Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Ravens Crag has had a very unsettled recent period with 8.1mm on Aug 19, 4.0mm on Aug 20, and further light precipitation on Aug 22 and Aug 25, leaving only one fully dry day before today's high humidity; the sheltered, slow-drying nature of this venue means internal moisture is likely still present despite the surface potentially appearing dry. With heavy rain forecast from tomorrow (8.7mm + 15.1mm), conditions will deteriorate sharply and the coming week looks very poor.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside than Bowden Doors and is partially sheltered by the ridge above, meaning it dries noticeably more slowly — add at least 24 hours to any drying estimate you'd apply to Bowden Doors.
- The predominantly slab and low-angle nature of the problems means water sits on and penetrates holds more readily than on steep rock, and rounded holds on damp Fell Sandstone are extremely prone to breakage and polishing.
- The west-facing aspect only receives afternoon and evening sun, and today's 100% cloud cover from midday onwards negates any solar drying benefit.
- With 38.7mm over the last 28 days and repeated wetting-drying cycles, the cumulative moisture loading in this porous sandstone is likely higher than any single rain event would suggest.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on internally damp Fell Sandstone causes irreversible hold breakage and permanent route degradation — the surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated.
- The coming heavy rain (24mm+ over Aug 27–28) will deeply saturate the rock; expect a minimum 72-hour drying window after the rain stops before conditions could be considered safe.
Reasoning
The last significant rain was 1.0mm on Aug 25 with only one dry day since, but more critically 8.1mm fell on Aug 19 and 4.0mm on Aug 20, and the intervening drying window (Aug 21–24) was characterised by moderate humidity (74–80%) and limited sun on this west-facing, sheltered crag — internal moisture is very likely still present.
Although Aug 21–24 provided four mostly dry days with moderate winds, the sheltered position below the ridge, west aspect receiving only afternoon sun, and humidity consistently around 75–80% mean drying has been slow and probably incomplete, especially for the lower sections of the crag.
The slab-based problems with rounded holds are at elevated risk of grain loosening and hold breakage if any residual moisture remains internally, and the cumulative wet period (38.7mm in 28 days) increases the likelihood of deep moisture retention in this porous sandstone.
Late August temperatures (averaging 12.6°C over the last week) are adequate but not exceptional for drying, and the deteriorating forecast with heavy rain from tomorrow means any marginal drying today will be reversed immediately.
Contributing Factors
6
Multiple rain events over the past week (1.0mm on Aug 25, 8.1mm on Aug 19, 4.0mm on Aug 20) have kept the rock in a repeatedly wetted state with insufficient drying windows between events.
Ravens Crag is lower on the hillside and sheltered by the ridge above, meaning it dries significantly more slowly than the already slow-drying Fell Sandstone standard.
Today's humidity is 88% average with overnight values exceeding 92%, severely limiting evaporative drying even where wind is present.
Just one fully dry day has passed since the last precipitation (1.0mm on Aug 25), well short of the minimum 24–48 hours needed even for light rain on a well-exposed crag.
Winds of ~20 km/h from the east provide some air movement but are partially blocked by the ridge above and do not directly hit this west-facing crag.
8.7mm forecast for Aug 27 followed by 15.1mm on Aug 28 will completely resaturate the rock and reset any drying progress.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Ravens Crag today — the combination of recent repeated wetting, high humidity, and the crag's sheltered slow-drying character means internal moisture is very likely still present.
- The five-day forecast shows no viable climbing window; consider redirecting to a non-porous rock type (whinstone or limestone) if you need to climb this week.
- If you do visit later in the week after conditions eventually improve, apply the ground-moisture test: if the soil at the base of the crag is damp, the rock is still too wet to climb.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
57 days ago
The last significant rain was 4.0mm on August 20, followed by a trace on the 22nd, giving roughly 2–3 dry days with moderate temperatures and average humidity — borderline for a sheltered, slow-drying venue like Ravens Crag. Today's afternoon conditions look favourable with low humidity and some breeze, but the rock may still hold internal moisture, especially at the base and in sheltered sections, and rain returns tomorrow.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside than Bowden Doors and is partially sheltered by the ridge above, meaning it receives less wind and dries noticeably more slowly than its neighbour.
