Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Today saw a dry morning window but rain arrived from early afternoon, leaving surfaces wet; with 100% cloud cover, high humidity, and the crag's sheltered position limiting airflow, drying will be slow. The coming week brings a prolonged wet spell with heavy rain forecast, making reliable dry conditions unlikely for several days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The upper-left section beneath tree canopy will hold drips well after the main face has dried — avoid routes there after any recent rain.
- Quayfoot's south-facing aspect and roadside position make it one of Borrowdale's fastest-drying crags, but its sheltered valley setting means wind-assisted drying is minimal.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction for delicate slab climbing — even a thin moisture film dramatically increases the risk of slipping on these lower-angle routes.
- After the heavy rain on Aug 19–20 (23mm), the crag had four full dry days (Aug 22–25) to recover, but today's rain and the incoming front will reset that progress.
Warnings
2
- The Brown Slabs involve delicate friction climbing where even slight dampness poses a serious slip risk — do not attempt these routes unless the rock is demonstrably dry.
- A major rain event (34.6mm) is forecast for August 28; conditions will be actively dangerous that day.
Reasoning
The rock received ~4.9mm of rain today, concentrated in the afternoon (15:00–16:00), and with persistent 90%+ humidity and 100% cloud cover, surfaces will remain damp into the evening.
Despite the south-facing aspect, overcast skies eliminated solar drying today, and the sheltered position with light winds (2–7 km/h) means evaporation is slow — the morning was dry but insufficient to clear residual dampness before afternoon rain arrived.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock is not at risk of structural damage from moisture; the concern is purely friction loss on wet surfaces.
Late August in the Lake District is entering a transitional period with increasing rainfall and shorter drying windows, and the forecast confirms an extended wet spell ahead.
Contributing Factors
6
Around 4.9mm fell today, mostly between 14:00–17:00, leaving rock surfaces wet heading into evening.
Humidity has been 85–94% throughout the day with 100% cloud cover, severely limiting evaporative drying.
Wind speeds at the crag have been just 2–7 km/h today, providing minimal assistance to surface drying.
The favourable south aspect is negated today by complete cloud cover eliminating direct solar radiation.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once rain stops and conditions improve, surface drying can be rapid.
The forecast shows 67.8mm over the next 5 days, including 34.6mm on Aug 28 alone, with no meaningful dry window.
Recommendations
3
- Do not plan to climb today — afternoon rain and high humidity have left surfaces damp, and friction-dependent slab routes are particularly affected.
- The coming week looks very wet; consider alternative plans or indoor climbing until a sustained dry window appears after Aug 31.
- If visiting after a brief dry spell, check the upper-left section beneath the tree canopy last, as it retains drips longest.
Previous Analyses
Likely Safe to Climb
90%
57 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has had three consecutive dry days following moderate rain, with today sunny, warm, and low-humidity — the south-facing non-porous volcanic rock should be thoroughly dry. This is a good window to climb before a significant wet spell arrives from tomorrow evening onwards.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Tree canopy above the upper-left section can cause persistent drips even after the main face has dried — check this area carefully if climbing routes on that side.
- The sheltered Borrowdale valley position means light winds, so drying relies primarily on solar heating; the south/SW aspect compensates well in summer with long sun exposure.
- The crag sits at only 100m and is roadside, so approach is negligible — afternoon weather windows are fully usable without walk-in concerns.
- A prolonged wet spell is forecast from Aug 26–29 (60mm+), so today and tomorrow morning represent the last reliable dry window for several days.
Reasoning
Three full dry days (Aug 22–24) with dropping humidity (67% today) on non-porous BVS rock mean surface moisture should be fully evaporated.
Despite the sheltered position slowing wind-drying, the south-facing aspect and clear skies today (humidity down to 48–49% by afternoon) provide excellent solar drying — more than adequate for the light 0.5mm rain on Aug 21.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not absorb water and is not at risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from recent moisture.
Mid-to-late summer conditions with warm temperatures (19°C) and long daylight hours are ideal; no frost or freeze-thaw concerns at this altitude and time of year.
Contributing Factors
5
No rain since Aug 21 (0.5mm), with two fully dry days before today giving ample drying time for non-porous rock.
Humidity drops to 48–49% this afternoon with clear morning skies, promoting rapid surface evaporation.
The S/SW aspect receives direct sun for most of the day in summer, accelerating drying despite the sheltered wind position.
