Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
After a very wet fortnight (nearly 200mm in 28 days), Quayfoot has had two dry days (June 14–15) followed by light drizzle today. The south-facing, non-porous BVS rock at this low-altitude crag dries quickly, so the main faces may be dry during the mid-morning to mid-afternoon window today, but high humidity (80%+) and 100% cloud cover will slow surface drying and the tree canopy above may still be dripping. A visual check on arrival is essential.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section can cause persistent drips long after rain has stopped, especially following the prolonged wet spell of the last two weeks — avoid routes in that area unless confirmed dry.
- Quayfoot's sheltered Borrowdale valley position means wind-assisted drying is minimal; despite the south-facing aspect, today's 100% cloud cover negates much of the solar drying advantage.
- The enormous cumulative rainfall (193mm in 28 days) may cause ground-level seepage and saturated soil at the base, even though the non-porous rock surface itself dries relatively quickly.
- Being a roadside crag with negligible approach, it is easy to drive up, check conditions, and retreat if the rock is damp — take advantage of this.
Warnings
2
- High humidity and overcast skies mean even apparently dry-looking slab surfaces may have a thin moisture film — friction on the delicate Brown Slabs will be significantly reduced if damp.
- A major wet spell is forecast for June 18–19 (37mm+); do not assume conditions will improve this week.
Reasoning
Two fully dry days (June 14–15) with moderate temperatures and some wind have likely dried the main south-facing rock surfaces, but today's 1.2mm of scattered light rain and very high humidity (87%) may have re-wetted or kept surfaces damp.
The sheltered position limits wind-assisted drying, and today's persistent 100% cloud cover removes the solar drying advantage of the south-facing aspect, meaning any residual or fresh moisture will linger longer than usual for this normally quick-drying crag.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite does not absorb water and is not at risk of structural damage or hold breakage from the recent wet period.
Mid-June offers long daylight hours and reasonable temperatures (13–17°C), but the current unsettled Atlantic pattern is delivering well above average rainfall for the Lakes, and the forecast shows no sustained dry spell ahead.
Contributing Factors
7
Nearly 200mm has fallen in the last 28 days, with major events on June 3–4 (76mm) and June 7–9 (64mm), saturating the surrounding ground and canopy.
June 14 and 15 were effectively dry (0.0mm each) with moderate wind, giving the non-porous rock surfaces time to shed surface water.
Scattered light rain (1.2mm total, mostly late afternoon/evening) and 87% average humidity today will slow drying and may re-wet surfaces.
Complete overcast eliminates direct solar heating on the south-facing aspect, significantly reducing the crag's main drying advantage.
The sheltered setting means light winds at the crag face, further slowing evaporation of any residual moisture.
The volcanic rock does not absorb water, so once surface moisture evaporates the rock offers full friction — no extended internal drying period needed.
Overhanging trees on the upper left section retain water and drip onto routes well after rain stops, especially after a prolonged wet period.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, aim for the late-morning to early-afternoon window (11:00–14:00) when humidity dips slightly and before the light rain returns around 15:00–16:00; touch-test the rock carefully before committing.
- Stick to the main Brown Slabs and central routes which are most exposed to any available sun and wind; avoid the upper left section beneath the tree canopy where drips are likely.
- Given the poor forecast for the next several days (heavy rain June 18–20), consider waiting until June 21 or 22 when a drier window may finally materialise.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
62%
2 days ago
After a very wet fortnight (nearly 200mm in 28 days), the crag has had roughly 36 hours of largely dry weather with only a trace of rain; the south-facing, non-porous BVS rock should have shed surface water, but persistent cloud cover, moderate humidity, and the sheltered valley position mean some damp patches — especially under the tree canopy — may linger. A dry window exists today through mid-afternoon, but rain returns from tomorrow onward.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section is known to cause persistent dripping for hours after rain, and given the prolonged wet spell this area may still be weeping today.
- Quayfoot's sheltered Borrowdale valley position reduces wind-assisted drying, so despite the south-facing aspect, the exceptionally wet preceding weeks mean ambient moisture levels remain high.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction — even a thin film of moisture on these delicate slabs dramatically reduces grip, so they must be genuinely dry before committing.
