Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Brimham Rocks is currently wet and unsuitable for climbing. The past two weeks have seen repeated rainfall events totalling over 50mm, with rain again today (4.7mm) and further rain forecast tomorrow — the gritstone will be thoroughly saturated internally despite any brief surface drying windows.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's mixed aspects mean north- and east-facing formations will retain moisture far longer than south-facing towers after this prolonged wet spell.
- The dispersed boulder/tower layout means some sheltered formations surrounded by heather and moss will hold moisture even longer than the more exposed pinnacles.
- National Trust site — climbing ethics and rock conservation are particularly important here given the high visitor profile and heritage status of the formations.
- The exposed moorland position does aid wind-drying, but the sustained high humidity (82% average over the past week) severely limits evaporative drying even with good wind.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds — Brimham's iconic formations cannot be replaced.
- The rock surface may appear dry during brief sunny or windy spells this afternoon, but the interior remains deeply saturated after weeks of rain — do not be fooled by surface appearance.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally after 51.7mm of rain over the past 28 days with repeated wetting events every 1–3 days, leaving no adequate drying window; today's additional 4.7mm ensures the surface is wet too.
Despite the exposed position and moderate winds (19–34 km/h recently), persistent humidity above 80% and near-continuous re-wetting has prevented meaningful drying — the last significant dry spell ended around May 28th, over two weeks ago.
With prolonged saturation, gritstone holds are at serious risk of breakage (potentially 30–50% compressive strength loss); climbing now risks permanent damage to routes across the venue.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this year's persistent unsettled pattern has kept the rock in a near-winter moisture state despite warmer temperatures.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 50mm in 28 days with rain on at least 10 of the last 16 days means the rock has had no chance to dry internally.
Today's 4.7mm and tomorrow's forecast 1.6mm ensure the wetting cycle continues with no drying window.
Average humidity of 82% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even between rain events.
Strong sustained winds (22–34 km/h recently) do help move moist air away from rock surfaces, but are insufficient to overcome the continuous re-wetting.
Temperatures around 13–17°C provide some evaporative potential but are not warm enough to rapidly drive out deep moisture.
South-facing formations will dry first when conditions allow, but currently all aspects are saturated from the prolonged wet spell.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Brimham today or in the next few days — the gritstone is saturated and holds are at serious risk of breakage.
- Monitor conditions from June 19th onwards if the forecast dry window materialises, but expect to need at least 48–72 hours of dry weather with humidity dropping below 75% before south-facing formations are climbable.
- If visiting the area, consider non-porous alternatives such as limestone venues (e.g. Malham, Gordale) which are safe to climb when wet from a rock-damage perspective.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
75%
2 days ago
Brimham Rocks has endured a prolonged wet spell over the past two weeks with nearly 48mm of rain and only brief dry interludes, leaving the gritstone likely saturated internally despite any surface drying. Today offers a mostly dry window through the afternoon, but the rock has not had adequate consecutive drying time and further light rain is forecast tonight and tomorrow.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's scattered tower and pinnacle formations mean many faces are sheltered from prevailing winds despite the open moorland setting, so wind-assisted drying is uneven across the venue.
- North-facing sides of the formations — common on many of the towers — will have dried far more slowly than south-facing aspects during this cool, overcast spell.
- The peat and heather moorland base retains moisture and can wick dampness back into lower boulder faces; check ground conditions at the base of formations as a proxy for internal rock moisture.
- National Trust access: Brimham is a managed NT site with car park charges and seasonal opening hours — check before travelling, especially in marginal conditions.
Warnings
2
- Surface-dry gritstone can still be severely weakened internally after prolonged wet periods — do not rely on visual or touch assessment alone.
- Hold breakage risk is elevated due to cumulative saturation; even well-established holds can fail on wet gritstone.
Reasoning
With 13.7mm in the last 7 days spread across multiple events (the most recent being 7.2mm on June 11 and smaller amounts on June 12–13), plus 0.5mm today, and average humidity at 81%, the gritstone is almost certainly still holding significant internal moisture.
The only meaningful dry window was June 14 (0.0mm) with moderate wind, but a single dry day following weeks of repeated wetting — and with high ambient humidity — is wholly insufficient for porous gritstone to dry internally, even at this exposed site.
