Bowden Doors has received frequent light-to-moderate rain over the past week (6.4mm in 7 days including 3.1mm on April 11, 0.6mm on April 12, and 1.3mm today), with zero consecutive fully dry days — the rock has not had adequate time to dry internally despite the exposed aspect. While individual rain events have been light, the cumulative effect on porous Fell Sandstone without a sustained dry spell means internal moisture is likely still elevated.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
The premier Northumberland sandstone crag, 2.6 miles west of Belford. A long WSW-facing escarpment with over 130 boulder problems and 97 trad/sport routes. Exposed hilltop position dries relatively quickly, but the porous Fell Sandstone still needs 2-3 dry days after heavy rain. Seasonal bird restriction June 1 - July 30.
Condition Notes
Porous Fell Sandstone requires 2-3 dry days after heavy rain. Exposed hilltop position aids drying but upper tier seepage can persist longer than lower boulders. Bird nesting restriction June 1 - July 30 may limit access.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 170m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering
- Aspects
- SW W
- Problems
- 137
- Routes
- 97
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 8B+
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E8
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 5 min
Site Data
- Name
- Bowden Doors
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering
- Aspects
- SW, W
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 170m
- Latitude
- 55.588
- Longitude
- -1.89
- OS Grid Ref
- NU 069327
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 5 min
- Problem Count
- 137
- Route Count
- 97
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 8B+
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E8
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Roadside parking on the B6349 west of Belford. Do not block gates — very wide farm vehicles pass through.
- Condition Notes
- Porous Fell Sandstone requires 2-3 dry days after heavy rain. Exposed hilltop position aids drying but upper tier seepage can persist longer than lower boulders. Bird nesting restriction June 1 - July 30 may limit access.
- ID
- 270db4ec-f119-425d-b7a0-c30b4e30c413
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