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Kent

Harrisons Rocks, Groombridge

Also: Eridge Green, Bowles Rocks, High Rocks and other sandstone crags.

Adamswell Scout Site, Tunbridge Wells

Level 1

Broom Lane, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JL. GR: 548380

Tel: 01892 863732 (site) 01892 528400 (David, Warden)

This site has a small scaffold tower with plywood sides - it's in reasonable condition and in a nice setting, but isn't exactly an inspiring facility especially with the excellent Harrison's Rocks and Bulls Hollow nearby (however, you can't abseil there so this could be used in combination.)

Please ensure that you insist on SPA or Guide Association qualifications.

No-one was around for information when inspected on 15th Nov 2001.

Downe Scout Site, Downe, nr. Biggin Hill, Kent

Level 1

Birdhouse Lane, Downe, BR6 7LJ. Tel: 01959 572121

Website: www.downeactivitycentre.org.uk

This is a clearly well-run and organised scout site with many facilities. The newly refurbished tower looks very good and has climbing and abseiling. There are local instructors available; however you must insist on SPA or Guide Association qualifications and not Scout Form 'M'.

Buckmore Park

Level 1

Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME5 9QG. Tel: 01634 861295 Contact: Ross

website: www.buckmorepark.org.uk

This is a huge campsite complex with a sports centre and a wide range of brand new facilities - to get the idea, just think 'lottery money'. The wall therefore is a very modern one which is well designed. It even has a purpose built door with access to an abseil platform above, which has custom made belays.

The facility is very good, and the centre has an in-house award which is approved by the GA as it is assessed by an MIA. Therefore you can use their instructors (prices etc. available from reception). You are also permitted to use the GA Level 1 Award to teach here if you present it.

NB I have been informed unofficially that this centre is completely closed - if you have any further information please let us know.

Hamlet Wood, nr. Maidstone

Stockett Lane, East Farleigh, Maidstone ME15 0QS.Tel: 01622 759313 (Warden) 01622 7442226 (Site)

This site has a typical wood/scaffold tower. There was no-one present when visited, but the tower is clearly a Level 1 facility. Please contact the warden for details on its use until we can gather more information.

Hopehill Camp

Wrotham Road, South Street, Meopham, DA13 0QJ. tel: 01474 814070 (site) 742803 (warden)

website: www.hopehill.org.uk

This is a typical wood/steel girder type tower, about 30'+ high and only 6 years old. It has bolt-on holds on some wood panels on one side,adn an abseiling side.

Instruction is available from Scout M form instructors; however bear in mind that this is not acceptable to the GA and you must insist on SPA qualified staff or a GA instructor.

Kingsdown International Scout Centre

Level 1

The Avenue, Deal, Kent, CT14 8DW. Tel: 01304 373713 Contact: Charlie Leadbetter

This site has a climbing wall built by Bendcrete with a panelled system which has a textured surface and bolt on holds. Topropes are in situ; the maximum height is about 15 feet. The confined space limits group sizes to eight.

The abseil tower is a steel framed tower with one abseil face. The ladder access is vertical but has protective hoops around it. The tower is well maintained and sturdy, and there are in situ belay points.

To see more information on this site at the Scout Association website, please click here

Arethusa Venture Centre, Rochester

Level 1

Lower Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XB.

Tel: 01634 719933

This centre has many activity facilities including a good climbing complex. There is an indoor/leading wall, an indoor bouldering room, outdoor wall and an easy section with easy climbs for youngsters as well as a wheelchair abseiling ramp. There is access to the top by lift (wheelchair accessible).

The centre don't accept Scout qualifications for visiting instructors, but we are hoping that GGUK Level 1 will be acceptable (more news when it arrives).

To visit the centre you need to contact Graham Leadbeater, wall manager for access details, booking and prices. Groups are only permitted Mondays and Fridays; the rest of the week is for public access.

Marshside Scout Site, Thanet

Level 1

Marshside Scout Camp
Wachester Lane
Minster
Ramsgate
Kent

Tel: 01843 822345 Contact name (climbing): Andy Turner

This site has an outside climbing wall facility with holds bolted on to a brick wall. Guide groups do use the site, but the site currently do not have any instructors other than those with Scout Form M qualifications. Please note that these are not acceptable under the GGUK scheme, and Guide groups must have either SPA qualified staff or GGUK Level 1 staff.

The site are looking into the provision of appropriately qualified instructors currently (Nov 06).

Ross Wood, Herne

Level 1

New Road
Herne, Herne Bay
CT6 7LF
Tel: 01227 741057

Scoutbase listing: click here

Thsi site has a tower built of railway sleepers. Belays at the top are from a large telephone pole with bolts set in it, and the working space is good with handrails etc. Access is from the interior via ladders which are inside an enclosed space. There are climbing and abseiling sides.

The site do not currently (Jan 07) have any instructors qualified to take Guides, but are trying to rectify this so please call the warden - they are fully aware of the Guide climbing scheme.

Revolution Skate Park, Broadstairs

Oakwood Industrial Estate, Dane Valley Road, St Peters, Broadstairs, CT10 3JJ.

Tel: 01843 866706

This wall has not been visited but it is fine to use. Their instructional staff have undergone an in-house scheme and been assessed by an MIC holder, which is acceptable to GGUK.

Please check the name of your instructor against the list on the wall signed by Andrey Kosenko MIC. Please only use instructors mentioned on this list unless they hold a higher qualification (see the introductory pages of this website for acceptable qualifications).

More details will appear here once the site has been visited, but please see their website for details at: http://www.revolutionskatepark.co.uk/climbing_new/index.html

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