Cumulative saturation from nearly 48mm over the past month with minimal drying windows means the rock is likely at or above 60% pore saturation, posing real risk of hold breakage and grain loosening on gritstone.
Early June temperatures (averaging only 11°C over the past week) are unusually cool for summer, significantly slowing evaporation rates compared to what might be expected at this time of year.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 48mm of rain over the past 28 days with repeated wetting events every 1–2 days through the last fortnight means the rock has had no chance to dry internally.
Only one fully dry day (June 14) since the last significant rain on June 11, far short of the 48–72 hours minimum needed after heavy cumulative wetting.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week severely limits evaporation from the rock surface, even with wind exposure.
Strong winds (22–34 km/h on recent days) at this exposed moorland site do aid surface drying, though they cannot overcome persistent high humidity and repeated wetting.
Average temperatures around 11°C over the past week are well below seasonal norms and substantially slow evaporation and internal drying.
Light rain is forecast tonight (0.5mm) and tomorrow (3.1mm), resetting any drying progress and keeping the rock damp.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock has been repeatedly saturated over the past two weeks and has not had adequate drying time, despite any surface appearance of dryness.
- Wait for at least 48–72 hours of consecutive dry weather with humidity below 75% before considering a visit; the forecast does not show such a window emerging in the next five days.
- If you do visit Brimham, check ground moisture at the base of formations — if the peat or soil is damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
30%
3 days ago
Brimham Rocks has experienced a prolonged wet spell with 20.5mm in the last 7 days across multiple rain events, the most recent being 0.2mm yesterday (June 13) and 1.0mm the day before. With only one full dry day, high average humidity (81%), and cool temperatures (11°C average), the gritstone is almost certainly still holding significant internal moisture despite the exposed position and strong winds.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's scattered tower and pinnacle formations mean many faces have different aspects — north-facing sides of formations will be substantially wetter than south-facing sides after this prolonged wet period.
- The open moorland setting provides excellent wind exposure which is the single most favourable drying factor here, but persistent high humidity (81% average) has been limiting net evaporative drying.
- The peat and heather moorland surrounding the rocks retains moisture and can contribute to higher local humidity at rock level, slowing drying further after extended wet spells.
- Multiple rain events over 10+ days (June 1–13) mean the rock has had repeated wetting cycles with insufficient drying between them — cumulative saturation is likely high throughout the formations.
Warnings
2
- Gritstone that appears surface-dry after wind exposure can still be heavily saturated internally — climbing in this state risks permanent hold breakage and route damage.
- Repeated wetting over 10+ days causes deep saturation that takes substantially longer to dry than a single rain event of equivalent total volume.
Reasoning
Repeated rain events totalling 20.5mm over the last 7 days (and 47mm over 28 days) with only one dry day since the last measurable precipitation mean the gritstone is very likely saturated internally, especially on sheltered and north-facing aspects.
Strong winds (22–34 km/h) are helpful but high humidity (74–94%) has severely limited net evaporation; one dry day is far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after this volume and frequency of rainfall.
With cumulative wetting over nearly two weeks and minimal drying intervals, internal moisture levels are likely well above the ~1% saturation threshold where significant strength loss begins, posing real hold breakage risk.
Early June temperatures averaging only 11°C are below seasonal norms and slow evaporative drying; conditions are more reminiscent of late spring than summer.
Contributing Factors
6
Rain fell on 8 of the last 14 days totalling 47mm over 28 days with no sustained dry window, keeping the rock repeatedly saturated.
Only one full dry day since the last rain event of 0.2mm on June 13, far short of the minimum 48–72 hours needed after this level of cumulative wetting.
Average humidity of 81% over the last week severely limits net evaporation even with good wind, meaning surface drying is slow and internal drying even slower.
Consistent winds of 19–34 km/h across the exposed moorland position are the most favourable drying factor, accelerating surface evaporation significantly.
Average temperatures of only 11°C over the last week are well below summer norms and reduce evaporative drying capacity.
South and west-facing formations will dry faster than north-facing ones, but after this prolonged wet spell even favourable aspects need more time.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock has had only one dry day after nearly two weeks of repeated rainfall and remains internally damp.
- Wait for at least 2–3 consecutive dry days with humidity dropping below 70% before considering a visit; south-facing formations will be first to come into condition.
