Five consecutive dry days with warming temperatures and moderate wind should have dried the rock surface well, though today's elevated humidity (87%) and the crag's NW aspect mean some sheltered areas may retain dampness. Conditions are likely good but worth checking on arrival, especially on the north crag seepage lines.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
An imposing volcanic crag in St John's in the Vale, between Keswick and Thirlmere. The striking pillar and buttress formation offers steep, well-protected trad routes on Borrowdale Volcanic Series rock with excellent friction when dry. The west-facing aspect means afternoon sun but slower morning drying. Classic routes include Overhanging Bastion (E1) and North Crag Eliminate (E2). Approach from the A591 is straightforward but the crag has a serious mountain atmosphere.
Condition Notes
Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural damage when wet, but friction is significantly reduced on damp surfaces. West-facing aspect catches afternoon sun. Some seepage lines persist after heavy rain, particularly on the north crag. Generally climbable within hours of rain stopping if wind is present. Peregrine nesting restrictions may apply in spring.
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 300m
- Climbing
- Trad
- Aspects
- W NW
- Routes
- 70
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E7
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 20 min
Site Data
- Name
- Castle Rock of Triermain
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Climbing Types
- Trad
- Aspects
- W, NW
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 300m
- Latitude
- 54.587
- Longitude
- -3.035
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 322 197
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 20 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 70
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E7
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Layby on the A591 near Legburthwaite, or small parking area at the northern end of St John's in the Vale.
- Condition Notes
- Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and does not suffer structural damage when wet, but friction is significantly reduced on damp surfaces. West-facing aspect catches afternoon sun. Some seepage lines persist after heavy rain, particularly on the north crag. Generally climbable within hours of rain stopping if wind is present. Peregrine nesting restrictions may apply in spring.
- ID
- 2dc08de5-4694-418c-85a1-f3e5e42230e5
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