- The predominantly low-angle slab-based problems with rounded holds are especially sensitive to residual moisture — friction-dependent climbing on weakened sandstone is both dangerous and damaging.
- The west aspect means the crag only receives afternoon and evening sun, which limits solar drying earlier in the day; the best window for dryness today would be mid-to-late afternoon.
- A wet spell from August 16–20 deposited over 21mm in five days, and the sheltered position means internal moisture may persist despite two surface-dry days.
Warnings
2
- The surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated — perform a careful tactile check on holds before committing, especially on the slab problems where rounded holds rely on friction.
- Rain returns tomorrow and conditions will be unsuitable for climbing for the foreseeable future; today's afternoon is likely the only viable window this week.
Reasoning
After 8.1mm on the 19th and 4.0mm on the 20th, the crag has had only about 3.5 dry days (with a negligible 0.1mm trace on the 22nd), which is marginal for a sheltered, slow-drying Fell Sandstone venue that experienced over 21mm in the preceding five days.
Moderate westerly and south-easterly winds of 12–19 km/h over the drying period help, but the sheltered position below the ridge reduces effective airflow, and average humidity of 77% over the last few days has limited evaporative potential.
The slab-dependent rounded holds at Ravens Crag are especially vulnerable to grain loosening if internal moisture persists, and the cumulative 40mm over 28 days means the rock has been repeatedly wetted this month.
Late August temperatures around 14–18°C are adequate for drying but not exceptional, and the forecast shows rain returning tomorrow with very high humidity (86–96%) through the week, meaning today is likely the last viable window for some time.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 21mm fell between August 16–20, with 8.1mm on the 19th and 4.0mm on the 20th being the most recent significant events, saturating the porous sandstone.
Only about 3.5 consecutive dry days since the last significant rain, which is marginal for a sheltered Fell Sandstone crag that the site notes say dries slower than Bowden Doors.
Ravens Crag sits below the ridge at Bowden Doors, reducing wind exposure and sun hours, which significantly slows drying compared to more exposed crags.
Humidity drops to 49–55% with temperatures reaching 18°C and moderate winds of 13–19 km/h from midday onwards, providing a good drying window this afternoon.
The W-facing aspect will receive direct afternoon and evening sun today under largely clear skies, aiding surface and near-surface drying.
Forecast shows 2.9mm tomorrow and continued wet weather through the week with humidity above 86%, meaning conditions will deteriorate significantly from tomorrow onwards.
Recommendations
3
- If visiting today, go in the mid-to-late afternoon when the rock has had maximum benefit from sun and low humidity, and perform a thorough touch-test on the rock surface and check that the ground at the crag base is sandy-dry before climbing.
- Avoid any problems at the base of the crag or in sheltered alcoves where moisture lingers longest — focus on higher, more exposed sections if they pass the touch test.
- Do not plan to climb at Ravens Crag for the rest of this week as the forecast shows persistent rain and very high humidity from tomorrow through at least August 29.
Do Not Climb
45%
58 days ago
Ravens Crag has had only one full dry day following significant recent rainfall (8.1mm on Aug 19, 4.0mm on Aug 20), and its sheltered, lower position on the hillside means it dries noticeably slower than neighbouring Bowden Doors. With high average humidity (80%) and moderate temperatures over the past week, internal moisture is very likely still present despite any surface drying.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside below Bowden Doors and is partially sheltered by the ridge above, significantly reducing airflow and sun exposure and making it one of the slower-drying venues in the Colour Heugh system.
- The predominantly low-angle slab problems with rounded holds are especially vulnerable to moisture damage — slabs shed water slowly and rounded holds rely on friction that is drastically reduced when damp.
- Being part of the Colour Heugh SSSI, any rock damage from wet climbing has conservation implications beyond the climbing community.
- The W aspect means the crag only receives afternoon/evening sun, limiting the solar drying window compared to south-facing crags nearby.
Warnings
2
- The predominantly slab climbing on rounded holds at Ravens Crag makes damp conditions exceptionally dangerous — friction loss on rounded holds is sudden and offers no warning before a fall.