Low wind exposure slightly slows evaporative drying but is offset by strong solar heating on this aspect.
Over 60mm of rain is forecast from Aug 26–29, making today and tomorrow the last dry climbing window for nearly a week.
Recommendations
3
- Climb today or early tomorrow to make the most of this dry window before the incoming wet spell from Tuesday evening.
- Check the upper-left section beneath the tree canopy for lingering drips before committing to routes there.
- Carry a light layer — cloud cover builds this afternoon and temperatures will drop below 15°C by 8pm.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
70%
58 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has had two full dry days after a wet spell (12.8mm and 10.5mm on Aug 19–20), and today is dry with light winds. The south-facing non-porous volcanic rock should be largely dry on exposed surfaces, but the sheltered position and tree canopy drips warrant a visual check before committing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The upper left section beneath tree canopy can hold persistent drips well after rain has stopped — check this area carefully even when the main buttress appears dry.
- Quayfoot's sheltered Borrowdale valley position means wind-assisted drying is limited despite the favourable south-facing aspect.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction — even a thin moisture film on these delicate slabs will dramatically reduce grip.
- Heavy rain is forecast for Aug 27–28 (70+ mm combined), so the current dry window is the best opportunity this week.
Warnings
2
- Extremely heavy rain is forecast for Aug 27–28 (71.5mm combined) — do not plan to climb on or immediately after those days.
- Tree canopy drips on the upper left section may persist even when the rest of the crag appears dry.
Reasoning
Two consecutive dry days following 0.5mm on Aug 21 and significant rain on Aug 19–20 (23.3mm combined) means exposed south-facing surfaces should be dry, but sheltered nooks and tree-canopy drip zones may retain residual moisture.
The S/SW aspect captures good August sun aiding evaporation, but the sheltered position and light winds (8–14 km/h) slow drying; two dry days should be sufficient for non-porous BVS rock on open faces but marginal for shaded sections.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not absorb water or weaken structurally when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Mid-to-late August offers reasonable daylight hours and warmth, though average temperatures have been cool (12.9°C over 7 days) and humidity elevated (84%), which slows surface evaporation.
Contributing Factors
6
No meaningful precipitation since Aug 21 (0.5mm) gives non-porous rock adequate surface drying time on exposed faces.
23.3mm fell across Aug 19–20 and 33.7mm in the last 7 days, meaning ground seepage and canopy drips may linger in sheltered spots.
The S/SW aspect receives strong solar radiation through the day in August, accelerating surface evaporation on the main buttress.
Limited airflow in the sheltered Borrowdale valley reduces wind-assisted drying, particularly with today's light 8 km/h breeze.
Average humidity of 84% over the past week and 78% today slows evaporation and may leave a residual film on shaded surfaces.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture affects conditions and structural damage is not a risk.
Recommendations
3
- Visit tomorrow (Aug 24) for the best window — forecast is dry with 18.5°C and lower humidity (72%), giving a third consecutive dry day.
- Visually inspect the Brown Slabs and upper left section for moisture before climbing; test friction on a low move first.
- Be aware that conditions will deteriorate sharply from Aug 27 with very heavy rain forecast — plan accordingly.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
65%
59 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has had only one full dry day following a very wet spell (nearly 37mm in the past week), but its south-facing aspect and non-porous volcanic rock mean surface moisture should be clearing quickly. Conditions are likely drying but the sheltered position and recent heavy rain warrant a visual check on arrival, particularly on the upper left section where tree canopy drips linger.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The upper left section beneath the tree canopy often holds drips long after the main face has dried — avoid these lines first and use them as a moisture indicator.
- Borrowdale's sheltered valley floor can trap humid air despite the south-facing aspect, so ambient humidity in the high 70s–80s can slow evaporation even when the sun is out.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction — even a slight film of residual moisture on these delicate slab routes dramatically reduces grip compared to steeper featured climbing.
- Being roadside with a negligible approach, climbers can easily drive up, check conditions, and retreat without committing to a long walk-in.
Warnings
1
- Friction-dependent slab routes (e.g. Brown Slabs) are particularly hazardous with any residual moisture — a barely visible film of water can cause sudden foot slips on otherwise excellent BVS rock.
Reasoning
After 12.8mm on Aug 19 and 10.5mm on Aug 20, the crag has had roughly 36 hours of dry weather (0.5mm on Aug 21 is negligible) with today also dry, but high ambient humidity (~77–78%) and the sheltered position mean residual surface moisture may persist in shaded or canopy-covered areas.
