Dow Crag is saturated after an extremely wet fortnight (over 240mm in 28 days) with rain today and more forecast through the week. The crag will be streaming with seepage, humidity is near 100%, and there is no meaningful drying window in sight.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
One of the great mountain crags of the Lake District, towering above Goat's Water in the Coniston Fells. Five main buttresses (A to E) offer multi-pitch trad routes from Diff to E7 on excellent Borrowdale Volcanic rock. The east-facing aspect catches morning sun but loses it by afternoon. At 600m altitude it's a serious mountain venue — conditions can change rapidly and the crag is often in cloud. Long approach (60+ minutes) from Coniston via Walna Scar road. Birthplace of many classic Lake District routes.
Condition Notes
High mountain crag at 600m — frequently in cloud and significantly colder than valley crags. East-facing aspect catches morning sun but is shaded by afternoon. Non-porous volcanic rock handles rain well but seepage lines are extensive after prolonged wet weather. Wind-exposed position aids drying when clear. Snow and ice can persist on ledges into late spring. Check mountain weather forecast, not just valley conditions.
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on the main buttresses. Specific buttress restrictions may apply — check BMC RAD and FRCC notices for current status.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on the main buttresses. Specific buttress restrictions may apply — check BMC RAD and FRCC notices for current status.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on the main buttresses. Specific buttress restrictions may apply — check BMC RAD and FRCC notices for current status.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on the main buttresses. Specific buttress restrictions may apply — check BMC RAD and FRCC notices for current status.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on the main buttresses. Specific buttress restrictions may apply — check BMC RAD and FRCC notices for current status.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 600m
- Climbing
- Trad
- Aspects
- E NE
- Routes
- 200
- Trad Grades
- Diff – E7
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 65 min
Site Data
- Name
- Dow Crag
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Climbing Types
- Trad
- Aspects
- E, NE
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 600m
- Latitude
- 54.373
- Longitude
- -3.113
- OS Grid Ref
- SD 262 977
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 65 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 200
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- Diff – E7
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Coniston village car park or limited parking at the start of Walna Scar road. Long walk-in via Goat's Water.
- Condition Notes
- High mountain crag at 600m — frequently in cloud and significantly colder than valley crags. East-facing aspect catches morning sun but is shaded by afternoon. Non-porous volcanic rock handles rain well but seepage lines are extensive after prolonged wet weather. Wind-exposed position aids drying when clear. Snow and ice can persist on ledges into late spring. Check mountain weather forecast, not just valley conditions.
- ID
- 6a5c94a9-5bec-4da6-9fc2-ccb7246ba3cb
Community
Local knowledge and data feedback from climbers
No community contributions yet — be the first to share local knowledge!