- Surface-dry appearance is unreliable after this recent wet spell; internal moisture can persist for days in Fell Sandstone at this sheltered venue.
Reasoning
With 8.1mm on Aug 19 and 4.0mm on Aug 20, followed by only trace precipitation (0.1mm on Aug 22) and just 1–2 genuinely dry days, the porous Fell Sandstone at this sheltered lower venue is very likely still holding significant internal moisture.
Moderate westerly/northwesterly winds (12–20 km/h) and temperatures around 14–18°C over the last two dry days provide some drying, but the sheltered position below the ridge and west aspect limit both wind penetration and solar heating, meaning the standard 48–72 hour drying window after >10mm cumulative rain has not been met.
The slab-based problems with rounded holds are at elevated risk of grain loosening and hold breakage given that internal moisture likely remains from the recent wet spell; climbing now risks permanent damage to these delicate features.
Late August conditions are reasonable for drying in principle, but the recent week has been cooler and more humid than the warm spell of Aug 12–15, slowing evaporation rates significantly.
Contributing Factors
6
12.1mm fell across Aug 19–20, with a further 0.1mm on Aug 22, providing substantial moisture loading to the porous sandstone only 3 days ago.
Only 1 fully dry day (today, Aug 23) has elapsed since the last meaningful rain on Aug 20, well short of the 48–72 hour minimum needed after this volume of precipitation.
Ravens Crag's position below the ridge that hosts Bowden Doors reduces wind exposure and sun, meaning it dries noticeably more slowly than the guideline minimum.
Average humidity over the past week has been 80%, significantly limiting evaporative drying potential even on dry days.
Winds of 12–20 km/h and temperatures around 14–18°C provide some drying capacity but are insufficient to overcome the sheltered aspect and high humidity at this venue.
65.9mm over the past 28 days indicates the sandstone has been repeatedly wetted, meaning deeper pore saturation that takes longer to resolve than a single rain event.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Ravens Crag today — wait for at least 48 hours of continuous dry weather with humidity below 75% before visiting.
- If you are in the area, check whether Bowden Doors (higher, more exposed) has dried sufficiently instead, as it dries faster than Ravens Crag.
- Use the field test: if the soil at the base of the crag is still moist rather than sandy-dry, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
55%
59 days ago
Ravens Crag received significant rainfall recently — 8.1mm on Aug 19 and 4.0mm on Aug 20 — with only two dry days since, and the site's sheltered, lower position means it dries noticeably slower than Bowden Doors above. With humidity averaging 81% over the past week and moderate temperatures, internal moisture is very likely still present despite any surface drying.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside and is partially sheltered by the ridge above Bowden Doors, significantly reducing airflow and sun exposure, which means it can take 1–2 days longer to dry than the main crag.
- The predominantly slab and low-angle nature of the problems means water sits on and soaks into the rock surface rather than draining quickly, increasing saturation depth compared to steeper faces.
- The west-facing aspect receives only afternoon and evening sun, limiting the total solar drying hours — particularly unhelpful given the sheltering ridge above.
- The rounded holds characteristic of this venue are especially vulnerable to grain loosening when damp, as the iron-oxide cemented features rely on surface integrity that moisture undermines.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb on damp Fell Sandstone — the rounded slab holds at Ravens Crag are particularly vulnerable to irreversible grain loosening and breakage when wet.
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated; surface appearance alone is not a reliable indicator at this slow-drying venue.
Reasoning
With 8.1mm on Aug 19 and 4.0mm on Aug 20, plus only two full dry days since (Aug 21–22), the porous Fell Sandstone at this sheltered, slow-drying venue is very likely still holding significant internal moisture despite any surface drying.
Two dry days with moderate temperatures (~14–16°C), humidity around 72–80%, and light-to-moderate NW winds provide only modest drying — well short of the 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions needed after 12mm of rain over two days at a sheltered site.
The rounded, iron-oxide-cemented holds on these slab problems are at meaningful risk of grain loosening and breakage given probable internal saturation from recent rain.
