Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
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.
- Dovehole's woodland setting creates a sheltered microclimate that significantly retards drying despite the south-facing clearing — still air and tree canopy trap humidity around the boulders.
- The heavy 18.5mm on Aug 19 was followed by further light rain on Aug 20 (1.5mm), Aug 21 (0.2mm), and Aug 25 (0.2mm), repeatedly resetting the drying clock and preventing a clean multi-day dry spell.
- Steep overhanging faces on some boulders will have shed water quickly and are the most likely to be climbable; vertical and slab faces should be treated with greater suspicion.
- The upcoming forecast shows heavy rain arriving tomorrow (4mm) and especially Aug 28 (13.5mm), so today may be the last reasonable climbing window for several days.
Warnings
2
- Heavy rain is forecast from tomorrow (Aug 27) through Aug 30, totalling ~30mm — conditions will deteriorate sharply and the rock will be unsuitable for climbing for several days.
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains dangerously weakened; use the ground-moisture test and touch-temperature test before committing to any problem.
Reasoning
The 18.5mm event on Aug 19 would have deeply saturated the porous Fell Sandstone, and although nearly 7 days have elapsed, intermittent trace rain on Aug 20–21 and Aug 25 plus consistently high humidity (78% avg last 7 days) have slowed internal drying significantly.
The south-facing aspect aids solar drying, but the sheltered woodland position limits wind-driven evaporation; temperatures have been moderate (13–20°C) and humidity persistently high, so net drying rates have been below average for summer conditions.
With 54.6mm of rain in the last 28 days and repeated wetting cycles, the porous sandstone has experienced sustained moisture loading — internal saturation levels may still be elevated on thicker boulder sections, posing some hold-breakage risk.
Late August offers reasonable daylight and temperatures for drying, but the recent pattern of frequent showers and high humidity is more autumnal than typical midsummer, reducing the usual summer drying advantage.
Contributing Factors
8
18.5mm of rain just 7 days ago would have deeply saturated the porous Fell Sandstone boulders.
Small amounts on Aug 20 (1.5mm), Aug 21 (0.2mm), and Aug 25 (0.2mm) repeatedly slowed the drying process.
Average humidity of 78% over the past week and 85% today severely limits evaporative drying from the rock surface.
The woodland canopy and sheltered position reduce airflow around the boulders, significantly slowing drying compared to exposed crags.
The south-facing aspect allows direct solar radiation to reach the boulders during the day, aiding surface drying.
Temperatures reaching 16–20°C provide reasonable evaporative potential when humidity briefly drops.
No precipitation today and a dry afternoon window with humidity dropping to ~69% provides some additional drying hours.
4mm forecast for Aug 27 followed by 13.5mm on Aug 28 will re-saturate any partially dried rock, making today the last opportunity for days.
Recommendations
3
- Visit in the early-to-mid afternoon when humidity is lowest (~69–71%) and visually inspect each boulder face — test the rock surface and check that the ground at the base is bone-dry before climbing.
- Prioritise steeply overhanging problems which shed water fastest and are most likely to be dry; avoid slabs and lower vertical faces entirely.
- If any boulder face feels cool to the touch, appears darker than usual, or the surrounding ground is at all damp, do not climb — the interior is still saturated.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
62%
57 days ago
Three consecutive dry days following heavy rain on August 19th (18.5mm) have allowed reasonable drying, aided by the south-facing clearing and moderate summer temperatures. However, the sheltered woodland setting, relatively high humidity over the past week (avg 78%), and light wind exposure mean internal moisture may linger — a visual check on arrival is essential, especially on lower boulder faces and north-facing sides.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's woodland setting significantly reduces airflow around the boulders, meaning the sheltered position slows evaporation even though the south-facing clearing allows good solar heating.
- The heavy 18.5mm event on August 19th was followed by further light rain on the 20th (1.5mm) and 21st (0.2mm), so effective drying only really began from August 22nd — giving roughly 2.5 full dry days by today's afternoon.
