Dow Crag has had a very wet recent period with 72mm in the last 28 days, and today has seen light rain with 91% humidity — the crag is likely damp with active seepage lines. While three dry days earlier this week (Aug 10–13) offered some drying, today's return of moisture and a unsettled forecast through the weekend make conditions unreliable for this high mountain venue.
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.
- 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
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