- Roadside access means a very short approach, so climbers can easily inspect conditions and retreat without wasting significant time if the rock is still damp.
Warnings
2
- An extended period of rain is forecast from June 16–20 (41mm total); today may be the only viable window for nearly a week.
- The exceptionally wet preceding fortnight means seepage and tree drips may persist in sheltered areas despite the rock surface appearing dry elsewhere.
Reasoning
The last significant rain was 12.3mm on June 11, followed by only trace amounts (0.7mm combined) over June 12–15; non-porous BVS rock surfaces should be largely dry, but 100% cloud cover today and 75% average humidity slow final evaporation.
The south/SW aspect would normally deliver strong solar drying, but persistent overcast skies today negate much of that advantage, and the sheltered valley position limits wind exposure, meaning drying has relied mainly on ambient evaporation over the past ~48 hours.
Non-porous rhyolite/BVS rock does not absorb water and faces no structural weakening risk; the concern is purely surface friction.
Mid-June should offer long daylight hours and reasonable warmth, but this spell has been unusually cool and wet for the season, keeping ambient moisture elevated.
Contributing Factors
7
Nearly 192mm of rain in 28 days, including very heavy falls on June 3–4 and June 7–9, has saturated the surrounding ground, trees, and moss, maintaining high ambient moisture.
Only trace precipitation since June 12 evening, giving the non-porous rock surface roughly 36+ hours to shed direct water.
Today's forecast shows near-100% cloud cover throughout, preventing the south-facing aspect from delivering its usual strong solar drying benefit.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting limits wind-assisted evaporation, slowing surface drying despite moderate regional wind speeds.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so surface moisture is the only concern and it can dry within hours once conditions permit.
5mm forecast for June 16 with further rain every day through June 20, closing this brief dry window.
Hourly data shows dry conditions from morning through 18:00 with only a trace 0.2mm at 19:00, offering a usable climbing window.
Recommendations
3
- Visit this afternoon (12:00–18:00) when temperatures peak and any lingering surface moisture has the best chance of evaporating; bring a towel and brush to test holds before committing.
- Avoid the upper left section beneath the tree canopy, as post-rain drips from the canopy are likely still active after the prolonged wet spell.
- If the Brown Slabs feel at all greasy underfoot, do not climb — friction-dependent slab routes on BVS rock become dangerously slippery with even a thin moisture film.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
3 days ago
After a very wet 10-day spell depositing over 160mm, Quayfoot has had roughly 1.5 dry days with only trace precipitation (0.5mm on June 13). The south-facing aspect and today's dry, moderate conditions should allow the non-porous BVS rock to shed surface moisture, but the sheltered position and persistent high humidity mean some damp patches — particularly under the tree canopy — are likely to linger.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The upper left section beneath tree canopy is prone to persistent dripping after heavy rain and may still be weeping given the extreme recent rainfall totals.
- Quayfoot's south-facing aspect and roadside position make it one of the fastest-drying crags in Borrowdale, but the sheltered valley setting limits airflow and slows evaporation.
- The Brown Slabs area relies on delicate friction moves — even a thin film of residual moisture on the crystalline surface can make these routes treacherous.
- Despite nearly 192mm of rain in the last 28 days, the non-porous volcanic rock does not absorb water, so drying is purely a surface phenomenon once seepage and dripping stop.
Warnings
2
- The extended wet spell has saturated surrounding ground and vegetation; seepage from above and canopy drips may persist even where the main rock face looks dry.
- More rain is forecast from June 15 onwards — today (June 14) may be the only viable window for several days.
Reasoning
Surface moisture from the prolonged wet spell (65.6mm in 7 days, 191.5mm in 28 days) should be largely gone from exposed south-facing faces after ~1.5 dry days, but sheltered areas and canopy-covered sections may still hold dampness.
The south/SW aspect receives good June solar radiation and today's dry NW breeze at 13 km/h aids drying, but the sheltered valley position limits wind effect, meaning full drying likely requires the complete dry day today plus the morning hours.
Borrowdale Volcanic rock is non-porous and extremely hard — there is no risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from the recent wet period.