- Standalone boulders dry more evenly than cliff faces since all sides receive some air circulation, but moss and leaf litter at boulder bases in the woodland can trap moisture against the rock.
- Rain is forecast from tomorrow (Aug 25) onwards with a very heavy event (43mm) on Aug 28, so today represents the last viable climbing window for potentially a week or more.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — holds can snap off permanently even if the surface appears dry.
- The forecast 43mm on August 28 will deeply saturate the boulders; do not attempt climbing for several days after that event regardless of surface appearance.
Reasoning
The 18.5mm on Aug 19 would have thoroughly wetted the porous Fell Sandstone, and trailing showers on Aug 20–21 reset the drying clock; by today's afternoon roughly 2.5 days of effective drying have elapsed, which is borderline for heavy rain on porous rock in a sheltered setting.
The south-facing clearing and summer temperatures (16–19°C) have aided surface drying, but the sheltered position with light winds (avg ~14 km/h) and 78% average humidity over the past week will have slowed evaporative drying of the interior.
With only ~2.5 effective dry days after 18.5mm of rain, there is a moderate risk that internal moisture remains above the threshold where significant strength loss occurs, particularly in lower sections and thicker boulder features.
Mid-to-late August provides reasonable daylight hours and temperatures for drying, though the recent cool spell (avg 13.3°C over 7 days) has been below summer norms and slows evaporation.
Contributing Factors
7
18.5mm of rain would have deeply saturated the porous Fell Sandstone boulders, and trailing moisture on Aug 20–21 delayed the start of effective drying.
Dry conditions from Aug 22–24 with clearing skies and moderate temperatures have allowed surface drying and partial internal drying.
The south-facing forest clearing receives direct solar radiation through the day, significantly aiding surface evaporation on sun-exposed boulder faces.
The woodland environment reduces wind speed around the boulders, trapping humid air and slowing the evaporative drying process considerably.
Average humidity of 78% over the past week with several days above 80% reduces the evaporative gradient and slows drying.
Humidity drops to 47–49% this afternoon with some wind picking up to 13–18 km/h and clear skies, offering a good drying window and the best conditions of the day.
Rain is forecast from Aug 25 onwards with an extreme 43mm event on Aug 28, meaning conditions will deteriorate sharply and not recover for many days.
Recommendations
3
- If visiting today, go in the afternoon (11:00–17:00) when humidity is lowest and apply the touch test — if the rock feels cool and clammy or the ground at the base of boulders is damp, do not climb.
- Prioritise steeply overhanging problems and upper faces that drain and dry quickest; avoid slab and lower-angle faces which retain moisture longest.
- Do not plan any climbing visits from Aug 25 onwards — the incoming wet spell with 43mm forecast on Aug 28 will require at least 3–4 dry days afterward to recover.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
58 days ago
After 18.5mm of heavy rain on August 19th followed by lighter precipitation on the 20th and 21st, Dovehole has had only about two dry days (Aug 22–23) with moderate temperatures but relatively high humidity and light winds in a sheltered woodland setting. The south-facing aspect and summer warmth help, but the sheltered position and recent heavy rain make full internal drying uncertain — a careful on-site assessment is essential before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's woodland setting creates a sheltered microclimate that significantly slows air movement across the rock, meaning drying times are longer than the south-facing aspect alone would suggest.
- The standalone boulders allow airflow around all sides, which partially compensates for the sheltered position — but base sections and north-facing sides of individual boulders will lag behind.
- Steeply overhanging problems may be in better condition than vertical or slabby faces, as overhangs shed water quickly and receive less direct rain.
- The grassy forest-floor landings are a useful moisture indicator: if the ground at the base of the boulders is still damp rather than dry, the rock is almost certainly still holding internal moisture.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated — do not rely on visual dryness alone; use touch and the ground-moisture test.
- A very wet forecast from August 25th onward (nearly 29mm over four days with humidity up to 96%) will make conditions deteriorate rapidly — today and tomorrow may be the only viable window for some time.
