Queens Crag has had only one full dry day since 1.9mm of rain on August 25th, following a very wet period that delivered nearly 58mm over the last 28 days — and 25mm of heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow. With the NW aspect, high altitude, high humidity (82% average over the last week), and the fine-grained sandstone's tenacious moisture retention, there has been insufficient drying time for confident climbing today, and the outlook for the coming week is extremely poor.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
Fine-grained Fell Sandstone bouldering venue at 300m on the escarpment north of Hadrian's Wall, near Sewingshields. Best known for high-ball and hard bouldering alongside a fine circuit of easier problems. The NW aspect and high altitude make it significantly slower to dry than lower-lying crags — primarily a spring and summer venue. Approach via the unmettalled road north of the B6318 to Sewingshields Farm; honesty box parking (£5) at the farm.
Condition Notes
High altitude and NW aspect make this significantly slower to dry than lower-lying crags. Fine-grained Fell Sandstone holds moisture tenaciously. Primarily viable spring through summer; avoid after prolonged wet spells.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 300m
- Climbing
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- NW
- Problems
- 80
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7c+
- Access
- Private (Permissive)
- Approach
- 15 min
Site Data
- Name
- Queens Crag
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- NW
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 300m
- Latitude
- 55.028
- Longitude
- -2.319
- OS Grid Ref
- —
- Access Type
- Private (Permissive)
- Approach Time
- 15 min
- Problem Count
- 80
- Route Count
- —
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7c+
- Trad Grades
- —
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Honesty box parking (£5) at Sewingshields Farm. Approach via unmettalled road north of the B6318.
- Condition Notes
- High altitude and NW aspect make this significantly slower to dry than lower-lying crags. Fine-grained Fell Sandstone holds moisture tenaciously. Primarily viable spring through summer; avoid after prolonged wet spells.
- ID
- a4ce9c4c-0f3f-47f3-8b6b-5900aec248f4
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