Climbing legend Chris Bonington helps BMC access iconic Skeleton Ridge route on The Needles, Isle of Wight

Rock Climbing News
31 May
3 min read

With the help from Chris Bonington and other legendary climbers, the BMC has reached an agreement with the Isle of Wight National Trust about rock climbing access at Skeleton Ridge on The Needles.

BMC South West Climbing Rep Marti Hallet took the negotiations with the National Trust as far as he could go regarding access to what he calls, "the only climb worth doing on the Isle of Wight", Skeleton Ridge (HVS 4a) on The Needles, a set of distinctive sea stacks on the westernmost point of the island. When he reached an impasse, Marti contacted BMC staff member Dave Turnbull, who got out the big guns. Dave contacted legendary climbers, Chris Bonington, Rab Carrington, Mick Fowler and Pat Littlejohn and asked them to sign a letter urging the National Trust to continue negotiations with the BMC to open up access to this iconic British climb.

It worked!

Marti says, "Skeleton Ridge is the only climb worth doing on the Isle of Wight. It's a unique entity in itself and a brilliant adventure. However, access issues have arisen over recent years due to climbing parties not following the agreed arrangements or not giving enough notice to the staff. Historic England also carried out an audit at the site and advised the National Trust against letting climbers climb a historic wall and abseil from a stake in the moat of the Old Battery. After months of negotiations, including a letter signed by several legendary climbers, it was agreed that the BMC should remove this stake and create a new access point that avoids climbers touching this historic, listed building.

"We have now updated the RAD with every single detail about accessing this climb, but the key thing is that climbers must not jump the fence under any circumstances or they will jeopardise this new access arrangement for everyone. The National Trust will open the gate for you if you contact them in plenty of time (ie the month before, not the day before!) before a planned visit from March to October. Details all on the RAD here."

South West Area Chair, Colin Knowles, reports, "The BMC South West team met with the National Trust on the Isle of Wight and reached a positive agreement about climbing on Skeleton Ridge. South West Climbing Rep, Marty Hallet, and Senior Land, Property & Access Advisor, Dave Turnbull, have resolved the issue with three new stainless steel stakes in front of the searchlight bunker, installed by Marti this April. The National Trust are also willing to open early (when asked in good time) so that climbers can catch an early low tide. You must get a member of the Battery staff to open the locked gate for you, do not jump the fence please."

Please note: all printed guidebook information for Skeleton Ridge from before May 2025 is now incorrect and out of date.

Check the Regional Access Database (RAD) for updates on these climbing restrictions and all others nationwide.

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