Ravensheugh is thoroughly saturated after 184mm of rain over the past 28 days with near-constant high humidity, and has had zero consecutive dry days. At 400m, NW-facing, in mid-winter, the rock will be deeply wet internally despite any superficial surface drying — climbing would risk permanent damage to holds and routes.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
Widely regarded as Northumberland's best Fell Sandstone trad venue, on the steep north-west facing scarp of Tosson Hill in the Simonside Hills, approximately 5km south of Rothbury. Around 130 routes on superb rock, 8–24m in height, characterised by technical walls and searing cracklines. The most 'gritstone-like' crag in the region with grades skewed toward the harder end. NW-facing at approximately 400m, it holds moisture longer than south-facing crags — allow at least 1–2 dry days. Very long approach: park at the Forestry Commission car park between Lordenshaw and Great Tosson, 45 min walk-in (mountain bike recommended). CRoW open access / SSSI.
Condition Notes
NW-facing at ~400m means this holds moisture much longer than south-facing crags — allow at least 1-2 extra dry days. Very long approach (45 min) so checking conditions before the walk-in is especially important.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 400m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering
- Aspects
- NW
Site Data
- Name
- Ravensheugh
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering
- Aspects
- NW
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 400m
- Latitude
- 55.286
- Longitude
- -1.979
- Condition Notes
- NW-facing at ~400m means this holds moisture much longer than south-facing crags — allow at least 1-2 extra dry days. Very long approach (45 min) so checking conditions before the walk-in is especially important.
- ID
- 22b56d74-a392-4694-9cd7-22de5e03f839
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