Early June in the Lake District offers long daylight hours and reasonable sun angles for the south-facing aspect, though the current unsettled Atlantic pattern is keeping temperatures below seasonal averages and humidity high.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 160mm fell between June 1–11, with major downpours on June 3 (33mm), June 4 (43mm), June 8 (29mm), and June 9 (16mm), saturating the surrounding ground and vegetation.
Only about 1.5 genuinely dry days have elapsed since the last significant rain (12.3mm on June 11), with trace amounts on June 12–13.
The south/SW aspect receives strong June sun for much of the day, making Quayfoot one of the fastest-drying crags in Borrowdale.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so drying is purely a surface process and no structural damage risk exists.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting limits wind-assisted drying despite today's moderate 13 km/h breeze.
Average humidity over the past week is 81%, slowing evaporation even on dry days.
Tree cover above the upper left section channels residual moisture onto routes, and after such heavy rain these drips can persist for days.
Recommendations
3
- Visit later in the day (afternoon) to maximise drying time from today's sun, and visually inspect each route for dampness before committing — particularly the Brown Slabs where friction is critical.
- Avoid the upper left section beneath the tree canopy, which is likely still dripping after the extreme recent rainfall.
- If surfaces appear dry but feel greasy or polished underfoot, back off — the delicate slab climbing at Quayfoot demands excellent friction.
Do Not Climb
35%
4 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has been subjected to an exceptionally wet period with 85mm in the last 7 days and nearly 200mm over 28 days, with significant rainfall today (1.2mm) and no consecutive dry days. Despite the crag's reputation as a fast-drying venue, the sustained saturation of the surrounding ground and tree canopy means persistent drips and residual surface moisture are very likely.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will be holding and dripping moisture for hours after rain stops, especially after weeks of heavy rainfall.
- Borrowdale is one of the wettest valleys in England, and after prolonged wet spells the surrounding hillside seeps can feed moisture onto routes even when direct rain has stopped.
- The south-facing aspect and relatively low altitude mean this crag dries faster than most Lake District venues, but the sheltered valley position reduces airflow and slows evaporation.
- Brown Slabs relies on delicate friction climbing where even slight dampness makes the rock dangerously slippery — slab routes are the most sensitive to residual moisture.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes at Quayfoot are extremely friction-dependent — even a thin film of moisture makes them dangerously slippery with high fall potential.
- The surrounding hillside is saturated after nearly 200mm in 28 days; unexpected seepage or runoff onto routes is possible even in dry weather windows.
Reasoning
With rain today and no consecutive dry days, plus 85mm in the last week alone, surface moisture on the rock is almost certain, compounded by saturated ground and vegetation above dripping onto routes.
Although the south/SW aspect aids drying, the sheltered valley position limits wind exposure, and with today's rain the rock has had zero hours of uninterrupted drying — even this fast-drying crag needs at least a full dry day after such sustained rainfall.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this has been an unusually wet spell with temperatures well below seasonal norms (averaging just 11°C), reducing evaporation rates.
Contributing Factors
6
85mm in 7 days and 192mm in 28 days represents sustained saturation far above normal, keeping the entire environment waterlogged.
Rain fell today (1.2mm) and there have been zero consecutive dry days, meaning the rock has had no opportunity for a sustained drying period.
The south/SW aspect at low altitude gives Quayfoot one of the best drying profiles in the Lakes, and it can recover within hours of light rain in isolation.
The sheltered position in Borrowdale reduces wind-assisted drying, counteracting some of the benefit of the sunny aspect.
Averaging only 11°C over the past week with high humidity (83%) significantly slows evaporation compared to typical early June conditions.
Trees above the upper left section will be saturated after weeks of rain and will drip onto routes well after rainfall stops.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least one full dry day with sunshine before visiting; tomorrow (June 14) looks promising with only a trace of rain forecast and warmer temperatures.
- If visiting tomorrow afternoon or June 15, visually inspect the rock surface and test friction on lower holds before committing — avoid the upper left section near the tree canopy.
- Avoid the friction-dependent Brown Slabs routes until you are confident the rock is bone dry, as slab climbing on damp volcanic rock is hazardous.
