Ravensheugh received 9.2mm on Aug 19 and 4.7mm on Aug 20, followed by a further 2.2mm on Aug 25, and has had only one full dry day since; with its NW aspect at 400m, high ambient humidity (~81% average over the last week), and limited direct sun, the rock is unlikely to be reliably dry internally. A major rain event (29.8mm) is forecast for tomorrow, making any window today marginal at best and the coming days clearly unsuitable.
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
- Routes
- 130
- Trad Grades
- HS – E7
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 45 min
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
- OS Grid Ref
- —
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 45 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 130
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- HS – E7
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Forestry Commission car park between Lordenshaw and Great Tosson. Mountain bike recommended for the 45-min approach.
- 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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