Castle Rock of Triermain is saturated after an exceptionally wet fortnight (135mm in 28 days) with virtually no drying windows, and today brings further light rain with near-100% humidity and full cloud cover. The forecast shows heavy rain continuing through the week, making conditions unsuitable for climbing.
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.
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on Castle Rock. Check BMC Regional Access Database and FRCC notices for current restrictions before visiting.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on Castle Rock. Check BMC Regional Access Database and FRCC notices for current restrictions before visiting.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on Castle Rock. Check BMC Regional Access Database and FRCC notices for current restrictions before visiting.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on Castle Rock. Check BMC Regional Access Database and FRCC notices for current restrictions before visiting.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on Castle Rock. Check BMC Regional Access Database and FRCC notices for current restrictions before visiting.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
- 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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