Reasoning
18.5mm fell on August 19th with additional light rain on the 20th (1.5mm) and 21st (0.2mm), giving only about 1.5 fully dry days before today — marginal for porous Fell Sandstone that ideally needs 48–72 hours of good drying after heavy rain.
The south-facing aspect and summer temperatures (16–18°C) aid drying, but the sheltered woodland position limits wind penetration despite moderate regional winds, and average humidity of ~77% over the drying window slows evaporation — net drying conditions are only moderate.
With 83.5mm of rain over the past 28 days and the most recent heavy event only four days ago, there is a credible risk that internal moisture levels remain elevated, meaning holds could be weakened even if surfaces appear dry.
Late summer provides reasonable warmth and day length for drying, but August 2026 has been notably wet in this area, keeping background moisture levels higher than ideal.
Contributing Factors
7
18.5mm fell on August 19th — a significant soaking for porous Fell Sandstone — followed by light rain on the 20th and 21st, resetting the drying clock.
Only approximately 1.5–2 fully dry days have elapsed since the last measurable precipitation, which is at the absolute minimum for sandstone after heavy rain.
The south-facing clearing receives good solar radiation in August, accelerating surface and near-surface drying compared to north-facing or shaded venues.
The woodland setting significantly reduces wind across the rock surface, limiting evaporative drying despite moderate regional wind speeds.
83.5mm of rain over the past 28 days means the rock has been repeatedly wetted with insufficient drying intervals, keeping internal moisture levels persistently elevated.
Average humidity around 73–80% over the drying window slows evaporation, particularly in a sheltered setting where humid air lingers around the boulders.
Individual boulders allow some airflow around all sides and overhanging faces shed water quickly, helping steep problems dry faster than continuous cliff faces.
Recommendations
3
- Check the ground at the base of each boulder — if the grass and soil are still visibly damp, do not climb, as the rock will still hold internal moisture.
- Prioritise steeply overhanging problems which shed water fastest; avoid slabs and vertical faces which absorb and retain moisture longest.
- If any hold feels cool, slightly gritty, or 'chalks up dark,' step away — that surface moisture indicates dangerous internal saturation.
Do Not Climb
35%
59 days ago
Heavy rain of 18.5mm fell on August 19th, followed by further light rain on the 20th and 21st, with only one full dry day so far (today). Despite the south-facing aspect, the sheltered woodland setting and high recent humidity (averaging 81% over the past week) mean the rock is very unlikely to have dried adequately — Dovehole needs at least two full dry days after heavy rain, and that threshold has not yet been met.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's woodland setting creates a sheltered microclimate that significantly retards drying despite the south-facing clearing, so the 18.5mm on the 19th will linger longer than at an exposed crag.
- The standalone boulders have all-round exposure which helps somewhat, but grassy landings and surrounding trees trap humidity close to the rock surface.
- Steeply overhanging faces may have stayed dry through the light showers on the 20th–21st, but the heavy rain on the 19th will have saturated even these sections from above and via wind-driven spray.
- The cumulative 30.7mm over the past 7 days on already-moist rock (83.8mm in 28 days) means internal moisture levels are likely elevated well beyond what surface appearance suggests.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the Fell Sandstone is almost certainly still holding dangerous levels of internal moisture from the 18.5mm event on the 19th.
- Surface-dry appearance is unreliable on porous sandstone; the rock can feel dry while remaining structurally weakened inside.
Reasoning
With 18.5mm on August 19th, additional light rain on the 20th and 21st, and only one dry day since, the porous Fell Sandstone is almost certainly still holding significant internal moisture despite any surface drying.
The south-facing aspect provides reasonable solar input, but the sheltered woodland position with light winds (12–19 km/h) and high humidity (81% average) severely limit evaporation rates — one dry day is far short of the minimum two days required after heavy rain.
At likely moisture levels well above 1% saturation, compressive strength will be significantly reduced (potentially 10–50%), making hold breakage and surface grain loss a serious concern on these fine-grained sandstone boulders.
