Five consecutive dry days with good temperatures, moderate wind, and a south/south-west aspect have allowed the slate surfaces at Buckstone How to dry thoroughly. Conditions today are genuinely dry, though humidity is elevated at 87% so shaded ledges may feel slightly damp.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
A prominent slate crag above Honister Pass in the heart of the Lake District, offering both bouldering and trad climbing on characterful Skiddaw Slate. The south-facing aspect and exposed hillside position mean it dries relatively quickly, though polished slate surfaces become extremely slippery when damp. The rock has a distinctive layered texture with positive edges on steeper ground. Stunning views over Buttermere and Borrowdale. Short walk from the Honister Pass car park.
Condition Notes
Polished slate surfaces become extremely greasy when wet — even light moisture drastically reduces friction. Non-porous rock so does not absorb water, but surface drainage can be slow on the layered ledges. Dries quickly in wind due to the exposed pass position. Best after a sustained dry spell with breeze.
- Rock Type
- Slate
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 360m
- Climbing
- Bouldering Trad
- Aspects
- S SW
- Problems
- 100
- Routes
- 40
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 7b
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E5
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 10 min
Site Data
- Name
- Buckstone How
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Slate
- Climbing Types
- Bouldering, Trad
- Aspects
- S, SW
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 360m
- Latitude
- 54.5112
- Longitude
- -3.195
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 225 136
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 10 min
- Problem Count
- 100
- Route Count
- 40
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 7b
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E5
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Honister Pass car park (pay and display). Can be busy in summer.
- Condition Notes
- Polished slate surfaces become extremely greasy when wet — even light moisture drastically reduces friction. Non-porous rock so does not absorb water, but surface drainage can be slow on the layered ledges. Dries quickly in wind due to the exposed pass position. Best after a sustained dry spell with breeze.
- ID
- aac6681d-9430-4666-8437-cc2ce4c5928a
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