Do Not Climb
35%
5 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has been subjected to an exceptionally wet period with nearly 87mm in the last 7 days and 192mm over 28 days, with significant rain as recently as yesterday (12.3mm on June 11) and light rain today (0.8mm). Despite the crag's favourable south-facing aspect and quick-drying reputation, the sustained saturation of the surrounding environment, persistent high humidity, and lack of any meaningful dry spell mean surfaces are very likely still damp — we recommend waiting for a proper drying window.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will be actively dripping after this prolonged wet spell, potentially keeping routes damp well after the main rock face appears dry.
- Quayfoot's sheltered valley position, while usually an asset, reduces airflow and will slow evaporation during this high-humidity period despite the south-facing aspect.
- The Borrowdale valley has received nearly 200mm in the last month — ground saturation means seepage from above the crag and ambient moisture will be elevated even on nominally dry days.
- Brown Slabs and other slab routes here rely heavily on friction and are particularly unforgiving of residual surface moisture — even a thin film dramatically reduces grip on these delicate climbs.
Warnings
2
- Slab climbing on damp rhyolite is extremely dangerous — the friction-dependent Brown Slabs routes become treacherously slippery with even a thin moisture film.
- Do not be deceived by rock that looks dry on the surface; test friction carefully before committing to any moves above gear.
Reasoning
With 12.3mm yesterday, 0.8mm today, and no consecutive dry days, the rock surface is almost certainly still wet or at least carrying residual moisture films, compounded by 83% average humidity over the past week.
The south/SW aspect and today's 28 km/h westerly wind would normally promote rapid drying on this non-porous rock, but the sheltered position limits wind benefit and the relentless rainfall over the past 10 days has kept the entire environment saturated, preventing effective drying.
Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and structurally unaffected by moisture — there is no risk of hold breakage or rock damage from climbing while damp.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this has been an unusually wet spell for the season; the tree canopy is in full leaf, which both blocks sun and prolongs dripping onto routes.
Contributing Factors
7
Nearly 87mm in the last 7 days including heavy events of 43mm, 29mm, and 19mm means the crag environment is thoroughly saturated.
Zero consecutive dry days with rain on 9 of the last 10 days means the rock has had no meaningful drying window.
Average humidity of 83% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even when rain stops.
The south/SW aspect maximises solar gain in June, which will accelerate surface drying once a dry window opens.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley position reduces wind-assisted evaporation, negating some of the benefit of the favourable aspect.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so surface drying can be rapid once conditions allow — no extended internal drying period required.
Full summer canopy above the upper left section will be dripping persistently after this extended wet period.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least one full dry day with sunshine before visiting — the forecast window of June 14–15 looks the most promising.
- If visiting on June 14 or 15, check the Brown Slabs area first as the open slab sections will dry fastest, and avoid routes under the tree canopy on the upper left.
- Bring a towel and be prepared to walk away if surfaces feel greasy — slab routes here demand excellent friction and are unsafe when damp.
Do Not Climb
92%
6 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress is currently wet and unsuitable for climbing. Persistent rain throughout today (9.1mm forecast) follows an exceptionally wet period — 86mm in the last 7 days and nearly 190mm over 28 days — leaving the rock saturated on the surface with no 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, especially after sustained wet periods like this one.
- Despite being one of the quickest-drying crags in Borrowdale thanks to its south-facing aspect, the sheltered valley position and 100% cloud cover today prevent any meaningful solar drying.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction — even a thin moisture film on rhyolite slab makes these routes dangerously slippery at their typically delicate grades.
- Borrowdale has received nearly 190mm in 28 days; surrounding hillsides will be saturated, potentially feeding groundwater seepage onto routes that are normally dry.
Warnings
2
- The Brown Slabs offer slab climbing that is extremely friction-dependent — even a slight moisture film creates a serious slip hazard.
- After 86mm of rain in 7 days, seepage may appear on routes that are normally dry; inspect the rock carefully even once the surface appears dry.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet — rain has fallen almost every hour today with 100% cloud cover and humidity above 90%, and there has been no dry window for any surface drying.
Despite the south-facing aspect, zero solar radiation (100% cloud all day) and the sheltered position mean negligible drying; the crag will remain wet through tonight.
Non-porous BVS rhyolite does not suffer structural weakening, so hold breakage is not a concern even after this prolonged wet spell.
Early June should offer good conditions, but this has been an unusually wet period; the prolonged saturation of surrounding ground increases seepage risk beyond what the rock surface alone would suggest.