Late August offers adequate daylight and reasonable temperatures for drying, but the recent pattern of frequent rain events and elevated humidity is preventing the sustained dry spell needed to bring conditions into safe territory.
Contributing Factors
7
18.5mm fell on August 19th — well above the 10mm threshold requiring 48–72+ hours of dry weather — and only ~36 hours of dry conditions have elapsed.
Only one full dry day has passed since the last significant rain, falling well short of the two-day minimum for Fell Sandstone.
The sheltered position among trees traps moist air and blocks wind, significantly slowing evaporation compared to exposed crags.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week severely limits the moisture gradient driving evaporation from the rock.
The south-facing clearing receives good solar radiation during summer, which is the strongest positive drying factor at this site.
83.8mm over 28 days with multiple rain events means the rock has been repeatedly re-wetted, keeping internal moisture elevated.
Temperatures averaging 13.2°C over the past week are adequate but not exceptional for driving evaporation.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until August 24th before considering a visit — two full dry days after the last trace rain on the 21st, ideally checking humidity drops below 75%.
- If visiting on the 24th, perform a ground-moisture test at the base of each boulder before climbing: if the soil or moss is damp, the rock is still wet internally.
- Prioritise the steepest overhanging problems which shed water fastest, but still touch-test holds for any gritty or soft feeling before committing.
Do Not Climb
35%
60 days ago
Heavy rain of 18.5mm fell on August 19th followed by 1.5mm on August 20th, with only one full dry day elapsed (today, August 21st). Despite the south-facing aspect, the sheltered woodland setting, cool temperatures (~14°C), and elevated humidity (~79–82%) mean the porous Fell Sandstone is almost certainly still holding significant internal moisture — the rock should not be climbed today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's sheltered woodland setting traps humid air around the boulders, significantly slowing evaporation despite the south-facing clearing.
- The standalone boulders absorb rain from all sides, meaning internal saturation is higher than a single-face cliff would experience after 18.5mm of rain.
- Steeply overhanging faces may appear surface-dry and tempting, but capillary moisture will still be present in the rock interior — resist the urge to climb these.
- The grassy landings and forest floor will give a useful field indicator: if the ground around the boulders is damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today — the rock is almost certainly still saturated internally after 18.5mm of rain only two days ago.
- Surface-dry appearance on overhangs is deceptive; internal moisture causes hold breakage and permanent damage to these irreplaceable boulders.
Reasoning
With 18.5mm on Aug 19 and 1.5mm on Aug 20, followed by only one dry day at cool temperatures and high humidity, the porous Fell Sandstone (up to 20.7% porosity) is very likely still saturated internally despite any surface drying.
The south-facing aspect helps, but the sheltered position limits wind-assisted drying, and the cool temperatures (13–14°C) and high humidity (79–82%) over the last two days have provided minimal evaporative drive — far short of the 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions needed after heavy rain.
At likely saturation levels well above 1%, compressive strength is significantly reduced (potentially 10–50%), and the iron oxide cemented holds that define Dovehole's problems are vulnerable to grain loosening and breakage.
Late summer conditions are generally favourable for recovery, but the recent cool, humid spell with northerly winds has suppressed drying rates well below summer averages.
Contributing Factors
7
18.5mm fell on August 19th with a further 1.5mm on August 20th, thoroughly wetting the porous sandstone boulders from all sides.
Only one full dry day has elapsed since the last significant rain, well short of the 48–72+ hours required after heavy rain on Fell Sandstone.
Average temperatures of only 13–14°C over the last two days provide weak evaporative drive compared to typical summer conditions.
Humidity has been 79–82% since the heavy rain, significantly reducing the moisture gradient needed for effective drying.
The forest setting shields the boulders from wind, trapping moist air around the rock and slowing drying despite moderate regional wind speeds.
The south-facing aspect provides good solar radiation during summer daylight hours, partially offsetting the sheltered position.
