the Isolated Buttress. For now climbers will have to use their own means to get across. Any ropes set up must be taken down at the end of the day. Do not abseil or lower-off the buttress. Constant lowering-off damages the fragile rock. If you cannot get on and off the buttress without lowering-off, please climb elsewhere.
- Update: It has been decided (2018) that a bridge will be built to ease access onto the isolated buttress and to reduce erosion made by the recent solo / traverse methods.
Guidebooks:
Due to the rock having only a thin outer layer, the rock is very fragile and can only be soloed or top-roped. Lead climbing is prohibited and placing trad gear would easily rip out and damage the rock. There is a CODE OF PRACTICE for climbers that should be read before climbing and setting up top-ropes.
