Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Buckstone How is currently unsafe for climbing. The crag has been subjected to an exceptionally prolonged wet spell — nearly 280mm in 28 days — with significant rainfall in recent days, today's humidity near 100%, and 100% cloud cover at altitude suggesting the crag is likely in cloud and saturated. Heavy rain is forecast for the next several days with no meaningful drying window.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished Skiddaw Slate at Buckstone How becomes treacherously greasy with even light moisture; the current saturated conditions make friction essentially non-existent on slab and face routes.
- At 360m on Honister Pass, the crag is highly likely to be sitting in cloud when humidity exceeds 95% — today's 100% cloud cover and near-100% humidity strongly suggest the rock is being continuously wetted by mist even between rain showers.
- The layered ledge structure of the slate retains pooled surface water despite the rock being non-porous, and persistent high humidity prevents evaporation of this standing water.
- The short walk from Honister Pass car park means rapid retreat is possible, but the exposed pass position also means the crag catches the full force of the prevailing SW weather systems currently dominating.
Warnings
3
- Polished wet slate at Buckstone How offers almost zero friction — a slip on even moderate-angle terrain could result in a serious ground fall or uncontrolled slide.
- The crag at 360m is very likely in cloud today and for much of the coming week; visibility may be poor in addition to the wet rock hazard.
- The prolonged saturation means water may be running across routes from pooling on ledges above, creating hazards beyond simple surface dampness.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated on the surface — 279mm in 28 days, rain on 6 of the last 7 days, humidity at 94–100%, and 100% cloud cover at altitude all point to a continuously wet crag likely enveloped in mist.
Despite the exposed S/SW aspect, there has been virtually no effective drying: only two dry days (June 14–15) offered any respite, and today's return to rain, 100% cloud, and near-100% humidity has negated any drying that may have begun.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the polished quarry-like surfaces present an extreme slip hazard when wet.
Early June in the Lake District should offer reasonable conditions, but this year's persistent Atlantic weather pattern has delivered far above-average rainfall, and the forecast shows no sustained dry spell emerging for at least five more days.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 280mm in 28 days with 32mm in the last week alone, keeping surfaces perpetually wet.
Humidity 87–100% over the past week with 100% cloud cover today means the crag is likely in mist, continuously re-wetting surfaces.
Skiddaw Slate's polished surfaces lose friction dramatically when wet, making even moderate-angle climbing dangerous.
Zero consecutive dry days currently, with only a brief 2-day break (June 14–15) in an otherwise relentlessly wet fortnight.
The exposed pass position and 25+ km/h winds would normally aid drying, but continuous rain and mist negate this advantage entirely.
84mm forecast over the next 6 days including 35mm and 29mm on June 18–19, ruling out any near-term drying window.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Buckstone How today or in the coming days — the slate will be extremely greasy and dangerous.
- Monitor conditions from June 22 onwards when the forecast shows the first potential dry day, but a sustained dry spell of at least 2 days with lower humidity is needed before the polished surfaces regain adequate friction.
- If visiting the area, consider indoor climbing walls in Keswick or Cockermouth until this wet spell passes.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
40%
2 days ago
After an extremely wet fortnight (277mm in 28 days, including heavy rain on June 7–11), the crag has had only a brief and incomplete drying window; yesterday and today saw trace precipitation and high humidity, with polished slate surfaces very likely still damp or greasy. Rain returns tomorrow and persists through the five-day forecast, so conditions are unlikely to improve soon.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished quarried slate at Buckstone How becomes dangerously greasy with even light surface moisture — the recent prolonged wet spell will have left layered ledges and slabs holding residual dampness.
- At 360m on Honister Pass, cloud base frequently sits at or below the crag; the 100% cloud cover forecast today likely means the rock is not receiving meaningful solar drying despite the S/SW aspect.
- The exposed pass position does help wind-dry surfaces, but persistent humidity above 80% and overcast skies severely limit evaporation effectiveness.
- Layered slate ledges and horizontal breaks act as micro-reservoirs, retaining water long after vertical faces appear dry — these are common on steeper routes here and create hidden slip hazards.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How can feel deceptively dry while retaining an invisible film of moisture that dramatically reduces friction — do not trust visual dryness alone after this level of recent rainfall.
- The hillside above the crag is thoroughly saturated; unexpected seepage onto routes from drainage above is likely even during dry spells.
Reasoning
With 277mm in the last 28 days, only 1.5 genuinely dry days since June 11's heavy rain, and trace precipitation today, the rock surface is almost certainly still carrying residual moisture, especially on ledges and in layered breaks.
