8 miles E ~17 min drive DG2 8BG
We spent an afternoon Rock Climbing with Daniel Johnston at Powillimount Beach and thoroughly enjoyed it – despite the cold, hail and snow at various points in the afternoon!
Planning
We’d found the rock climbing session online. Our children had recently done some indoor climbing sessions, so we enquired whether Daniel was starting sessions this early in the year, when we would be in the area (March).
From the first contact Daniel was friendly, flexible and helpful accommodating us.
We had to wait a couple of days after we’d originally planned, to try and get a clear period of weather. We looked for a gap in the rain and snow and eventually settled on a Tuesday afternoon.
SatNav took us straight to Powillimount car park. It’s just a cleared patch of land, but there’s plenty of room for about 12 vehicles. It’s about 5 minutes from the car park, left along the shoreline, to the rock formation on the beach for climbing.
When we got to the beach, it was sunny but still cold. Daniel already had a fire going and had the harnesses and other equipment we needed (ropes, helmets etc.)
Climbing
8 of us were climbing, 2 adult novices, 4 in their early to mid teens, 1 eleven year old and 1 nine year old.
Daniel was reassuringly safety conscious, belayed the first climbers, showed us how to belay and kept an eye on us while we did.
The youngest went first and had a couple of moments wanting to give up. Daniel’s positivity, reassurance, and instructions on hand and footholds helped them reach the top though.
The rest of us climbed the different routes that Daniel set up with varying degrees of “success” but we all reached the top and were lowered back down safely.
Abseiling
We finished by abseiling through the gap in the rock formation, which was good fun. There’s a great view from the top, and you can see the square Southerness lighthouse – currently the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland – along the coast.
While we were there we had wind, rain, snow and even a heavy hail shower which soaked all of our stuff! But the fire survived and the weather didn’t dampen our spirits!
Preparation
There aren’t any toilets nearby, so we recommend plenty of snacks but not so many drinks!
Clothing obviously depends on when you’re climbing, but something light and not restrictive is best.
If it’s cold we recommend fingerless gloves when climbing if you have them, and you might want something to warm your hands on between turns. We used hand warmers and the camp fire.
Probably the most important apparel is footwear. Some managed with walking boots, but they make it more difficult to catch some of the footholds. Something smaller and lighter with good grip would be best.
We were there over 3 hours in the end. Powillimount Beach is also well worth a visit for the interesting rock formations. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and it has been a highlight of our holiday. We’d definitely recommend it.
Links & Reviews
Please let Daniel know that you’ve read our review.
Daniel Johnston – Certified Rock Climbing Instructor
Tel: +44 7305 315305
Email: danieljohnston210996@gmail.com
Reviews and Prices:
https://www.viator.com/tours/Southern-Scotland/Rock-Climbing-Experience-By-The-Beach/d26219-321218P1
Planning Your Visit
- Take plenty of snacks, but not so many drinks.
- Wear something light and not restrictive.
- If it’s cold, fingerless gloves and maybe hand warmers to warm your hands on between turns.
- Wear light footwear with good grip (so walking boots can make it difficult).
8 miles E ~17 min drive DG2 8BG
Powillimount Car Park on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/RA97KfvYYZ3ChsHcA
What3Words:
Car Park: https://w3w.co/lake.highbrow.rosier
Rock Formation: https://w3w.co/variances.delight.bibs
For more beaches to visit in Dumfries & Galloway see: www.22barend.co.uk/tag/beach/
For more things to see and do during your stay see: www.22barend.co.uk/during-your-holiday/
