Urban Adventure

On the South Bank of the river Thames, Battersea Power Station stands proud over London. Over a city that it once powered. From the houses of parliament to the south western suburbs. Four huge white chimneys set against a dark clear night. A beckoning climb…

This time I’d been the one that made the call - to say ‘Hey guess what I found!”. Stepping Lightly was recovering from a bit of a back injury so it was hit or miss if we’d be able to squeeze this climb into January.

I was very confident. Since I’d seen the line of bolts on the December visit - I’d pictured myself at the top of the chimney. The view from the scaffold is good, but the view from the very top would be outstanding!

SL had some Etriers (these are a series of loop slings you can stand in) several quickdraws and steel caribiners . He set off up the chimney, clipping into the bolts on the way. I belayed him up the climb. He moved quickly efficiently and I was able to take several good shots of his progress upwards.

The night was clear, cold with about wind of 12mph, the wind was quite biting. I was pleased of my alpine gloves. I could also feel the adrenaline of the situation making me slightly sick.

  He reached the top and aided onto the top of the chimney. He has dragged up a static line behind him. He then absailed down the static line and it was my turn.  

On reflection the climb wasn’t as high as I’d first envisaged. It was about 35m.

I tied off the static line to the bottom and I set upwards on the rope. I jumared up to the rim of the chimney , to where the anchors were. From here I was able to really admire the view. With so many anchors I actually felt very comfortable. It was amazing.

There are no surrounding buildings to obscure your view from up here.

SL said before I set off:

“Climbing Battersea -its not something you do twice in your life”

I just soaked it up. You really do have London at your feet.

From the top of Battersea there are phenomenal views of city and the river snakes away, taking its reflections with it. A party boat passes by. All is quiet at the top of the chimney. Only the white noise of wind brushing past my helmet.

I took as many photos as I could and then made my way back down.

We made our way out of the site and drove back North.