Late August provides reasonable temperatures for drying but the recent wet spell (21.6mm in 7 days, 65.8mm in 28 days) has kept the sandstone in a persistently moist state typical of an unsettled British summer.
Contributing Factors
6
12.1mm fell across Aug 19–20, with additional rain on Aug 16–18, delivering 21.6mm in the past week — well above the threshold requiring extended drying.
Two days of dry weather since the last significant rain is insufficient for this slow-drying venue, falling short of the 48–72+ hour guideline for heavy rain on porous sandstone.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week severely limits evaporation rates and prolongs internal moisture retention.
Ravens Crag's position below the ridge reduces both wind exposure and direct sun compared to Bowden Doors, making it one of the slowest-drying venues in the area.
Temperatures around 14–16°C are adequate but not strong enough to drive rapid evaporation, especially given the high humidity.
Light-to-moderate winds (13–20 km/h) from NW/W provide some drying assistance, though the sheltered aspect of the crag limits their effect.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least another 1–2 full dry days before visiting Ravens Crag; if dry weather holds through Aug 23–24, conditions may become assessable by Aug 24.
- If you must climb in the area, consider checking Bowden Doors first — it sits higher, is more exposed, and dries significantly faster than Ravens Crag.
- Before touching the rock, check for moisture at the base of the crag and in any horizontal breaks or seepage lines; if the ground is damp, the rock is certainly too wet internally.
Do Not Climb
90%
60 days ago
Ravens Crag has received repeated rainfall over the past week (22.6mm in 7 days including 8.1mm on Aug 19, 4.0mm on Aug 20, and 1.0mm today) with zero consecutive dry days, high humidity averaging 80%, and cool temperatures averaging only 13.5°C. Given this crag's known slow-drying character — sheltered below the ridge and lower on the hillside — the sandstone will be thoroughly saturated internally and is unsafe to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside than Bowden Doors and is partially sheltered by the ridge above, meaning it receives less wind and less direct drying compared to its neighbour — it will always be the last part of this crag system to come into condition.
- The predominantly slab-based, low-angle nature of the problems means water sits on the rock surface rather than draining off, prolonging saturation and increasing the risk of weakened rounded holds breaking under load.
- The west-facing aspect receives only afternoon/evening sun, and with the current run of cool, humid, northerly/north-westerly airflow the crag will have had minimal solar drying benefit.
- The repeated wetting cycle over the past month (66.8mm in 28 days across numerous separate rain events) means the rock has never fully dried out — internal moisture levels are likely very high despite any brief surface drying between showers.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has dried — do NOT be deceived by surface appearance; internal saturation causes hold breakage on these rounded slab problems.
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet, and significant weakening begins at only 1% saturation — climbing now risks permanent, irreversible damage to this SSSI-designated crag.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally given 8.1mm on Aug 19, 4.0mm on Aug 20, and 1.0mm today, with no consecutive dry days and a cumulative 22.6mm in the past week on top of an already wet month.
With cool temperatures (13.5°C average), high humidity (80%), moderate winds from the north offering little benefit to this west-facing sheltered crag, and zero consecutive dry days, meaningful drying has not occurred.
The rounded slab holds characteristic of Ravens Crag are highly vulnerable to breakage when the sandstone is weakened by moisture — repeated wet-dry cycling over recent weeks compounds this risk significantly.
Although it is summer, the current spell is unseasonably cool and wet for August, and conditions more closely resemble autumn with persistent moisture and limited drying potential.
Contributing Factors
7
Rain on four of the last five days (8.1mm, 4.0mm, 1.0mm today, plus 0.4mm on Aug 18) means the rock has had no opportunity to begin drying.
There have been no consecutive dry days, which is the absolute minimum starting point for any drying to occur on porous Fell Sandstone.
Average humidity of 80% over the past week severely limits evaporation from the rock surface.
Average temperatures of only 13.5°C provide minimal thermal energy to drive moisture out of the porous sandstone.
Ravens Crag is known to dry noticeably more slowly than Bowden Doors due to its lower, sheltered position below the ridge.
66.8mm over 28 days across many separate rain events means the rock has been repeatedly re-saturated and never fully dried out internally.