The south/south-west aspect receives good solar radiation in August and the non-porous BVS rock sheds water quickly, but the sheltered valley position limits wind-assisted drying; the main open face is likely dry or nearly so, while sheltered sections under tree cover will lag.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not absorb water and is not at risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from the recent wet spell.
Mid-to-late August offers reasonable daylight hours and moderate temperatures, though the recent unsettled pattern with high humidity is typical of a Lake District summer and conditions can deteriorate again quickly.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 36mm fell in the past seven days including two significant events of 12.8mm and 10.5mm on Aug 19–20, saturating the surrounding ground and vegetation.
Only one full dry day has passed since the last significant rain, which is marginal even for fast-drying non-porous rock in a sheltered location.
The south/SW aspect maximises solar exposure and the non-porous BVS rhyolite sheds surface water quickly, with the open face likely drying within hours of rain stopping.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting limits airflow across the crag face, slowing evaporation compared to more exposed venues.
Average humidity over the past week is 85% and today sits around 77%, which impedes evaporative drying even with sunshine.
The tree cover above the upper left section is known to cause persistent dripping after rain, and saturated ground and canopy from recent heavy rain will extend this effect.
Today is dry (0.0mm) and tomorrow shows only a trace (0.1mm), giving the crag a second full drying day by tomorrow afternoon.
Recommendations
3
- Visit in the afternoon to maximise solar drying time on the south-facing rock, and check the Brown Slabs with a palm-test before committing to friction-dependent routes.
- Avoid the upper left section beneath the tree canopy, which will likely still be dripping from the recent heavy rain.
- If rock feels damp or greasy on touch, retreat and return tomorrow (Aug 23) when a second dry day should have the main face in good condition.
Do Not Climb
45%
60 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has received significant rainfall over the past five days (36.3mm in the last week), with the heaviest falls on Aug 19–20 (23.3mm combined), and today has seen a further 0.2mm with high humidity. Although the rock is non-porous and south-facing, the sheltered position, high ambient humidity (81%), and light winds mean residual surface moisture and tree-drip are likely still present — conditions are not yet reliable for confident friction climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will continue dripping well after rain stops, potentially keeping routes damp for a full day or more after the last significant rainfall.
- Quayfoot's sheltered valley position, while pleasant in wind, significantly slows evaporation compared to more exposed Borrowdale crags like Shepherd's Crag.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction — even a thin moisture film on these delicate slabs makes them treacherous, and the consequences of a slip on low-angle rock can still be serious.
- The south-facing aspect is helpful but current overcast, cool conditions (14°C) and northerly airflow limit the solar drying benefit today.
Warnings
2
- The friction-dependent slab climbing at Quayfoot is particularly unforgiving of residual dampness — a slip on apparently dry-looking rock can result in a ground fall on the lower slabs.
- Tree-drip on the upper left section may persist for 24+ hours after rain stops; do not assume the whole crag is dry because one area feels dry.
Reasoning
Heavy rain on Aug 19 (12.8mm) and Aug 20 (10.5mm) followed by only a trace today means surfaces are likely still damp, especially in sheltered recesses and beneath tree canopy.
Despite the south-facing aspect, the sheltered position combined with light northerly winds (11.5 km/h), cool temperatures (14°C), and 81% humidity today provide limited drying power — a full dry day tomorrow should substantially improve conditions.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock is not at risk of structural damage from moisture; the concern is purely friction loss on wet surfaces.
Late August in the Lakes often brings unsettled spells like this; shorter days and lower sun angle reduce drying compared to midsummer, though conditions remain broadly favourable for recovery.
Contributing Factors
7
23.3mm fell across Aug 19–20 with a further 0.2mm today, leaving insufficient drying time for a sheltered crag.
The valley-bottom sheltered aspect reduces airflow across the rock face, meaning surface moisture lingers longer than at exposed crags.
Humidity has averaged 85% over the past week and sits at 81% today, inhibiting evaporation.
The S/SW aspect catches afternoon sun when available, which will aid drying significantly once skies clear.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once surface moisture evaporates the rock will be in full condition.
Overhanging trees on the upper left section will continue to drip long after rain stops, keeping some routes damp.
A completely dry day forecast for Aug 22 with lower humidity (74%) and light winds should allow good drying.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until tomorrow (Aug 22) for a full day of drying — conditions should improve markedly with the dry, lower-humidity forecast.
