Hodge Close is currently wet and conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Rain today (4.7mm with showers through the afternoon) follows a significant wet spell (19–20 Aug: 27mm), and the forecast shows heavy, persistent rain over the next five days (77mm+), making the quarry unsuitable for climbing on its polished slate surfaces.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
A spectacular disused slate quarry near Tilberthwaite, forming a dramatic amphitheatre with vertical and overhanging walls dropping into a deep pool. Offers an unusual combination of trad climbing, bouldering, and deep water soloing. The quarried slate has a distinctive rippled texture with good edges when dry but becomes treacherously greasy when damp. The sheltered quarry bowl traps humidity and can be slow to dry despite non-porous rock. A unique and atmospheric venue.
Condition Notes
Sheltered quarry bowl traps moisture and humidity — can feel damp even when surrounding crags are dry. Polished slate surfaces are extremely slippery when wet. Non-porous rock does not absorb water but the enclosed amphitheatre is slow to dry due to poor air circulation. DWS is possible year-round but water temperature is cold. Seepage from the quarry rim can persist for days after rain.
- Rock Type
- Slate
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 220m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering Dws
- Aspects
- S W N E
- Problems
- 50
- Routes
- 100
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7a
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E6
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 10 min
Site Data
- Name
- Hodge Close Quarry
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Slate
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering, Dws
- Aspects
- S, W, N, E
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 220m
- Latitude
- 54.4009
- Longitude
- -3.054
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 316 016
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 10 min
- Problem Count
- 50
- Route Count
- 100
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7a
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E6
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Small parking area off the minor road between Tilberthwaite and Hodge Close. Can fill quickly on sunny weekends.
- Condition Notes
- Sheltered quarry bowl traps moisture and humidity — can feel damp even when surrounding crags are dry. Polished slate surfaces are extremely slippery when wet. Non-porous rock does not absorb water but the enclosed amphitheatre is slow to dry due to poor air circulation. DWS is possible year-round but water temperature is cold. Seepage from the quarry rim can persist for days after rain.
- ID
- 33757ab3-e0f9-4b1e-ac93-0359e7997b52
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