Despite one dry day since the last rain (2.1mm on Aug 25), Corby's Crag has experienced a very wet recent period — 16.4mm on Aug 19, 6.0mm on Aug 20, and further showers since — totalling 45.1mm over 28 days. The sheltered, below-road-level position, high humidity (90% today, 81% average over the past week), and the crag's known tendency to channel runoff mean internal moisture is very likely still present, and a major wet spell is forecast from tomorrow.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
A scenic Fell Sandstone outcrop 3 miles west of Alnwick on the B6341, set below road level with good views toward the Cheviots. Primarily a trad venue with routes from Severe to E4, making it one of the few Northumberland sandstone crags suited to roped climbing at mid-grades. The sheltered, below-road-level position slows drying and the rock can take runoff from above — check conditions carefully. The soft Fell Sandstone is susceptible to damage from top-roping.
Condition Notes
Below-road-level position channels runoff from above onto the rock face — can be wet even when other crags are dry. Rock is more friable and porous than most Northumberland sandstone; after rain it can develop 'scrittle' (loose grit and dust) on holds, making conditions particularly challenging even after the surface appears dry. A long sustained period of dry, windy weather is needed to properly clear this. Soft Fell Sandstone is particularly susceptible to top-rope damage. Check the crag top for dampness before committing to routes. On the positive side, the sheltered aspect can be unusually warm on sunny days, especially early season (March–May).
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 150m
- Climbing
- Trad
- Aspects
- NW S
- Routes
- 40
- Trad Grades
- S – E4
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 5 min
Site Data
- Name
- Corby's Crag
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Trad
- Aspects
- NW, S
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 150m
- Latitude
- 55.381
- Longitude
- -1.785
- OS Grid Ref
- —
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 5 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 40
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- S – E4
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Layby on the B6341, 3 miles west of Alnwick.
- Condition Notes
- Below-road-level position channels runoff from above onto the rock face — can be wet even when other crags are dry. Rock is more friable and porous than most Northumberland sandstone; after rain it can develop 'scrittle' (loose grit and dust) on holds, making conditions particularly challenging even after the surface appears dry. A long sustained period of dry, windy weather is needed to properly clear this. Soft Fell Sandstone is particularly susceptible to top-rope damage. Check the crag top for dampness before committing to routes. On the positive side, the sheltered aspect can be unusually warm on sunny days, especially early season (March–May).
- ID
- 5db14702-dd31-48ce-8123-2f7b4a972bfd
Community
Local knowledge and data feedback from climbers
Local Knowledge
The rock type here is particularly friable and porous, more so than the majority of northumberland crags. Additionally the rock can suffer from a level of 'dust' and 'scrittle' after periods of rain that causes the climbing conditions to be particularly challenging. A long sustained period of dry windy weather will help clear this. On the positive side, due to it's aspect the crag can be particularly warm and sheltered on sunny days, especially early in the season - March through to May.