The S/SW aspect and exposed wind (~17 km/h today) would normally aid drying, but persistent overcast skies (near 100% cloud) and humidity around 70–80% have drastically slowed evaporation, giving perhaps 36 hours of marginal drying at best since the last significant rain on June 11.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the prolonged saturation of surrounding ground means seepage from above may continue to feed moisture onto routes.
Early June in the Lake District should offer reasonable drying potential, but this has been an exceptionally wet period and temperatures have been below seasonal norms (averaging ~10.7°C over the last week), further slowing evaporation.
Contributing Factors
7
277mm in 28 days with major downpours on June 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 11 have thoroughly saturated the hillside and crag.
Only about 36 hours of marginal drying since the last significant rain on June 11, with trace precipitation on June 12, 13, and today interrupting recovery.
Humidity has averaged 85% over the last week and sits around 70–80% today, severely limiting evaporative drying of surface moisture.
Near-continuous 100% cloud cover today negates the benefit of the south-facing aspect for solar drying.
Steady 15–17 km/h winds at the exposed pass help strip surface moisture, though effectiveness is limited by high humidity.
Quarried and polished slate surfaces lose friction dramatically when even slightly damp, making climbing dangerous well before the rock appears visibly wet.
6.7mm forecast for June 16 followed by heavier rain through to June 20 means no meaningful drying window ahead.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the polished slate is very likely still greasy from recent rain, and light showers are forecast this evening.
- Wait for a sustained dry spell of at least 2–3 days with lower humidity and some sunshine before visiting; the current forecast offers no such window until June 21 at the earliest.
- If you do visit the area, consider lower-altitude non-porous alternatives with better drainage and more textured rock that handle residual moisture more forgivingly.
Do Not Climb
65%
3 days ago
Despite today being dry, the crag has endured an extremely wet period with over 270mm in the last 28 days and only one consecutive dry day following heavy rain on June 11th (19.2mm). While slate is non-porous and the exposed S/SW aspect aids drying, polished slate surfaces will still be dangerously greasy from residual surface moisture, seepage from saturated ground above, and the forecast shows more rain arriving tomorrow.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Buckstone How's layered slate ledges trap standing water and drain slowly after prolonged wet spells, meaning even a single dry day may not clear all surface moisture from horizontal features.
- The short walk from Honister Pass car park makes it easy to check conditions in person, but the exposed pass is frequently in cloud at 360m even when valleys are clear.
- Seepage from the saturated hillside above the crag can feed moisture onto routes for days after heavy rain, independent of direct rainfall on the rock face.
- The polished quarried slate surfaces at this venue are among the greasiest in the Lakes when damp — far slipperier than natural rough slate.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How can feel deceptively dry to the eye while retaining a thin film of moisture that causes sudden, unexpected slips — always hand-test surfaces.
- Hillside seepage from weeks of saturated ground may feed water onto routes unexpectedly, even mid-climb on an otherwise dry-looking day.
Reasoning
With 74mm in the last 7 days, 19mm as recently as June 11th, and only one full dry day (today), surface moisture and hillside seepage are very likely still present on the rock.
The S/SW aspect and moderate winds (17–35 km/h) provide good drying potential, but a single dry day is insufficient to clear the accumulated moisture from ledges, cracks, and seepage lines after such a prolonged wet spell.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but residual surface moisture on polished slate creates an extreme slip hazard.
Early summer conditions should favour drying, but temperatures have been below average (10.4°C over the last week) and humidity persistently high (87% average), significantly slowing evaporation at 360m altitude.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 270mm in the last 28 days with multiple heavy events (65mm on June 4th, 46mm on June 1st, 41mm on June 3rd) has saturated the hillside and left extensive surface moisture.
Just one consecutive dry day after weeks of near-daily rain is insufficient to dry polished slate ledges and clear hillside seepage.
The south-facing exposed position on Honister Pass catches sun and wind, giving above-average drying potential when weather allows.
Average humidity of 87% over the last week severely impedes evaporation, keeping surfaces damp even during rain-free hours.
Even trace moisture on Buckstone How's polished slate dramatically reduces friction, making routes unsafe well before they appear visually wet.
Light rain is forecast for June 15th (2.1mm) followed by heavier rain from June 17th onwards, preventing any sustained drying window.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 2–3 consecutive dry days with breeze before attempting routes — today's single dry day is not enough after this prolonged wet spell.