- If visiting later in the week, perform the ground-moisture test at the base of formations — if the peat and rock base feel damp, the rock above is still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
20%
4 days ago
Brimham Rocks has experienced a prolonged wet spell with over 47mm of rain in the last 28 days and significant rainfall in the last week (21.2mm), with the most recent rain today (0.3mm) and 7.2mm just two days ago. Despite the exposed, windy position, the persistent high humidity (averaging 81%) and cool temperatures (averaging 11.3°C) have severely limited drying, and the gritstone is very likely still saturated internally.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's exposed moorland position and strong westerly winds (24–34 km/h recently) are the primary drying advantage, but this has been largely negated by the relentless sequence of wet days through June.
- North-facing formations and sheltered alcoves between the towers and pinnacles will retain moisture far longer than the exposed south-facing faces — expect significant variation across the site.
- The balanced boulders and pinnacles have complex drainage patterns; water pools in horizontal breaks and cracks between formations, creating persistent seepage lines on lower sections.
- National Trust site with permissive access — climbing on wet gritstone risks both permanent route damage and reputational harm to the climbing community's relationship with the Trust.
Warnings
2
- The gritstone has been repeatedly saturated over the past two weeks — even surfaces that look dry may have substantially reduced structural integrity.
- Climbing on wet or internally damp gritstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds and route surfaces at this irreplaceable National Trust site.
Reasoning
With 21.2mm in the last 7 days spread across multiple rain events (the last being today), and high average humidity of 81%, the gritstone is almost certainly still holding significant internal moisture despite any surface drying between showers.
Although wind exposure is excellent (22–34 km/h sustained westerlies), there have been zero consecutive fully dry days, and the repeated wetting events have prevented any meaningful cumulative drying — the rock has essentially been re-saturated every 1–2 days for the past two weeks.
The prolonged saturation period significantly elevates the risk of hold breakage and grain loosening; gritstone that has been repeatedly wetted over weeks will have substantially reduced compressive strength even where the surface appears dry.
Early June temperatures averaging only 11.3°C are well below seasonal norms, reducing evaporative drying capacity; while freeze-thaw is not a concern, the cool and humid conditions extend required drying times considerably.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 21mm in the last 7 days across multiple events with no consecutive dry days means the rock has been repeatedly re-saturated without opportunity to dry.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even with good wind exposure.
Averaging only 11.3°C for early June significantly reduces the rate of moisture evaporation from the rock.
Sustained winds of 22–34 km/h on the exposed moorland are the main positive drying factor, though insufficient to overcome the cumulative moisture loading.
Nearly 50mm of rain over 28 days with frequent wetting events means deep internal saturation is likely, requiring an extended dry spell to resolve.
Even the 0.3mm today resets the consecutive dry day count to zero, preventing the start of meaningful drying.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 48–72 hours of genuinely dry weather with humidity below 70% before considering climbing — current conditions do not meet this threshold.
- If visiting the site, use the ground moisture test: if the soil and rock base around formations is damp, the rock is certainly too wet internally to climb safely.
- Consider non-porous alternatives in the region (limestone at Malham or Gordale, or whinstone) until Brimham has had a proper drying window.
Do Not Climb
92%
5 days ago
Brimham Rocks has received 25.5mm of rain over the past 7 days with virtually no consecutive dry days, and today saw another 1.6mm — the gritstone will be thoroughly saturated internally despite the exposed position and strong winds. Even with improving forecasts, several dry days are needed before conditions can be considered safe given the prolonged wet spell.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's mixed aspects mean north-facing formations and shaded gullies between towers will retain moisture far longer than the south-facing open faces, even after the south sides appear dry.
- The complex tower-and-pinnacle landscape creates many sheltered nooks and drainage channels between formations where water pools and seeps persist well after open faces have dried.
- As a National Trust site with heavy visitor traffic, climbing on damp rock here risks high-profile damage to an iconic and much-loved gritstone venue — extra restraint is warranted.
- The prolonged wet period since early June (47.4mm in 28 days, heavily concentrated in the last 10 days) means deep saturation that surface drying from wind alone cannot resolve quickly.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry on windy south-facing faces while remaining deeply saturated internally — do not be deceived by surface appearance after such a prolonged wet period.
- Hold breakage risk is elevated due to cumulative saturation over 10+ days; even routes with normally solid holds may be compromised.