Contributing Factors
6
Light but persistent rain is forecast throughout today totalling 9.1mm, keeping the rock surface continuously wet.
86mm in the last 7 days and 188mm over 28 days has thoroughly saturated the surrounding ground and any seepage lines on the crag.
Humidity has been 83% on average over the past week and is 90%+ today, severely inhibiting evaporative drying.
100% cloud cover all day eliminates solar radiation that would normally help this south-facing crag dry quickly.
The sheltered Borrowdale location reduces wind-assisted drying, compounding the lack of sun today.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water, so once rain stops and sun appears the surface can dry within hours.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is wet throughout and conditions are unsafe for friction-dependent slab climbing.
- Target Saturday 14th June as the first realistic opportunity: a dry day with sun, 18°C, and light winds should allow the crag to dry by late morning.
- On any visit this week, check the upper left section beneath the tree canopy last, as drips persist longest there after prolonged wet spells.
Do Not Climb
88%
8 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress is currently wet following an extremely heavy week of rainfall (136mm in 7 days) with rain continuing today. Despite being one of the quickest-drying crags in Borrowdale, the sustained saturation of the surrounding ground, persistent drizzle through the morning, and high humidity mean the rock surface will not be reliably dry 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 continue dripping for many hours after rain stops, given the prolonged saturation of the ground and vegetation above.
- Although Quayfoot is renowned for drying quickly due to its south-facing aspect, the sheltered valley position limits airflow and the current high humidity (79–88%) significantly slows surface evaporation.
- The massive recent rainfall (43mm on June 4th, 29mm on June 8th, plus today's rain) will have saturated the hillside above, potentially creating temporary seepage on routes that are normally dry.
- Brown Slabs and other slab routes here are friction-dependent — even a thin film of residual moisture on BVS rock drastically reduces the delicate foot placements these routes require.
Warnings
2
- Slab climbing on wet BVS rock is extremely dangerous — the friction-dependent moves on Brown Slabs become treacherous with even a thin moisture film.
- The surrounding hillside is saturated after 161mm in 28 days; unexpected seepage may appear on routes that are normally dry.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly wet right now: rain fell through the early hours (totalling ~6.6mm today so far) on top of 136mm in the past week, and intermittent showers continue through the afternoon.
Despite the south-facing aspect which normally aids rapid drying, the sheltered position, persistent cloud cover (73–100%), high humidity (68–88%), and intermittent showers throughout the day prevent any meaningful drying window from establishing.
BVS rhyolite is non-porous and suffers no structural weakening from water; the risk is entirely friction loss on slippery wet surfaces, which is critical on the delicate slab routes here.
Early June should offer good drying potential, but this has been an exceptionally wet spell; the prolonged saturation means vegetation and soil above the crag are waterlogged, extending drip and seepage times beyond what is normal for this quick-drying venue.
Contributing Factors
6
136mm in the last 7 days with major downpours on June 3rd (33mm), 4th (43mm), 7th (19mm), and 8th (29mm) have thoroughly saturated the crag and surrounding hillside.
6.6mm of precipitation today with showers continuing intermittently through the afternoon means the rock has had no opportunity to dry.
Humidity averaging 79% today and 84% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even during dry spells.
The S/SW aspect would normally promote rapid drying, but persistent cloud cover (73–100%) and ongoing showers negate this benefit today.
The sheltered position that makes Quayfoot pleasant to climb at also restricts airflow, slowing surface drying compared to more exposed crags.
The waterlogged tree canopy above the upper left section will continue dripping well after any rain stops, keeping parts of the crag wet for extended periods.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least a full dry day with sunshine and lower humidity before visiting — the earliest realistic window is June 13th or 14th.
- If visiting the Borrowdale area this week, consider nearby indoor alternatives or lower-commitment bouldering where you can easily assess conditions.
- When conditions do improve, check the upper left section last as tree canopy drips persist longest there; the main Brown Slabs area should dry first.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
9 days ago
Heavy rain through the early morning (24mm today, 127mm over the past week) will leave surfaces wet, but a prolonged dry window from ~08:00 through to early evening with dropping humidity and some sun on this south-facing crag means the non-porous BVS rock could dry sufficiently by late morning or early afternoon for careful climbing. However, given the saturated surroundings and sheltered position, climbers should visually assess conditions on arrival.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Tree canopy above the upper left section will cause persistent drips long after rain stops — avoid routes beneath overhanging trees today and for the next few days given the extreme recent saturation.