- If visiting today, check ledges and lower slabs by touch for residual moisture before committing; abort if any greasy feel is detected.
- Consider lower-altitude, better-draining alternatives in the Lakes if conditions here are not suitable.
Do Not Climb
90%
4 days ago
Buckstone How is currently saturated after an exceptionally wet fortnight (277mm in 28 days, 98mm in the last 7 days alone), with rain again today and no meaningful dry spell in sight. Polished slate at this venue will be dangerously greasy, and the layered ledges will still be holding standing water.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished quarried slate surfaces at Buckstone How lose virtually all friction when damp — even residual moisture from humidity or overnight condensation can make slabs unclimbable.
- Layered ledges and horizontal breaks in the slate trap water and drain slowly, meaning even after rain stops, pooled water continues to wet lower sections of routes.
- The exposed Honister Pass position helps with wind-drying but also means the crag is frequently in cloud at 360m, which re-wets surfaces through condensation even without rainfall.
- The short approach from Honister Pass car park makes it easy to check conditions in person, but climbers should not assume a dry car park means a dry crag — the crag sits higher and is more exposed.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate is extremely dangerous when damp — falls on wet slate slabs can be sudden and uncontrolled.
- The crag at 360m may be in cloud even when the valley is clear, re-wetting surfaces through condensation.
- Heavy rain forecast for June 16–17 will reset any drying progress made on June 14–15.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly wet: 98mm fell in the last 7 days with rain on 6 of those days including today, and humidity has averaged 88%, leaving no opportunity for surfaces to dry.
Despite the exposed S/SW aspect and moderate winds (20–35 km/h), the continuous cycle of rain every 1–2 days has prevented any meaningful drying; the last dry spell of more than one day ended on May 27.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the slipperiness hazard on polished surfaces is extreme in these conditions.
Early June should offer reasonable drying potential, but this has been an unusually prolonged wet spell; temperatures around 10–12°C at altitude are modest and limit evaporation rates.
Contributing Factors
7
277mm over 28 days with 98mm in the last week alone — the crag has had no chance to dry out.
Rain has fallen today and on nearly every day for the past two weeks, keeping surfaces perpetually wet.
Average humidity of 88% over the past week severely limits evaporation even during rain-free hours.
The quarried slate surfaces at Buckstone How become extremely greasy with even light moisture, making climbing dangerous.
Strong SW/W winds (20–35 km/h) at the exposed pass will accelerate surface drying once rain stops, but have been insufficient given the relentless rainfall.
The S/SW aspect provides good solar heating when skies clear, which will aid eventual drying.
Temperatures of 10–15°C at altitude are adequate for summer drying but not exceptional.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag will be wet and dangerously slippery on polished slate.
- Monitor conditions for June 15, which offers the best window if June 14 stays dry as forecast; arrive prepared to walk away if surfaces feel greasy.
- If visiting the area, consider lower-altitude non-porous venues with better drainage that may dry faster during any brief dry window.
Do Not Climb
75%
5 days ago
Buckstone How has been saturated by an exceptionally wet period — over 275mm in 28 days with 100mm+ in the last week alone, and no meaningful dry spell to allow surface drainage. Although slate is non-porous, the layered ledges will still be holding pooled water, and the polished surfaces will be extremely greasy; we recommend waiting for a sustained dry window.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The layered slate ledges at Buckstone How trap standing water after heavy rain, and drainage can be slow despite the exposed position — expect wet ledges and seepage between layers even after surface rock appears dry.
- Polished quarried-style slate surfaces here lose friction dramatically with even a thin film of moisture, making even easy-angled routes dangerously slippery.
- The exposed Honister Pass position and S/SW aspect are significant advantages for drying, and strong SW/W winds have been blowing consistently — these will accelerate surface drying once rain stops.
- At 360m altitude, persistent cloud and high humidity (86–96% recently) can deposit condensation and prevent full drying even on nominally rain-free days.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is treacherously slippery when damp — even a thin moisture film invisible to the eye can cause unexpected falls on slab routes.
- Layered ledges may hold standing water for days after this volume of rain; approach and belay stances may be slippery even if the rock face appears dry.
Reasoning
The rock surface is almost certainly wet or greasy today — 19.2mm fell yesterday, 0.6mm today, and humidity is 86% with no consecutive dry days recorded.
Strong W winds (35 km/h today) and the S/SW aspect will help surface drying, but one partial dry day is wholly insufficient after the volume of rain received over the past two weeks.