Reasoning
The rock has been subjected to repeated wetting events over the past 10 days (1.7mm, 7.3mm, 3.5mm, 8.5mm, 0.7mm, 4.0mm, 0.6mm, 7.3mm, 4.5mm, 0.3mm, 7.2mm, and 1.6mm today) with no meaningful drying window — the gritstone will be deeply and thoroughly saturated throughout.
Although strong westerly winds (25–35 km/h) and the exposed moorland position help surface evaporation, the persistent high humidity (83% average over 7 days) and cool temperatures (~11°C average) severely limit net drying, and there has been no consecutive dry period longer than about one day since June 1st.
With prolonged saturation over 10+ days, the gritstone will have lost a substantial proportion of its compressive strength (potentially 30%+), and grain-to-grain bonds will be weakened — climbing now risks hold breakage and permanent route damage.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this has been an unusually wet and cool spell for the season; the below-average temperatures (11–14°C) further slow the drying process.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 25mm in the last 7 days across nearly daily rain events has kept the rock in a state of continuous saturation with no opportunity for internal drying.
Average humidity of 83% over the past week severely reduces the evaporative drying potential even in windy conditions.
Average temperatures around 11°C are well below seasonal norms, slowing evaporation and extending drying times significantly.
Sustained winds of 22–35 km/h on the exposed moorland are the one major drying aid, accelerating surface moisture removal on windward faces.
Today recorded 1.6mm of rain, meaning there has been no unbroken dry period to begin meaningful internal drying since the wet spell began around June 1st.
All aspects have been exposed to rain from varying wind directions over the past 10 days, so even typically fast-drying south-facing formations will be wet.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the gritstone is thoroughly saturated and needs a sustained dry spell of at least 48–72 hours before any aspect should be considered.
- Monitor conditions from June 14th onwards: if the forecast dry spell holds and humidity drops, south-facing and well-exposed formations may begin to come into condition by June 15–16.
- On arrival after a dry spell, check the ground at the base of formations — if the soil, grass, or rock bases are still damp, the rock is almost certainly still too wet internally.
Do Not Climb
95%
6 days ago
Brimham Rocks is thoroughly saturated after a prolonged wet spell totalling over 23mm in the last 7 days alone, with rain falling today (5.7mm) and more light rain forecast tomorrow. The gritstone will need several consecutive dry days with good wind before any aspect is safe to climb on.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's open moorland setting means the exposed tops and south/west-facing walls benefit significantly from wind-driven drying, but the many sheltered alcoves, crack systems, and north-facing buttresses between the towers will retain moisture far longer.
- The complex tower-and-pinnacle landscape creates numerous seepage lines, drainage channels, and capillary zones where water pools and wicks through the rock — these features can remain wet days after the exposed faces appear dry.
- National Trust land with heavy visitor traffic; climbing on wet gritstone causes accelerated erosion and polish that degrades the soft Millstone Grit surfaces permanently, especially on popular problems and slabs.
- The variety of aspects (S/W/N/E) means conditions will vary dramatically across the site — south-facing exposed walls will dry first, while north-facing cracks and shaded boulders at the base of formations will lag by 1–2 days or more.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated Millstone Grit risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible surface erosion — this is especially damaging at a heritage site like Brimham.
- The rock surface may appear dry before internal moisture has dissipated — do not be deceived by surface appearance after only one dry day.
- Hourly data shows rain continuing through this evening; conditions will not improve today.
Reasoning
The rock is deeply saturated: 44mm of rain over 28 days with 23mm in the last 7 days, frequent showers on most recent days (June 1–11), and today's 5.7mm of rain in near-saturated air (93% humidity) means the gritstone is at or near full internal saturation.
Despite strong winds (20–30 km/h) aiding surface evaporation, humidity has averaged 82% over the past week and drying has been repeatedly interrupted by fresh rainfall every 1–2 days, preventing any meaningful cumulative drying from occurring.
With the rock likely at high internal saturation, compressive strength could be reduced by 30%+ and grain cohesion is compromised — climbing now risks hold breakage and permanent surface damage to Brimham's soft Millstone Grit.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this unsettled spell with cool temperatures (averaging ~11°C) and persistent high humidity has created near-winter-like saturation levels despite the season.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 23mm in the last 7 days spread across multiple days (June 1–11), with no gap longer than one dry day, has kept the rock continuously wet and prevented any cumulative drying.