- If visiting tomorrow, check the Brown Slabs area first as it catches the most sun and will dry fastest; avoid the upper left section near tree canopy.
- Carry a towel and test friction carefully on lower holds before committing to slab routes — even a thin moisture film dramatically reduces grip on these delicate slabs.
Do Not Climb
45%
61 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has been saturated by nearly 30mm of rain over the past week, with significant rain today through late morning and high humidity; although a brief drying window opens this afternoon (14:00–18:00), the sheltered valley position and persistent moisture make reliable friction unlikely. Tomorrow brings further light rain, so conditions are not expected to improve until the 22nd at the earliest.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will hold and drip moisture long after rain stops, keeping that area damp well into any afternoon drying window.
- Despite being one of the quickest-drying crags in Borrowdale, the sheltered valley position limits airflow and slows evaporation during the current high-humidity spell.
- Brown Slabs relies heavily on delicate friction — even a thin residual moisture film on the slab will dramatically reduce grip and make these routes dangerous.
- The south-facing aspect is largely negated today by near-total cloud cover through midday, reducing solar drying benefit.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes like Brown Slabs are extremely friction-dependent — even a thin moisture film invisible to the eye can cause dangerous slips on low-angle rock.
- Rain is forecast to return around 19:00 today, so any afternoon window is narrow and unreliable.
Reasoning
With 12.9mm yesterday, 4mm today (mostly between 08:00–12:00), and cumulative 29.7mm over the past week, the rock surface is currently wet and the surrounding environment is thoroughly saturated.
A potential drying window exists from ~14:00–18:00 today as humidity drops to 58% with some sun, but the sheltered position, limited wind penetration, and saturated surroundings mean surface drying will be slow and incomplete — a few hours is marginal for reliable friction.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Mid-August provides reasonable daylight hours and temperatures, but the current unsettled spell with above-average rainfall and humidity is typical of a Lake District summer breakdown.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 30mm in the past 7 days including 12.9mm yesterday and 4mm today keeps the crag environment thoroughly wet.
Humidity averaging 84% over the past week and 86% today severely impedes surface evaporation.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting limits wind-driven drying despite moderate regional wind speeds.
Humidity drops to ~58% between 14:00–16:00 with partial clearing, offering a short potential drying period.
The S/SW aspect catches any available afternoon sun, aiding surface evaporation when cloud breaks.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so only surface moisture needs to evaporate for conditions to improve.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the sustained dry spell forecast from August 22nd–24th, which should provide genuinely good conditions after a full day of drying.
- If you must visit today, check the Brown Slabs area after 15:00 for dry patches but be prepared to walk away if friction feels poor.
- Avoid the upper left section near the tree canopy entirely — drips will persist long after the main face has dried.
Do Not Climb
92%
62 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress is currently soaked from heavy and persistent rain today (18.8mm), with rain continuing through most of the day and more showers forecast into the evening. The rock will be thoroughly wet and slippery, with no meaningful drying window available today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will cause prolonged dripping well after rain stops, so even if the main slabs begin to dry, that area will remain wet longer.
- Brown Slabs relies heavily on friction on delicate slab climbing — even slight residual moisture dramatically reduces the margin of safety on these routes.
- The sheltered valley position, while usually beneficial for warmth, limits airflow and slows evaporation after prolonged wet spells like the current one.
- Being roadside with minimal approach, climbers can easily drive past, check conditions visually, and return later — take advantage of this on marginal days.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes like Brown Slabs are extremely dangerous when wet — friction-dependent climbing on wet rhyolite has almost zero margin for error.
- Tree canopy drips above the upper left section can persist for many hours after rain stops; check overhead before committing to routes in that area.
Reasoning
The rock is currently saturated from 18.8mm of rain today on top of 30mm in the past week, with rain falling through the morning and further showers forecast through the evening — surface water will be widespread.
There has been no meaningful dry window today; the brief lull from 10:00–14:00 is too short and too humid (67–83%) to dry the rock, and further heavy rain at 17:00 re-soaks everything.
BVS rhyolite is non-porous and not at risk of structural damage from moisture, but friction loss on wet volcanic rock is severe, especially on the slab-style climbing here.
Mid-August conditions are reasonable for drying potential, but the current unsettled spell with high humidity (81% average over 7 days) and frequent rain is limiting evaporation significantly.