Winds of 15–20 km/h are present but from the north, offering limited benefit to this west-facing, partially sheltered crag.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Ravens Crag until there have been at least 3–4 consecutive fully dry days with humidity below 75% and temperatures above 15°C.
- If conditions improve mid-week, check Bowden Doors first — it dries significantly faster than Ravens Crag and will come into condition sooner.
- Before touching the rock at any Fell Sandstone venue after this wet spell, use the base-of-crag ground test: if the soil at the foot of the crag is damp, the rock is still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
95%
61 days ago
Ravens Crag received 11.4mm of rain today (mostly overnight/early morning) on top of 9.6mm yesterday and significant rain earlier in the week, totalling over 30mm in the last 7 days. The rock is saturated and will need several dry days to become climbable, especially given this venue's sheltered position and slow drying characteristics.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside and is partially sheltered by the ridge above (Bowden Doors), meaning it dries noticeably more slowly than the upper crag — expect at least an extra day of drying time compared to Bowden Doors.
- The predominantly slab and low-angle nature of the problems means water sits on surfaces longer rather than running off, and the rounded holds characteristic of this venue are especially prone to friction loss when damp.
- The west-facing aspect receives only afternoon/evening sun, which limits solar drying — combined with the sheltered setting, wind-assisted drying is also reduced compared to more exposed Northumberland venues.
- The cumulative 74.7mm over the last 28 days represents a prolonged wet period for August, meaning the sandstone's deeper pore structure is likely holding significant residual moisture even where the surface appears dry.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone causes irreversible hold breakage and permanent route damage — this venue's rounded holds are especially vulnerable.
- The rock surface may appear dry well before internal moisture has dissipated — do not rely on visual assessment alone; check the ground at the base of the crag.
Reasoning
With 11.4mm today, 9.6mm yesterday, and 6.8mm on Aug 17th, the rock is thoroughly saturated — the Fell Sandstone's rapid capillary imbibition means the wetting front will have penetrated deeply into the rock.
Drying has had no meaningful opportunity since rain fell as recently as this morning; the west aspect, partial shelter from the ridge, and moderate humidity (~78%) mean even with tomorrow's dry spell, significant internal moisture will persist for days.
At current saturation levels, compressive strength is reduced by an estimated 30%+ and the rounded, iron-oxide-cemented holds characteristic of Ravens Crag are at high risk of grain loosening and breakage under load.
Despite being summer, the recent week has brought unseasonably cool and wet conditions (avg 14.5°C, 79% humidity) that significantly slow evaporative drying compared to typical August weather.
Contributing Factors
6
11.4mm fell mostly overnight and early morning, thoroughly wetting the rock surface and replenishing deep pore moisture.
30.5mm in the last 7 days across multiple events (Aug 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) has kept the rock in a persistently saturated state with no meaningful drying window.
Ravens Crag's position below the ridge and partial wind shelter means it dries significantly slower than other Northumberland sandstone venues.
Average temperature of 14.5°C and 79% humidity over the past week severely limit evaporative drying potential.
A further 3.9mm is forecast for Aug 21, resetting any drying progress and extending the required waiting period.
Wind at 15–23 km/h provides some drying assistance but is partially blocked by the ridge shelter and insufficient to overcome the high moisture loading.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Ravens Crag today or in the next two days — the rock is saturated and any climbing risks permanent damage to the soft Fell Sandstone holds.
- The earliest realistic window is Aug 24 after two full dry days, but given the sheltered setting and cumulative moisture, a physical check of the rock and base-of-crag ground moisture is essential before climbing.
- Consider checking the more exposed and faster-drying Bowden Doors first — if it still feels damp, Ravens Crag below will certainly be too wet.
Do Not Climb
88%
62 days ago
Ravens Crag has received repeated rain over recent days (6.8mm on Aug 17, 0.4mm on Aug 18, and 1.4mm today including showers still falling) with no meaningful dry window, and more rain is forecast tomorrow — the rock will be wet internally. With the crag's sheltered position below the ridge and its slow-drying character, conditions are clearly unsuitable for climbing today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside and is partially sheltered by the Bowden Doors ridge above, meaning it dries noticeably more slowly than its neighbour despite identical rock type.