Today (June 11) has seen 5.7mm of rain throughout the day with showers continuing into the evening, resetting any surface drying that may have begun.
Humidity has averaged 82% over the past week and is 93% today, severely limiting evaporative drying even on exposed surfaces.
Winds of 20–30 km/h from westerly directions on the exposed moorland will help accelerate surface drying once the rain stops, though this cannot compensate for the current saturation and humidity.
The 7-day average temperature of only 10.9°C at 290m altitude limits evaporative capacity compared to warmer conditions.
A further 1.1mm is forecast for June 12, delaying the start of meaningful drying by another day.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Brimham today or tomorrow — the gritstone is saturated and structurally compromised after over a week of frequent rain.
- The earliest realistic window for exposed south/west-facing walls is June 14–15, but only if the forecast dry spell materialises and humidity drops; check conditions visually on arrival.
- If visiting before conditions are confirmed dry, consider walking the formations and planning projects rather than climbing — or head to a non-porous venue like Almscliff (whinstone) or limestone crags in the Dales.
Do Not Climb
95%
8 days ago
Brimham Rocks is currently saturated after a prolonged wet spell — over 30mm of rain in the last 7 days with rain falling on most days including today. The gritstone will be thoroughly wet internally despite any brief surface drying, and further rain is forecast tomorrow and the day after.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's scattered formations mean different blocks have very different aspects and drainage; north-facing towers and shaded alcoves will remain damp far longer than exposed south-facing faces.
- The moorland setting at 290m means seepage from the saturated peat and heather surrounds can wick moisture into the base of formations long after rain stops.
- National Trust site with heavy visitor footfall — climbing on wet gritstone here risks visible damage to iconic formations, which could jeopardise access.
- Some of the balanced boulders and pinnacles have narrow contact points and are especially vulnerable to hold breakage when the rock is weakened by moisture.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated gritstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage — Brimham's iconic formations are irreplaceable.
- The surface may appear dry before the interior has dried sufficiently; do not be deceived by surface appearance after only one dry day.
Reasoning
With 30.6mm of rain over the last 7 days falling across six of those seven days, and rain again today (6mm forecast), the gritstone is deeply saturated throughout — well above the critical 1% saturation threshold where significant strength loss begins.
Despite Brimham's exposed position and moderate winds (19–34 km/h), there has been virtually no consecutive dry time to allow drying; each brief dry window has been interrupted by further rain, and humidity has averaged 82% over the past week, severely limiting evaporation.
At current saturation levels the gritstone will have lost 10–50% of its compressive strength, making hold breakage and grain loosening a serious risk on both established routes and the softer weathered features Brimham is known for.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this unseasonably wet and cool spell (averaging only 11.8°C over the past week) has kept the rock in a near-winter moisture state despite the calendar date.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 30mm in the last 7 days spread across multiple days means the rock has had no opportunity to begin meaningful drying.
6mm today plus nearly 5mm forecast tomorrow will maintain full saturation and reset any drying progress.
Average humidity of 82% over the past week drastically slows evaporation even when it is not actively raining.
Strong westerly winds of 20–35 km/h help move moist air away from rock surfaces and will accelerate drying once rain stops.
Averaging only 11.8°C over the past week, well below seasonal norms, which significantly slows evaporative drying.
South and west facing formations will dry faster once a dry window arrives, but north-facing features will lag significantly behind.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or in the next two days — the rock is thoroughly saturated and further rain is forecast through June 11.
- The earliest realistic window for south-facing, exposed formations is June 13 or 14, after two full dry days with improving temperatures and wind.
- Check the ground at the base of formations before climbing — if the peat and soil is damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
92%
9 days ago
Brimham Rocks has received nearly 34mm of rain over the past week with rain falling today and more forecast tomorrow — the gritstone will be thoroughly saturated. Despite the exposed position and decent wind, there has been no meaningful dry period to allow the rock to begin drying out internally.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's scattered tower and pinnacle formations mean many faces are sheltered from the prevailing westerly wind by adjacent blocks, so drying will be very uneven across the venue.
- North-facing sides of the formations — common on many of the best problems — will dry significantly slower than south-facing aspects given the moderate temperatures and high humidity of recent days.