Contributing Factors
6
18.8mm of rain today, with precipitation recorded in most hourly slots, means the rock is thoroughly wet with standing water on ledges and seepage from above.
Humidity has averaged 81% over the past week and is 88% today, severely limiting evaporation rates even during brief dry spells.
The brief 4-hour dry slot mid-day (10:00–14:00) is insufficient to dry the rock after heavy overnight and morning rain, and further showers resume from 15:00.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley position that usually protects from wind also reduces air circulation needed for drying after heavy rain.
The south-facing aspect would normally aid drying, but 100% cloud cover for most of the day negates any solar benefit.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once rain stops and conditions improve, surface drying can be rapid — but that window has not arrived yet.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet and slippery with no viable drying window.
- Consider visiting from August 21st onwards when a sustained dry spell is forecast; the south-facing rock could be climbable by late morning.
- If visiting on the 20th, be aware of forecast light rain (2.7mm) — wait for it to pass and allow at least 2–3 hours of drying before climbing.
Do Not Climb
85%
63 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress is currently wet from intermittent rain throughout today, with 100% cloud cover preventing any solar drying and high humidity keeping surfaces damp. Tomorrow and the day after bring further significant rain (7.1mm and 4.3mm), so conditions will not improve until at least August 21st.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Tree canopy above the upper left section will hold drips for hours after rain stops, making those routes the last to dry.
- The sheltered valley position that normally aids warmth also limits air circulation, slowing evaporative drying in humid, overcast conditions like today.
- The south-facing aspect is rendered largely ineffective under persistent 100% cloud cover — solar drying cannot contribute until skies clear.
- Brown Slabs' delicate friction-dependent slab climbing is particularly unforgiving on damp rock; even a thin moisture film drastically reduces grip on these low-angle routes.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes such as Brown Slabs are extremely dangerous when damp — even a thin moisture film can cause sudden friction loss and a ground-fall on these runout lines.
- Further heavy rain (7.1mm) is forecast tomorrow; do not plan to climb until at least August 21st.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet — intermittent light rain has fallen throughout today (2.8mm total), humidity is 87%, and there has been no sunshine with 100% cloud cover all day.
Despite the south-facing aspect, the persistent overcast sky and sheltered position mean virtually no solar or wind-driven drying has occurred; the rock will remain damp into tonight.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite is not at risk of structural damage from moisture, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Mid-August should be peak season but this unsettled spell with cool temperatures (14–16°C) and high humidity is limiting drying potential significantly.
Contributing Factors
6
Intermittent showers throughout the day have deposited 2.8mm with the rock receiving moisture as recently as the early afternoon.
Complete overcast eliminates solar radiation on the south-facing rock, removing the crag's primary drying advantage.
Humidity of 77–95% throughout the day severely limits evaporative drying even where the surface is exposed to air.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley position reduces wind-assisted drying, compounding the lack of sunshine.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once conditions improve the surface will dry relatively quickly.
7.1mm forecast for August 19th will re-soak the crag before any drying can occur.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet and friction on the slabs will be dangerously poor.
- The earliest realistic window is August 21st if the dry forecast holds; check conditions on arrival as residual dampness may linger.
- If visiting on August 21st–23rd, prioritise the main south-facing buttress which dries fastest and avoid upper-left routes beneath tree canopy.
Do Not Climb
70%
64 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has received light but persistent rain over recent days, with 2.8mm yesterday and 7.1mm today including scattered showers through the afternoon and heavier rain forecast tonight. Although the south-facing volcanic rock dries quickly, the combination of 100% cloud cover, very high humidity (84–96%), near-calm winds, and intermittent drizzle means the rock is unlikely to be reliably dry at any point today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Tree canopy above the upper left section will hold and drip moisture long after rain stops, keeping those routes damp even when the main face appears dry.
- The sheltered valley position that normally aids quick drying is working against the crag today — minimal airflow in the Borrowdale valley means surface moisture lingers.
- Brown Slabs' delicate friction-dependent slab climbing is especially sensitive to any residual surface moisture; even a thin film dramatically reduces grip on the micro-features.
- The crag is roadside with no walk-in, so it's easy to drive past, check conditions visually, and return on a better day.
Warnings
2
- Friction-dependent slab routes like Brown Slabs are particularly dangerous when damp — even a thin moisture film can cause unexpected slips on low-angle rock.
- Heavy rain (21mm) forecast for August 20th will thoroughly soak the crag and surrounding vegetation; allow extra drying time for tree-drip areas.