30.5mm of rain in the past 7 days and 83.6mm over the past 28 days means background moisture levels in the rock are elevated from repeated wetting events.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until August 23rd (two full dry days after today) before visiting, and ideally longer given the sheltered setting and cumulative recent rainfall.
- On arrival, check the ground at the base of the boulders — if the grass and soil are damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally and should not be climbed.
- If you do visit later in the forecast window, prioritise the steepest overhanging faces which dry fastest, and avoid any slab or vertical faces that feel cool to the touch.
Do Not Climb
95%
61 days ago
Dovehole has received significant rainfall over the past few days — 19.3mm on Aug 19 and 5.0mm today (Aug 20) — with zero consecutive dry days. The porous Fell Sandstone will be thoroughly saturated and requires at least 48–72 hours of dry weather to begin approaching climbable conditions.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's woodland setting and sheltered position significantly slow drying despite the south-facing clearing — still air allows moisture to linger around the boulders for longer than open-aspect crags.
- Standalone boulders with good all-round exposure dry faster than cliff faces, but the sheltered forest context partially offsets this advantage.
- Steeply overhanging problems may appear surface-dry before vertical and slab faces, but internal moisture still weakens the sandstone throughout — do not be tempted by apparently dry overhangs.
- The recent pattern of repeated wetting events (14.4mm on Aug 4, 5.1mm on Aug 9, 2.5mm on Aug 16, 7.5mm on Aug 17, 19.3mm on Aug 19, 5.0mm today) means the rock has had almost no opportunity to dry out and will be deeply saturated.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds — the sandy texture disintegrates when wet.
- The rock surface may appear dry while remaining dangerously weak internally; use the ground-moisture test (damp soil at the base = wet rock) before climbing.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally after 19.3mm on Aug 19 followed by 5.0mm today, with repeated wetting events throughout the preceding two weeks preventing any meaningful drying.
With today's rain still falling and sheltered conditions limiting wind exposure at the crag, meaningful drying cannot begin until tomorrow at the earliest — and further rain (2.6mm) is forecast for Aug 21, resetting the clock again.
At current saturation levels the sandstone will have lost 30%+ of its compressive strength, making hold breakage and surface grain loss a serious risk on any problem attempted.
Mid-August temperatures (14–18°C) are moderate and would support reasonable drying in a sustained dry spell, but the persistent rain cycle and high humidity (79% average over the last week) are preventing any recovery.
Contributing Factors
6
19.3mm fell yesterday and 5.0mm today, with the rock having had no dry period to recover from earlier rain events.
Rain today means zero dry days have elapsed, far short of the minimum 48–72 hours required after heavy rain on Fell Sandstone.
The sheltered forest position limits airflow around the boulders, significantly slowing evaporation compared to exposed crags.
Repeated rain events over the past two weeks (87.9mm in 28 days) have kept the rock in a near-permanently saturated state with no extended drying window.
The south-facing aspect provides good solar radiation when skies clear, which will help once a sustained dry spell begins.
A further 2.6mm is forecast for Aug 21, delaying the start of any meaningful drying period until Aug 22 at the earliest.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Dovehole today or tomorrow — the rock is saturated and structurally weakened.
- The earliest realistic window to assess conditions on-site would be Aug 24, after two full dry days (Aug 22–23), but check the ground at the base of the boulders for dampness before climbing.
- If you visit on Aug 24, prioritise steep overhanging problems which dry fastest and avoid slabs and lower sections of boulders where moisture persists longest.
Do Not Climb
72%
62 days ago
Recent repeated rain events (7.5mm on Aug 17, 2.5mm on Aug 16, plus light rain on Aug 18 and today) have kept the rock intermittently wet, and the sheltered woodland setting significantly slows drying despite the south-facing aspect. With more rain forecast tomorrow (5.3mm) and the next day (1.3mm), conditions are not suitable for climbing today and will worsen before they improve.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's woodland setting creates a sheltered microclimate that traps humid air around the boulders, significantly slowing evaporation even though the clearing itself is south-facing.
