Shaftoe Crags has received repeated light-to-moderate rainfall over the past week (7.5mm in 7 days), including 2.9mm today with rain continuing into the evening hours, meaning the rock is currently wet. With no consecutive dry days and more rain forecast tomorrow, conditions are clearly unsuitable for climbing on this porous Fell Sandstone.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
The premier dedicated bouldering venue in Northumberland, near Bolam. Over 330 problems spread across scattered boulders and low outcrops on open moorland. The exposed hilltop setting with panoramic views dries well in wind, but the porous Fell Sandstone must not be climbed when wet — damage is occurring to classics due to bad etiquette.
Condition Notes
Scattered boulders dry at different rates — check individual problems rather than assuming uniform conditions. Damage to classics from wet climbing is an active concern; the community takes a strict approach to conditions here.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 213m
- Climbing
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- S
- Problems
- 330
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 8a
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 10 min
Site Data
- Name
- Shaftoe Crags
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- S
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 213m
- Latitude
- 55.138
- Longitude
- -1.925
- OS Grid Ref
- NZ 053821
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 10 min
- Problem Count
- 330
- Route Count
- —
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 8a
- Trad Grades
- —
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- End of rough farm track past Bolam Lake — park only next to the wall. Do not drive further along the track. Large farm vehicles need constant access.
- Condition Notes
- Scattered boulders dry at different rates — check individual problems rather than assuming uniform conditions. Damage to classics from wet climbing is an active concern; the community takes a strict approach to conditions here.
- ID
- 97aeac50-4054-442b-b537-6a44cde3a507
Community
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