- The predominantly low-angle slab problems with rounded holds are especially dangerous when damp, as friction is critical and there is no positive grip to compensate for reduced surface friction.
- Seepage from the hillside above can persist for days after heavy rain, feeding moisture into the rock from behind even when the face appears dry.
- The crag has experienced 55mm of rain in the last 28 days with frequent interruptions to any drying window, suggesting elevated background moisture levels in the porous sandstone.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on wet Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds — the rounded slab problems at Ravens Crag are especially vulnerable.
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated; do not rely on visual or touch assessment alone after only one dry day.
Reasoning
The rock has received rain on 4 of the last 5 days (Aug 16: 2.3mm, Aug 17: 6.8mm, Aug 18: 0.4mm, Aug 19: 1.4mm with showers continuing through the morning and afternoon), so the sandstone is thoroughly wet both externally and internally.
There has been no consecutive dry period since Aug 15; the W-facing aspect receives only evening sun, and the sheltered position below the ridge limits wind exposure — with humidity averaging 76–85% over recent days, meaningful drying has not occurred.
With repeated wetting and no drying window, the porous Fell Sandstone will be at significantly reduced compressive strength (potentially 30%+ loss), making hold breakage on rounded slab holds a real risk.
Mid-August should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this unsettled spell with frequent showers and high humidity is preventing the rock from drying out despite moderate summer temperatures.
Contributing Factors
7
Rain has fallen on 4 of the last 5 days totalling ~11mm, with no opportunity for meaningful drying between events.
Light showers are forecast through today (1.4mm total) with very high humidity, actively re-wetting any surface that might have started to dry.
2.9mm of rain is forecast for August 20, which will reset any drying progress and keep the rock saturated.
Humidity has averaged 76–85% over recent days, severely limiting evaporative drying from the rock surface.
The crag's position below the Bowden Doors ridge reduces wind exposure and sun, making it one of the slowest-drying venues in the area.
Winds of 15–25 km/h from the W/SW would normally aid drying on a W-facing crag, but the sheltered position and persistent moisture negate most benefit.
Temperatures around 16–18°C provide reasonable evaporative potential, but this is insufficient to overcome the frequency of re-wetting.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Ravens Crag today or tomorrow — the rock is wet internally from repeated recent rain and more is forecast.
- The earliest realistic window opens around August 22–23 after two consecutive dry days, but check that the ground at the crag base is sandy-dry before committing.
- If conditions are borderline later this week, consider Bowden Doors first as it dries faster from its more exposed, higher position — if Bowden Doors is still damp, Ravens Crag will certainly be too wet.
Do Not Climb
92%
63 days ago
Ravens Crag received 4.6mm of rain overnight (today) on top of recent showers on the 16th and 17th, and the forecast shows further rain every day through at least the 23rd. The rock is currently wet and there is no meaningful drying window in sight — climbing would risk both hold breakage and permanent damage to this porous Fell Sandstone.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside and is partially sheltered by the ridge above Bowden Doors, meaning it dries noticeably more slowly than its better-known neighbour despite sharing the same rock.
- The predominantly slab-based, low-angle problems with rounded holds are especially sensitive to moisture — friction-dependent rounded holds on weakened wet sandstone are both a safety and damage concern.
- West-facing aspect means the crag only receives afternoon and evening sun, which limits solar drying compared to a south-facing venue.
- The recent pattern of repeated small rainfall events (Aug 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 16, 17, 18) has kept the rock in a near-continuously damp state with no sustained drying window in the last two weeks.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on wet or damp Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds — the rounded slab-style problems at Ravens Crag are especially vulnerable.
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has dried — do not trust surface appearance alone; check that the ground at the base of the crag is bone-dry before considering climbing.
Reasoning
Rain fell overnight today (4.6mm) following showers on the 16th (2.3mm) and 17th (4.8mm), meaning the rock has had zero consecutive dry days and is certainly saturated at and below the surface.
Despite moderate westerly winds today (up to 31.7 km/h) and temperatures around 17–18°C, the lack of any dry spell longer than one day since Aug 9, combined with the sheltered lower-hillside position and west aspect, means no meaningful internal drying has occurred.