- The standalone boulders have all-round exposure which helps somewhat, but lower faces and north-facing sides of individual boulders will retain moisture much longer than the sunny south faces.
- Steeply overhanging problems may appear dry on the surface but the porous Fell Sandstone can still be weakened internally — the sandy texture becomes dangerous when moisture content is elevated.
- The 64mm of rain over the past 28 days represents a persistently wet period for summer, meaning background moisture levels in the rock are elevated beyond what the last rain event alone would suggest.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — hold breakage is a real risk even when the surface appears dry after recent rain.
- The surface of standalone boulders can feel dry to the touch while internal saturation remains dangerously high; do not rely on surface feel alone.
Reasoning
Rain on Aug 16 (2.5mm), Aug 17 (7.5mm), Aug 18 (0.5mm), and light drizzle today (0.7mm total, mostly early morning) means the rock has had no meaningful continuous dry period — internal moisture levels are almost certainly elevated.
Despite the south-facing aspect and moderate temperatures (~17°C), the sheltered woodland setting with light winds (15 km/h) and humidity around 75-79% severely limits drying; effectively zero consecutive dry days means drying has not properly begun.
With 10mm+ of rain in the last 4 days on already-moist Fell Sandstone, internal saturation is likely above the threshold where significant compressive strength loss occurs, posing real risk of hold breakage and surface degradation.
Mid-August temperatures are adequate for drying but the recent pattern of frequent rain showers is keeping the rock in a persistently damp state typical of an unsettled British summer.
Contributing Factors
6
Rain on four of the last four days (Aug 16–19) totalling ~11.2mm with no consecutive dry period means the rock has had no opportunity to dry.
The sheltered position traps moist air and limits wind-assisted evaporation, significantly prolonging drying time after rain.
The south-facing clearing receives good solar radiation which aids surface drying when skies clear, partially offsetting the sheltered position.
64mm over 28 days with frequent wetting events means the sandstone's internal moisture levels are persistently elevated beyond what the most recent rain alone would cause.
Forecast rain of 5.3mm on Aug 20 and 1.3mm on Aug 21 will re-wet the rock before any meaningful drying can occur.
Temperatures around 17°C are adequate for evaporation, though not exceptional, and would support good drying if a dry window materialised.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock has been intermittently wet for the past four days with no meaningful drying window.
- The earliest realistic opportunity is August 23 or 24 after two consecutive dry days with improving temperatures, but check conditions on arrival.
- Perform the ground-moisture test at the boulder bases: if the soil or leaf litter is damp, the rock is almost certainly still holding internal moisture.
Do Not Climb
90%
63 days ago
Dovehole received 4.8mm of rain early this morning (mostly before 02:00) on top of 5.8mm yesterday and 2.5mm the day before, giving zero consecutive dry days and a very unsettled recent pattern. The rock will be saturated and needs at least two full dry days before climbing, which the forecast does not provide any time soon.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's woodland setting provides shelter from wind, which significantly slows evaporative drying despite the south-facing clearing — do not assume the boulders dry as fast as open Fell Sandstone outcrops.
- Standalone boulders with grassy bases retain ground moisture; check the grass and soil at the base of each boulder as a proxy for internal rock dampness.
- Steeply overhanging faces on some boulders may feel dry to the touch before vertical or slabby faces, but internal moisture in porous Fell Sandstone still weakens holds — surface dryness is not sufficient confirmation.
- The cumulative 66mm of rain over the past 28 days means background moisture levels in the rock are elevated well beyond what any single rain event would suggest.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and route damage.
- The rock surface may appear dry in sheltered overhanging sections but internal moisture still weakens the structure; do not be misled by surface appearance.
Reasoning
Rain fell this morning (4.8mm today) following 5.8mm yesterday and 2.5mm on the 16th, so the rock is currently wet through with zero dry days accumulated.