- The moorland setting at 290m means the rock has been sitting in near-saturated air (82% average humidity over the past week), severely limiting evaporative drying even on exposed faces.
- Some formations have horizontal breaks and capping overhangs that channel seepage; these areas can weep for days after prolonged wet spells like this one.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated gritstone causes irreversible damage — holds can snap and grain surfaces erode permanently.
- The rock surface may appear dry during this afternoon's clearing spell, but the interior remains fully saturated — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
- Brimham is a National Trust site; climbing on visibly wet rock risks access restrictions for all climbers.
Reasoning
With 33.9mm in the last 7 days, rain as recently as today (9.4mm), and persistent high humidity averaging 82%, the gritstone at Brimham will be deeply saturated throughout.
Although the exposed moorland position and strong westerly winds (25+ km/h) aid surface drying, there has been no consecutive dry period longer than about 12 hours in the past week, so no meaningful internal drying has occurred.
At full saturation the gritstone will have lost 30%+ of its compressive strength, making hold breakage and grain loosening a serious risk — climbing now would cause permanent damage to routes.
Early June should be improving conditions, but this prolonged wet spell with below-average temperatures (12.4°C average) and high humidity has kept the rock in a winter-like moisture state.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 34mm has fallen in the past 7 days with multiple rain events including 9.4mm today, keeping the rock continuously wet.
Zero consecutive dry days and no gap longer than ~24 hours between rain events means the rock has had no opportunity to begin drying internally.
Average humidity of 82% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even where wind exposure is good.
Sustained westerly winds of 20–35 km/h across the exposed moorland will help surface drying once rain stops, but cannot overcome continuous re-wetting.
Temperatures around 12–14°C are adequate for some evaporation but well below summer optimums, slowing the drying process.
10.6mm is forecast for tomorrow (June 9) with further showers on June 10 and 12, preventing any sustained drying window.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Brimham today or in the coming days — the gritstone is saturated and climbing would risk both hold breakage and permanent route damage.
- Monitor conditions from June 13 onwards; at least 48 hours of dry, breezy weather after the last rain will be needed before south-facing formations may be climbable.
- If visiting the area, consider non-porous alternatives such as limestone venues (e.g. Malham, Gordale) which are less affected by recent rain.
Do Not Climb
92%
10 days ago
Brimham Rocks has received over 26mm of rain in the past week across multiple days, with further light rain today and no consecutive dry days logged. The gritstone will be thoroughly saturated internally despite the exposed position, and the forecast offers no meaningful drying window for at least the next five days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's isolated towers and pinnacles have multiple aspects — north-facing sides and shaded recesses between formations will retain moisture far longer than the exposed south-facing faces.
- The open moorland setting means the gritstone base areas can become waterlogged after sustained rain, and boggy ground at the base is a reliable indicator that the rock remains wet internally.
- Many classic problems at Brimham involve rounded breaks and friction-dependent slopers on weathered gritstone — these holds are especially vulnerable to grain loosening when the rock is saturated.
- National Trust land with high visitor footfall; climbing on wet rock here risks visible damage to a nationally recognised geological site, which could jeopardise the permissive access arrangement.
Warnings
3
- The gritstone is almost certainly saturated internally — surfaces may appear dry in wind but the rock will be structurally compromised and holds could break.
- Climbing on wet gritstone at a National Trust site risks permanent route damage and could harm access arrangements for all climbers.
- Forecast rain on four of the next five days means conditions will not improve this week.
Reasoning
Multiple rain events totalling over 26mm in the past seven days (1.7mm, 7.3mm, 3.5mm, 8.5mm, 0.7mm, 4.0mm, 0.7mm) with no consecutive dry days means the gritstone is thoroughly saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold.
Despite strong winds (19–34 km/h) and the exposed moorland position, persistent high humidity averaging 85% over the past week severely limits net evaporation, and repeated wetting events have prevented any meaningful drying cycle from establishing.
With the rock likely at or near full saturation after a week of cumulative rainfall, compressive strength will be reduced by 30%+ and friction-dependent holds — abundant at Brimham — are at serious risk of grain loosening and breakage.
Early June temperatures of 13–16°C are moderate but not warm enough to drive rapid drying, and the unsettled weather pattern with continued rain forecast means conditions are unlikely to improve for at least a week.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 26mm across six rain events in the past seven days has kept the rock in a near-continuously wetted state with no opportunity for internal drying.