With repeated wetting events keeping the sandstone near saturation, compressive strength is reduced by an estimated 30%+ and the rounded slab holds — relied upon for friction — are at serious risk of grain loosening and breakage.
Mid-August should offer good drying potential, but the current unsettled spell with frequent rain and below-average temperatures (14–18°C) is negating the seasonal advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
4.6mm fell overnight today, following 2.3mm on the 16th and 4.8mm on the 17th, keeping the rock in a continuously wet state with zero dry days.
Rain is forecast every day from the 19th through the 23rd (totalling ~16.6mm), with no drying window in prospect.
Ravens Crag's position below the ridge means it receives less wind and sun than Bowden Doors above, significantly slowing drying.
Westerly winds of 20–32 km/h this afternoon would aid surface drying on an exposed crag, but the sheltered position and continued high humidity limit the benefit.
Temperatures of 16–18°C provide reasonable evaporative potential, though this is below average for August and insufficient to overcome the repeated rainfall.
55.9mm over the past 28 days with multiple wetting events means the sandstone has been repeatedly saturated with little opportunity for deep drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Ravens Crag until at least 48–72 hours of completely dry weather with moderate wind have passed — which is not forecast within the next five days.
- If in the area, consider non-porous alternatives such as whinstone crags (e.g. the Whin Sill outcrops) which tolerate damp conditions better, though surface grip should still be checked.
- Monitor the forecast beyond August 24th for the first sustained dry spell; Ravens Crag will need at least two full dry days with decent wind before conditions are likely climbable.
Do Not Climb
93%
64 days ago
Ravens Crag is currently wet from rain on the 16th (2.3mm) and today's accumulated precipitation (4.3mm with more forecast tonight), and the next several days bring repeated rain making meaningful drying impossible. The rock will remain saturated and must not be climbed.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside below Bowden Doors and is partially sheltered by the ridge above, meaning it receives less wind and dries noticeably more slowly than the upper crag.
- The predominantly low-angle slab-based problems with rounded holds are especially dangerous when damp, as friction-dependent moves on weakened, moisture-laden sandstone create both safety and damage risks.
- The west-facing aspect means the crag only gets afternoon and evening sun, and with heavy cloud cover forecast for the coming days, solar drying contribution will be minimal.
- Cumulative rainfall over the past 28 days (50.8mm) has kept background moisture levels elevated in the porous Fell Sandstone, meaning the rock's internal moisture content is likely higher than surface appearance suggests.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on wet or damp Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds and routes — this is an SSSI-designated site.
- The rock surface may appear deceptively dry during brief sunny spells while remaining saturated internally; do not be fooled by surface appearance.
- Heavy rain is forecast tonight (up to 4mm between 10pm and midnight) — conditions will worsen, not improve, from this point.
Reasoning
Rain fell on the 16th (2.3mm) and today (4.3mm with further heavy showers forecast tonight totalling ~4mm more), so the rock is currently wet with no meaningful drying period since the last significant rainfall.
With the sheltered position below the ridge, west aspect receiving limited sun, and humidity averaging 73-83%, even the brief dry spells between showers have been insufficient for the rock to dry internally — and repeated wetting events keep resetting any drying progress.
The high cumulative rainfall (50.8mm in 28 days) combined with repeated wetting cycles means the porous Fell Sandstone is likely near or above the critical saturation threshold, making hold breakage on the rounded slab holds a serious concern.
Mid-August should be favourable for drying in principle, but this unsettled spell with below-average temperatures (13-18°C) and high humidity is limiting evaporation significantly.
Contributing Factors
6
Rain on the 16th (2.3mm), today (4.3mm), and heavy showers forecast tonight mean the rock has had no opportunity to begin drying.
Humidity has averaged 73-83% over recent days, severely limiting evaporative drying even during dry intervals.
Ravens Crag's position below the ridge reduces wind exposure and airflow compared to Bowden Doors, significantly slowing drying.
Multiple rain events over the past two weeks (6.5mm on Aug 9, 5.5mm on Aug 4, 2.3mm on Aug 6 and 16) have kept the sandstone's internal moisture elevated with no sustained dry period.