Reasoning
The rock surface is likely damp from overnight humidity (95–96%) and light drizzle at 07:00, with further light showers at 15:00–19:00 preventing any meaningful drying window.
Despite the south-facing aspect, 100% cloud cover eliminates solar drying, and winds of only 1–5 km/h in the sheltered valley provide negligible evaporative assistance.
No structural risk — Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and suffers no weakening when wet.
Mid-August in the Lakes with an unsettled Atlantic weather pattern; daylight hours are still long but this wet spell shows no sign of breaking until August 22nd at the earliest.
Contributing Factors
6
Scattered drizzle from 07:00 through the evening with heavier rain (3.5mm+) arriving after 21:00 keeps the rock surface wet.
Humidity of 84–96% with 100% cloud cover all day prevents any meaningful evaporative drying between showers.
Winds of only 1–5 km/h at this sheltered valley crag provide almost no wind-assisted drying.
Complete cloud cover negates the south-facing aspect advantage that normally makes this crag one of the quickest-drying in Borrowdale.
Borrowdale Volcanic Series rock does not absorb water, so once conditions improve it will dry rapidly on the surface.
The next four days bring 35+ mm of rain including a 21mm event on August 20th, with no real drying opportunity until August 22nd.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock will be damp throughout and friction on the slabs will be poor.
- The earliest realistic window is August 22nd, after the heavy rain clears; check conditions visually on arrival as seepage from the tree canopy may linger.
- If visiting Borrowdale this week, consider indoor alternatives or plan around the August 22nd clearing.
Do Not Climb
65%
65 days ago
Today has seen 1.5mm of rain with high humidity (86%), and the forecast shows a sustained wet spell arriving tomorrow through the 20th with significant rainfall totals. While the rock had a good dry spell from August 10–15, today's rain and the incoming front make current and near-term conditions poor.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will hold drips well after rain stops, making those routes the last to dry — avoid them after any recent precipitation.
- Quayfoot's south-facing aspect and sheltered valley position make it one of Borrowdale's fastest-drying crags, often climbable within hours of light rain ceasing on a warm day.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction for delicate slab climbing — even a thin film of moisture dramatically increases the risk of slipping on these lower-angle routes.
- The crag sits just off the road near the Bowder Stone, so approach time is negligible — climbers can easily check conditions in person and retreat without significant time loss.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes at Quayfoot are extremely friction-dependent — climbing on damp BVS slabs risks serious falls even on lower-grade routes.
- A multi-day wet spell with 27mm+ of rain forecast from the 17th to the 20th means persistent dampness; do not assume quick drying between showers.
Reasoning
Today's 1.5mm of rain combined with 86% humidity means the rock surface is currently damp, and the sheltered position limits wind-assisted drying despite the south-facing aspect.
With only 1.5mm today and moderate winds at 14.8 km/h, the non-porous BVS rock could dry within a few hours if rain stops and sun breaks through, but the sheltered position and high humidity will slow evaporation considerably.
No structural risk — Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and does not weaken when wet; the concern is purely friction loss on wet surfaces.
Mid-August offers reasonable daylight hours and temperatures, but the incoming Atlantic frontal system will bring several days of heavy rain and high humidity typical of Lake District summer weather patterns.
Contributing Factors
6
1.5mm fell today with 3.6mm forecast tomorrow, 9.8mm on the 18th, and 13.7mm on the 19th — a prolonged wet spell is imminent.
Humidity is 86% today and forecast to remain 88–93% through the 20th, severely impeding surface drying between showers.
The S/SW aspect catches sun for much of the day and the non-porous volcanic rock sheds water rapidly when conditions allow.
The sheltered position that protects from wind chill also reduces airflow across the rock surface, slowing evaporation after rain.
The classic Brown Slabs routes demand excellent friction, making even a slight film of residual moisture a genuine safety hazard on these delicate climbs.
Six consecutive dry days from August 10–15 with warm temperatures up to 26°C means no deep seepage issues carried over from earlier rain.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the wet spell to pass — conditions are unlikely to be suitable until August 21st at the earliest, when dry weather and lower humidity are forecast.
- If visiting today, avoid the Brown Slabs and any friction-dependent slab routes; steeper featured routes on dry patches may be feasible but check in person.
- Monitor the tree-canopy drip zone on the upper left section — this will be the last area to dry and should be avoided until well after the rain clears.
Climbing Outlook