Average humidity of 85% over the past week drastically reduces evaporative drying even with wind exposure.
Zero consecutive dry days means no drying window has occurred — each rain event re-wets rock before any prior moisture can escape.
Winds of 19–35 km/h on the exposed moorland do aid surface drying, but are insufficient to overcome the high humidity and repeated rain.
Temperatures averaging just 12.8°C provide limited thermal energy for evaporation compared to warmer summer conditions.
The next five days forecast an additional 13.9mm across four separate rain days, preventing any meaningful drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Brimham Rocks until there have been at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with humidity below 70% — realistically not before mid-June at the earliest given the current forecast.
- Monitor the BMC RAD and local community reports for condition updates; check that the ground around the base of the formations is completely dry before considering climbing.
- If visiting the area, consider alternative non-porous venues such as limestone crags in the Yorkshire Dales which are less sensitive to recent rainfall.
Do Not Climb
92%
11 days ago
Brimham Rocks has received 26mm of rain over the past week with further rain today (4.3mm) and no consecutive dry days. The rock will be thoroughly saturated internally despite the exposed position, and the forecast offers no meaningful drying window for the next five days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Brimham's scattered tower and pinnacle formations mean many surfaces face north or east and will dry far more slowly than the south-facing aspects, so conditions will be highly variable across the venue.
- The exposed moorland position and strong winds (19–34 km/h recently) do help surface drying, but with humidity consistently above 80% the evaporative benefit is significantly reduced.
- Peat moorland drainage means the ground around many boulders and tower bases remains waterlogged for extended periods after rain, a reliable indicator that internal rock moisture is still high.
- National Trust site — responsible climbing behaviour is essential to maintaining access; climbing on wet gritstone here risks both permanent route damage and access restrictions.
Warnings
3
- Gritstone at Brimham will have lost 30–50% of its compressive strength at current saturation levels — climbing risks snapping holds and causing permanent, irreparable damage to classic routes.
- Surface rock may feel dry to the touch in wind-exposed areas while remaining dangerously saturated internally — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
- The forecast shows rain every day for the next five days; there is no safe climbing window in the foreseeable future.
Reasoning
With 26mm of rain in the past seven days — including 8.5mm on June 4, 3.5mm on June 3, and 4.3mm today — the gritstone will be deeply saturated internally, well above the critical ~1% saturation threshold where significant strength loss begins.
There have been zero consecutive dry days; although winds have been moderate to strong (19–34 km/h), persistent humidity above 80% severely limits net evaporation, meaning the rock has had essentially no effective drying opportunity.
At current saturation levels, the gritstone will have lost an estimated 30–50% of its compressive strength, creating serious risk of hold breakage and accelerated grain loosening on established routes.
Early June should offer good drying conditions, but this unsettled spell with cool temperatures (averaging 12.8°C) and high humidity is behaving more like late autumn, delaying recovery considerably.
Contributing Factors
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26mm over the past seven days with multiple rain events (1.7mm, 7.3mm, 3.5mm, 8.5mm, 0.7mm, 4.3mm) has kept the rock continuously wet with no drying window.
4.3mm today and 1.1mm forecast tomorrow mean the saturation clock cannot even begin to reset.
Average humidity of 84% over the past week with today at 90% drastically reduces evaporative drying even with wind.
Winds of 19–34 km/h on the exposed moorland do provide some drying benefit, though this is largely negated by the high humidity.
Averaging just 12.8°C over the past week, well below seasonal norms, slowing evaporation and internal drying rates.
Rain is forecast on each of the next five days (1.1mm, 7.5mm, 0.9mm, 2.3mm, 0.7mm), preventing any meaningful drying period from developing.
Recommendations
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- Do not climb at Brimham Rocks until there have been at least 48–72 hours of dry weather with humidity below 70% — the rock needs a genuine drying window that the current forecast does not provide.
- Monitor the forecast beyond June 12 for the first sign of a sustained dry spell; even then, check the ground at the base of formations — if the peat or soil is damp, the rock is still wet inside.
- If visiting the area, consider non-porous alternatives such as limestone venues which are not subject to the same structural damage concerns when damp.
Climbing Outlook