The last significant rain was 18.5mm on August 19th, giving roughly 6–7 days of mostly dry weather, but intervening trace precipitation on Aug 20–21 and Aug 25, combined with high humidity and a sheltered woodland setting, mean internal moisture may still linger on some boulders. Today is dry with moderate temperatures but very high humidity (85% average), so drying gains are limited — a careful on-site assessment is warranted before 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
Often described as Northumberland's answer to Fontainebleau, Dovehole is a small but high-quality woodland bouldering venue set in a forest clearing on the Ford Estate, 5 miles north of Wooler near Kimmerston. Around 89 problems spread across approximately 10 standalone sandstone boulders with near-perfect grassy landings. The south-facing clearing aids drying and steeply overhanging sections stay climbable even during light rain. As with all Fell Sandstone, the porous rock must not be climbed when wet — the sandy texture becomes treacherous and the surface degrades. Short walk-in under 10 minutes. Open access on the Ford Estate.
Condition Notes
South-facing clearing aids drying despite the woodland setting. Steeply overhanging sections may stay dry during light rain, but the porous Fell Sandstone must not be climbed when damp — surface degrades. Allow 2 dry days after heavy rain.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 124m
- Climbing
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- S
- Problems
- 89
- Access
- Private (Permissive)
- Approach
- 10 min
Site Data
- Name
- Dovehole
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- S
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 124m
- Latitude
- 55.624
- Longitude
- -2.056
- OS Grid Ref
- NT 935 375
- Access Type
- Private (Permissive)
- Approach Time
- 10 min
- Problem Count
- 89
- Route Count
- —
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- —
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Park carefully on the minor road near Kimmerston, avoiding gates. From the A1 north of Belford, take the B6353 west through Ford, then follow minor roads toward Kimmerston. Walk uphill to the woodland clearing.
- Condition Notes
- South-facing clearing aids drying despite the woodland setting. Steeply overhanging sections may stay dry during light rain, but the porous Fell Sandstone must not be climbed when damp — surface degrades. Allow 2 dry days after heavy rain.
- ID
- 5cf3fd06-4623-4ce3-b0c5-44635cad9459
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