History of Soft Rock

The Tullis family (Terry, Julie & son Chris and his son Matt) have been involved in rock climbing since 1957 when Terry managed a large London outdoor shop (importing the first friction boots into the UK)

In the 1950's Terry & Julie helped to transform a pig farm in Crowborough into the now well known Bowles centre and became the very first full time climbing instructors. 

In the 1970's Terry & Julie started Terry's Festerhaunt a cafe/climbing shop that quickly became THE centre for climbers in the South East, they both started to instruct climbing for Kent County Council.

Terry began to warden Harrison's Rocks.

In the 1980's after pushing the British female altitude record ever higher on the world highest peaks, Julie became the first British woman to reach the summit of K2 the worlds 2nd highest mountain and arguably the worlds hardest (she tragically died during the decent). Her autobiography Clouds From Both Sides is published by Grafton.

Soft Rock was started in 1989, a partnership between Terry and Chris.

Evolution Indoor Climbing Centre Opened in 2002. Matt Tullis started to  climb seriously. Quickly becoming southern junior champion a couple of years later.

In 2006 Chris and family complete a 5 week trek to K2 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of mother Julie summiting K2 in 1986. Matt also becomes the youngest person to complete the trek. They place an engraved snow stake on the Gilkey Memorial at the foot of K2 - 5000 metres high.

2009 Matt starts teaching and working towards his instructor qualifactions.

Website: www.softrockclimbing.co.uk

Email: info@softrockclimbing.co.uk

Phone Number: 01892 863659

© Soft Rock Climbing