Although wind picked up to ~30 km/h by afternoon and humidity dropped to ~60%, the sheltered woodland position means wind benefit is limited, and with more rain forecast tomorrow (4.2mm) and a heavy 13.3mm on the 20th, meaningful drying cannot begin.
With 13.1mm in the last 3 days alone and 66mm over the past month, the sandstone is likely near or above critical saturation levels, posing serious risk of hold breakage and grain loosening if climbed.
Summer temperatures (~17°C) and longer daylight hours would normally aid drying, but the persistent rain pattern and upcoming wet forecast negate this seasonal advantage entirely.
Contributing Factors
6
4.8mm fell this morning after 5.8mm yesterday, leaving zero consecutive dry days and thoroughly wet rock.
The woodland shelter drastically reduces wind-driven evaporation at the rock surface despite decent ambient wind speeds.
Further rain is forecast on the 19th (4.2mm), 20th (13.3mm), 21st (0.6mm), 22nd (0.3mm), and 23rd (3.0mm), preventing any sustained drying window.
66mm over the past 28 days has kept background moisture levels in the porous sandstone elevated throughout the period.
The south-facing clearing receives good solar radiation which aids surface drying when conditions eventually turn dry.
Temperatures around 17°C are adequate for evaporation but the persistent rain cycle prevents any drying benefit from accumulating.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Dovehole today or in the coming days — the rock is wet and the forecast offers no adequate drying window.
- Monitor conditions beyond the 24th August; you will need at least two consecutive dry days with low humidity before visiting.
- If you visit to scout, check the ground at the base of each boulder — if the grass and soil are damp, the rock interior is certainly still wet.
Do Not Climb
75%
64 days ago
Dovehole received 2.5mm of rain yesterday (Aug 16) and 4.0mm is recorded for today, with further rain forecast from 20:00 tonight — the rock has not had adequate drying time and more moisture is incoming. With consecutive dry days at zero and a wet forecast through Aug 21, conditions are unsuitable for climbing on porous Fell Sandstone.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's sheltered woodland setting significantly limits air movement across the boulders, meaning drying is slower than the south-facing aspect alone would suggest.
- The standalone boulders have all-round exposure which helps somewhat, but grassy landings and forest-floor moisture keep the ambient humidity high at rock level.
- Steeply overhanging problems may appear dry on the surface, but internal moisture from recent and ongoing rain still weakens the porous sandstone — do not be tempted by apparently dry overhangs.
- The cumulative rainfall pattern (59.6mm in 28 days with frequent small episodes) means the rock has rarely had a chance to fully dry out internally this month.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing on damp rock risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage.
- The surface may appear dry during today's daytime dry window but the rock interior is saturated from recent rain; do not be deceived by a dry-looking surface.
Reasoning
Rain fell yesterday (2.5mm) and today (4.0mm so far, with more forecast tonight), giving zero consecutive dry days — the Fell Sandstone is almost certainly holding significant internal moisture despite any surface drying during today's dry daytime window.
Although the south-facing clearing and moderate summer temperatures (~17°C) aid evaporation, the sheltered woodland position limits wind effect and today's high humidity (73–97%) means negligible net drying has occurred since the last rain.
With frequent wetting episodes throughout the past month (59.6mm cumulative) and no sustained dry period, the sandstone's iron oxide holds are at elevated risk of grain loosening and breakage — climbing now risks permanent damage.
Mid-summer temperatures are adequate for drying but the current unsettled weather pattern with repeated small rainfall events negates the seasonal advantage, and conditions are not expected to improve until at least Aug 22.
Contributing Factors
6
2.5mm fell yesterday, 4.0mm today, and heavy rain is forecast tonight (3.6mm from 20:00–23:00), meaning the rock has had no meaningful dry period.
The forest setting blocks wind from reaching the boulders, severely limiting the convective drying that would otherwise help in summer conditions.
Humidity has averaged 72% over the past week and is 73–97% today, which greatly slows evaporation from the porous rock surface.
The south-facing aspect allows good solar radiation during any dry spells, which is the main drying advantage at this site.
