The last significant rain was 8.1mm on August 19, followed by 4.0mm on August 20, with only trace amounts since (0.1mm on Aug 22, 1.0mm on Aug 25). Today marks roughly one full dry day after a light 1.0mm shower on Aug 25, but the preceding wet spell and persistently high humidity (80%+ average over the last week) mean internal moisture levels are uncertain. Conditions may be acceptable on exposed lower boulders this afternoon, but a visual and touch assessment is essential before committing — and heavy rain arrives tomorrow.
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
Community
Local knowledge and data feedback from climbers
Inconsistency Reports
The dates seem to be off for the forecast, correct for today, but jumping into August dates for the following days