- Despite being one of the quickest-drying crags in Borrowdale, the sheltered valley position limits airflow and will slow evaporation compared to more exposed venues.
- The Brown Slabs area relies heavily on friction — even a thin film of residual moisture on these delicate slabs will dramatically reduce grip and make them unsafe.
- The surrounding ground and vegetation are thoroughly saturated after 127mm in seven days, which can contribute to seepage and high local humidity at the crag base.
Warnings
2
- Slab routes at Quayfoot are extremely friction-dependent — even a thin moisture film invisible to the eye can cause a dangerous slip; test friction carefully before committing.
- The coming week shows no sustained dry period; conditions are unlikely to improve significantly in the near term.
Reasoning
The rock surface will be wet from heavy overnight and early-morning rain (24mm today alone), but non-porous BVS rhyolite does not absorb water and surface moisture should begin clearing once rain stops around 07:00–08:00.
The south/SW aspect will receive solar radiation through partial cloud breaks from late morning, and humidity drops to the mid-50s by afternoon, giving a reasonable 6–8 hour drying window — though the sheltered position slows wind-assisted evaporation.
No structural risk — Borrowdale Volcanic rhyolite is non-porous and does not weaken when wet; the concern is purely friction loss on damp surfaces.
Early June in the Lakes offers long daylight hours and reasonable temperatures (~12°C), but this is an exceptionally wet spell with 127mm in seven days, keeping the local environment thoroughly saturated.
Contributing Factors
6
127mm in the past 7 days including 24mm today creates a thoroughly saturated local environment with potential for seepage and slow ambient drying.
Rain ceases by ~08:00 with a dry spell forecast through to ~21:00, humidity dropping to the mid-50s — sufficient time for surface drying on non-porous rock.
The S/SW aspect will catch whatever sun breaks through the partial cloud cover (44–63% cloud) during the afternoon, aiding surface evaporation.
Limited airflow in the sheltered Borrowdale valley position reduces wind-assisted drying despite moderate winds forecast above.
BVS rhyolite does not absorb water so only surface moisture needs to evaporate, allowing much faster drying than porous alternatives.
The five-day forecast shows rain every day (11mm, 1.5mm, 2.6mm, 7.1mm, 3.5mm), preventing any sustained drying period from developing.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, wait until at least early afternoon (13:00–14:00) to allow maximum surface drying, and physically touch the rock to check for residual moisture before committing to routes.
- Avoid the Brown Slabs and other friction-dependent slab routes unless the rock feels genuinely dry — opt for steeper, more featured routes where holds are positive rather than friction-reliant.
- Avoid routes beneath the tree canopy on the upper left section, as drips will persist for many hours after rain given the saturated canopy.
Do Not Climb
95%
10 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress is currently soaked after 35.8mm of rain today on top of nearly 138mm in the past week, with high humidity and no drying window in sight. The forecast shows continued rain every day for the next five days, making conditions clearly unsuitable for 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 cause prolonged dripping well after rain stops, given the saturated ground and vegetation from this extended wet spell.
- Despite being one of the quickest-drying crags in Borrowdale, the sheltered valley position and persistent high humidity (87%+ average) will significantly slow evaporation during this wet period.
- The Brown Slabs area relies on delicate friction moves on slab rock — even a thin film of residual moisture on the volcanic surface makes these routes unacceptably slippery.
- Borrowdale has received exceptional rainfall recently (nearly 143mm in 28 days) and the surrounding hillsides will be saturated, increasing the risk of seepage and runoff reaching the crag face.
Warnings
3
- The slab routes on Brown Slabs will be extremely slippery — volcanic rock loses almost all friction when wet, creating a serious fall risk.
- Tree canopy drips above the upper left section may persist for many hours after rain stops, even when the rest of the crag appears dry.
- The surrounding hillside is heavily saturated; be aware of potential muddy and slippery approaches.
Reasoning
The rock surface is currently wet from 35.8mm of rain today, compounding over 100mm in the preceding week, and the crag will be thoroughly drenched with standing water and active seepage.