59.6mm over 28 days with frequent small events means the sandstone has been repeatedly re-wetted without sufficient time to dry internally.
Further rain is forecast on Aug 18 (1.8mm), Aug 19 (4.8mm), Aug 20 (8.3mm), and Aug 21 (4.9mm), preventing any drying window until at least Aug 22.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or in the coming days — wait for the forecast dry spell beginning Aug 22 and allow at least 48 hours of dry weather from then before visiting.
- If visiting on or after Aug 23, check the ground at the base of each boulder: if the soil or grass is damp, the rock is almost certainly still wet internally.
- Focus any future session on the steepest overhanging problems, which will dry fastest, but still verify surfaces are fully dry by touch before pulling on.
Do Not Climb
72%
65 days ago
Today saw 1.8mm of rain, breaking a 6-day dry spell, and the forecast shows persistent rain over the next 4 days (totalling ~20mm). Conditions are currently marginal and will deteriorate further — climbing is not recommended today or in the coming days until a sustained dry window opens.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Dovehole's woodland setting creates a sheltered microclimate that significantly slows drying despite the south-facing clearing, so the 2-dry-day minimum should be treated as a bare minimum here.
- The standalone boulders dry more evenly than a continuous cliff face, but shaded north-facing sides of individual boulders will retain moisture longer than the sunny south faces.
- Steeply overhanging problems may appear dry during light rain, but capillary wicking through the porous sandstone means the interior can still be saturated — surface appearance is unreliable.
- The preceding 6-day dry spell (Aug 10–15) with warm temperatures (up to 29°C) would have thoroughly dried the rock from the Aug 9 rain, but today's rain has reset the clock.
Warnings
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- Do not be tempted to climb overhanging problems during the rain — the porous sandstone wicks moisture internally even where the surface appears sheltered.
- The cumulative ~22mm of rain forecast over the next 5 days will deeply re-saturate the rock; a full 48+ hour dry window will be needed before conditions recover.
Reasoning
Today's 1.8mm of rain has wetted the rock surface and begun capillary absorption into the porous Fell Sandstone, ending a promising 6-day dry spell.
The sheltered woodland setting with only 13 km/h wind and 77% humidity today provides poor drying conditions, and the south-facing aspect offers limited benefit given the light winds and elevated moisture.
The rock was well-dried from the extended dry spell (Aug 10–15) so internal saturation is low, but today's fresh rain on the surface creates a risk of grain loosening on holds if climbed on now, and repeated rain over the next 4 days will re-saturate the rock more deeply.
Mid-August temperatures (~17°C) are adequate for drying but the incoming unsettled spell with rain on 4 of the next 5 days will prevent any meaningful drying until at least Aug 21.
Contributing Factors
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1.8mm of precipitation today has wetted the rock surface, breaking a 6-day dry spell and resetting drying time requirements.
Rain is forecast on each of the next 4 days (3.8mm, 5.7mm, 7.9mm, 3.0mm), preventing any meaningful drying and progressively re-saturating the sandstone.
The sheltered position among trees significantly reduces airflow across the rock, slowing evaporation and prolonging damp conditions after rain.
Six consecutive dry days (Aug 10–15) with temperatures up to 29°C would have thoroughly dried the rock from previous rain, meaning deep saturation levels were low before today's rain.
Temperatures around 17–19°C are sufficient for reasonable drying rates once rain ceases, though the sheltered aspect reduces their benefit.
Humidity at 77% today and forecast 78–85% over the coming days substantially reduces evaporation rates from the rock surface.
Recommendations
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- Do not climb today or during the incoming wet spell (Aug 17–20); wait for the rain to clear and allow at least 2 full dry days before visiting.
- The earliest realistic window may be Aug 22–23 if Aug 21 stays mostly dry — check updated forecasts from Aug 20 onwards.
- If you visit after the rain clears, check the ground at the base of the boulders: if it is still damp rather than sandy-dry, the rock is likely still holding internal moisture.
Climbing Outlook