Despite a recent warming trend and strong winds, the extremely wet preceding weeks (123mm in 28 days) mean the porous Fell Sandstone is almost certainly still holding significant internal moisture. The rock may appear dry on the surface today but the cumulative saturation from prolonged winter rainfall, combined with consistently high humidity (88% average), means responsible climbers should wait for a longer dry spell.
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
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
- 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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