Raven Crag received 9.6mm of rain yesterday (April 12) with the last light showers ending late evening, and today is the first dry day following a prolonged wet spell totalling nearly 300mm over the past 28 days. While the south-facing volcanic rock can dry relatively quickly, only one dry day with moderate temperatures and limited wind is insufficient to confidently clear surface moisture and seepage lines — especially given the saturated ground conditions.
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 classic Lake District mountain crags, looming above the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale. Multi-pitch trad routes on superb Borrowdale Volcanic rock with excellent friction when dry. South-facing and catches sun for most of the day. Home to iconic routes including Bilberry Buttress (S), Centipede (HS), and Pluto (E2). The short approach from the valley floor makes it one of the most accessible mountain crags in the Lakes.
Condition Notes
South-facing volcanic rock dries well in sun and wind. Non-porous so does not suffer wet-rock damage, but friction is poor when damp. Some seepage lines persist after heavy rain, particularly on the left side of the crag. The south aspect and partial wind exposure mean it dries faster than many Lakes mountain crags. Can be affected by low cloud even when the valley is clear.
Active Restriction — Raven nesting
Ravens nest on the crag. Avoid areas near active nest sites. Check FRCC and BMC notices for current restrictions.
Feb 15 – May 31
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 280m
- Climbing
- Trad
- Aspects
- S SE
- Routes
- 80
- Trad Grades
- S – E6
- Access
- National Trust
- Approach
- 15 min
Site Data
- Name
- Raven Crag, Langdale
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Climbing Types
- Trad
- Aspects
- S, SE
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 280m
- Latitude
- 54.4356
- Longitude
- -3.073
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 285 064
- Access Type
- National Trust
- Approach Time
- 15 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 80
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- S – E6
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- New Dungeon Ghyll car park (National Trust, pay and display). Can fill early on good weather weekends.
- Condition Notes
- South-facing volcanic rock dries well in sun and wind. Non-porous so does not suffer wet-rock damage, but friction is poor when damp. Some seepage lines persist after heavy rain, particularly on the left side of the crag. The south aspect and partial wind exposure mean it dries faster than many Lakes mountain crags. Can be affected by low cloud even when the valley is clear.
- ID
- 936ce916-f5c2-400b-851b-b821ebe2bf81
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