The next three days bring 13.4mm of additional rain, preventing any meaningful drying until at least Aug 22.
Forecast westerly winds of 20-30 km/h would normally aid drying on this W-facing crag, but continuous rain negates any benefit.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Ravens Crag today or in the coming days — the rock is wet and further rain is forecast through the 21st.
- The earliest realistic window for dry rock is August 23 or later, provided the forecast dry spell on the 22nd materialises and extends; check updated forecasts before travelling.
- If visiting the area, consider non-porous alternatives such as whinstone crags (e.g. Great Wanney, Kyloe) which can be climbed when dry on the surface, though slippery conditions remain a safety concern.
Do Not Climb
75%
65 days ago
Today has seen 1.6mm of rain and the forecast shows continuous rain through to August 20th, meaning the rock will not have adequate drying time. Although the last week was relatively dry with a good warm spell (Aug 12–14), today's rain has reset the clock and the upcoming wet period makes conditions unsuitable.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Ravens Crag sits lower on the hillside and is sheltered by the ridge above Bowden Doors, meaning it dries noticeably more slowly than its better-known neighbour despite being part of the same crag system.
- The predominantly slab-based and low-angle nature of the problems means moisture lingers longer on climbing surfaces compared to steep or overhanging rock, and friction-dependent rounded holds are especially dangerous when damp.
- The west-facing aspect receives only afternoon and evening sun, which combined with the partial shelter from the ridge above limits the solar drying window significantly.
- Being part of the Colour Heugh SSSI, the crag has additional conservation significance — climbing on damp rock here risks permanent damage to a protected geological site.
Warnings
2
- Do not be tempted to climb on apparently dry surface rock during brief dry spells between showers — Fell Sandstone can appear dry on the surface while remaining dangerously saturated internally.
- The SSSI-protected Fell Sandstone at this venue is irreplaceable; climbing on damp rock causes permanent grain loosening and hold damage to the rounded features that define these problems.
Reasoning
Today's 1.6mm of rain has wetted the rock surface, and with 79% humidity and light 13.7 km/h winds, there will be minimal drying before tomorrow's further rain arrives.
The excellent dry spell from August 10–15 (six consecutive dry days with warm temperatures peaking at 29°C) would have dried the rock well from the August 9th rain, but today's precipitation has re-wetted the surface and the forecast shows rain every day through August 20th, preventing any meaningful drying.
With rain today and four more consecutive wet days forecast (totalling ~20mm), the porous Fell Sandstone will absorb significant moisture, and climbing on the slab-based rounded holds risks grain loosening and permanent hold damage.
Mid-August is typically a reasonable period for Northumberland sandstone, but this unsettled spell with below-average temperatures (12–17°C) and elevated humidity will slow drying considerably.
Contributing Factors
6
1.6mm fell today with 2.8mm, 5.4mm, 6.1mm, and 5.6mm forecast over the next four days, ensuring the rock remains wet through at least August 20th.
Ravens Crag's position below the ridge means reduced airflow and sun exposure compared to Bowden Doors, extending drying times beyond the already conservative guidelines.
Humidity is 79% today and forecast at 77–85% over the coming days, severely limiting evaporative drying from the rock surface.
Winds of 13–29 km/h are helpful for drying in principle, and the west-facing aspect catches them directly, but this benefit is negated by the continuous incoming rain.
The excellent six-day dry spell (Aug 10–15) with temperatures up to 29°C would have dried the rock thoroughly, but today's rain has reset the drying clock.
Low-angle slabs with rounded holds are the most friction-dependent style of climbing, making even slight residual moisture a serious safety and damage risk.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or during the upcoming wet spell; wait for at least 48 hours of dry weather after the rain ceases, likely not before August 23rd at the earliest.
- Consider visiting Bowden Doors instead of Ravens Crag when conditions do improve, as its higher and more exposed position dries significantly faster.
- Before climbing after the wet spell ends, check the ground at the base of the crag — if it is still damp rather than sandy-dry, the rock is likely still holding internal moisture.
Climbing Outlook