Despite the south-facing aspect, the sheltered position, 90% humidity, and continuous forecast rain mean there is no viable drying window — any brief dry spells will be insufficient to dry the surface before the next rainfall.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not suffer structural damage from moisture, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Early June should offer good conditions, but this is an unusually prolonged wet spell; the saturated ground and vegetation above the crag will sustain drips and seepage longer than normal even once rain stops.
Contributing Factors
7
35.8mm of rain today has thoroughly soaked the crag surface and surrounding ground.
Nearly 138mm of rain in the past 7 days has saturated the ground, vegetation, and any cracks or drainage lines on the crag.
Average humidity of 87% over the last week drastically slows surface evaporation even on non-porous rock.
Rain is forecast every day for the next five days (totalling 57mm), preventing any meaningful drying.
The sheltered Borrowdale valley setting reduces airflow across the rock face, further inhibiting drying.
The favourable S/SW aspect would normally aid drying, but with continuous rain and cloud cover it provides negligible benefit in this spell.
Borrowdale Volcanic rock will not absorb water or suffer structural weakening, so recovery will be quick once a genuine dry spell arrives.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Quayfoot Buttress until a sustained dry spell of at least 24 hours with falling humidity occurs — check conditions again after June 13th.
- If in the Lakes during this period, consider indoor climbing walls in Keswick or Kendal rather than risking slippery outdoor rock.
- Monitor the forecast beyond June 12th — the first dry day (June 13th) could mark the start of a drying window, but a full day of sun and breeze would be needed before the crag is climbable.
Do Not Climb
92%
11 days ago
Quayfoot Buttress has received over 100mm of rain in the last 7 days, including 43mm yesterday and nearly 5mm today, with no dry days to allow surface drying. Despite the non-porous rock and south-facing aspect, the crag will be thoroughly wet and slippery, and the forecast shows continued rain through the coming week.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The tree canopy above the upper left section will be dripping persistently given the saturated conditions, keeping those routes wet long after open sections dry.
- Despite being one of the quickest-drying crags in Borrowdale, the sheltered valley position limits wind-assisted drying during this prolonged wet spell.
- The Brown Slabs area relies on friction-dependent slab climbing, making it particularly dangerous when surfaces carry any residual moisture.
- Borrowdale is one of the wettest valleys in England and this spell is a classic early-June frontal system — ground saturation means even brief dry windows won't clear seepage quickly.
Warnings
2
- The friction-dependent slab routes on Brown Slabs are extremely dangerous when wet — even a thin film of moisture on BVS rock dramatically reduces grip.
- Ground saturation in Borrowdale means seepage and drips may persist for 24+ hours after rain stops, even on this normally quick-drying crag.
Reasoning
The rock surface will be thoroughly wet following 106mm in the last 7 days with rain today and no consecutive dry days, meaning there has been no opportunity for drying.
Although the south-facing aspect normally promotes rapid drying, the sheltered position, high humidity (86% average), and continuous precipitation have prevented any meaningful surface drying.
Non-porous Borrowdale Volcanic rock does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage is not a concern.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this prolonged wet spell with below-average temperatures (12.6°C) and high humidity is delaying the typical summer drying pattern.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 106mm in the past 7 days — including 43mm and 33mm on consecutive days — has left the crag comprehensively soaked.
There have been no consecutive dry days, with rain recorded today (4.8mm), giving the rock no window to shed surface moisture.
Average humidity of 86% over the last week severely inhibits evaporation even on sun-facing surfaces.
The next 5 days forecast a further 36mm of rain with no dry day until June 12, preventing any recovery in conditions.
The south-facing BVS rhyolite will dry rapidly once a sustained dry window arrives, but that window has not yet materialised.
The sheltered valley setting limits wind-assisted drying, which is particularly significant given the light-to-moderate winds forecast.
Recommendations
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- Do not visit until at least a full dry day with sunshine follows the current wet spell — realistically not before June 12 at the earliest.
- If you are in Borrowdale during this period, consider the indoor wall at Keswick or other activities rather than risking slippery volcanic slab.
- When conditions do improve, check the upper left section beneath the tree canopy last, as drips persist there well after the main face has dried.
Climbing Outlook