Slate is non-porous and structurally unaffected by moisture, so there is no risk of hold breakage or surface degradation from climbing while damp.
Early June should be prime season, but this has been an abnormally wet spell; temperatures are below average for the time of year, further slowing evaporation at altitude.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 100mm in the last 7 days and 275mm in 28 days represents sustained heavy precipitation leaving all surfaces and ledges thoroughly wet.
There has been no meaningful dry window — today still recorded 0.6mm with high humidity, so surface drying has not begun in earnest.
Average humidity of 89% over the past week means evaporation is severely suppressed and condensation may keep surfaces damp.
Consistent 20–35 km/h winds at this exposed pass position will accelerate surface drying once rainfall ceases.
The favourable aspect receives good solar radiation in June, which will assist drying once cloud clears.
The characteristically polished slate surfaces at Buckstone How become extremely greasy with even light moisture, creating a serious slip hazard.
At 360m with humidity consistently above 80%, the crag is likely sitting in or near cloud base, depositing additional moisture.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 2 full dry days with wind before visiting — the forecast suggests June 14th onwards may begin to offer a viable window, but assess on arrival.
- If visiting during the forecast dry spell, test friction carefully on low-consequence ground before committing to steeper routes — polished slate can feel deceptively dry while still being dangerously slippery.
- Check the Honister Pass webcam or local reports before making the trip, as conditions at 360m can differ markedly from the valley.
Do Not Climb
95%
6 days ago
Buckstone How is currently soaked after an exceptionally wet period — over 100mm in the last 7 days and nearly 270mm in the last 28 days — with heavy rain continuing throughout today. Polished slate surfaces will be extremely greasy and dangerous; conditions are clearly unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished quarried slate at Buckstone How becomes treacherously slippery with even light moisture, and the crag has been continuously wet for over a week.
- Layered ledges and horizontal breaks retain standing water and slow surface drainage, meaning even after rain stops the crag will have pooled moisture for hours.
- The exposed Honister Pass position and SW aspect will aid drying once a genuine dry spell arrives, but strong SW winds today are driving rain directly onto the crag face.
- At 360m altitude, the crag is likely in cloud today (100% cloud cover, 96–100% humidity) which will keep surfaces saturated even between rain bursts.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when wet — falls are highly likely on even moderate-angled terrain.
- The crag is likely in cloud today with near-zero visibility; navigation on the exposed hillside in these conditions requires care.
- Do not be tempted by brief pauses in rain — the rock will remain greasy for many hours after precipitation stops given current humidity levels.
Reasoning
The rock is thoroughly wet — 13.8mm falling today on top of 100mm in the past week, with near-100% humidity indicating the crag is likely in cloud and surfaces will be saturated.
Despite the exposed position and SW aspect, there has been essentially no meaningful drying opportunity in over a week; continuous rain, high humidity (88% average), and 100% cloud cover have prevented any surface drying.
Slate is non-porous so structural weakening is not a concern, but the extreme surface moisture makes polished slate dangerously friction-free.
Early June in the Lake District can deliver prolonged Atlantic frontal systems like this one; the recent spell is unusually wet but not unprecedented, and conditions should improve once the pattern breaks.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 100mm in the last 7 days and nearly 270mm in 28 days, with 13.8mm of rain continuing today, leaving the crag thoroughly drenched.
Humidity has averaged 88% over the past week and is 96–100% today, preventing any effective surface evaporation.
Hourly data shows rain falling almost every hour from 07:00 to 21:00 today, totalling nearly 14mm with no dry window.
The characteristically polished Skiddaw Slate surfaces lose almost all friction when wet, making climbing extremely dangerous.
The 30 km/h SW winds are driving moisture directly onto the south/southwest-facing crag rather than aiding drying.
At 360m with 100% cloud cover and near-100% humidity, the crag is almost certainly enveloped in mist, keeping all surfaces saturated.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit today — the crag is saturated with continuous rain and zero visibility is likely.
- Monitor conditions from June 14 onwards when a drier, warmer spell is forecast; the crag will need at least a full dry day with wind to shed surface moisture.
- When conditions improve, prioritise steeper routes where drainage is better and avoid slabs and lower-angled polished faces which retain moisture longest.
Do Not Climb
92%
8 days ago
Buckstone How is currently saturated after an exceptionally wet period — 178mm in the last 7 days alone, with rain continuing today and forecast through June 11. Polished slate surfaces will be extremely greasy and dangerous; conditions are clearly unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The layered ledge structure of Buckstone How traps standing water and slows surface drainage even though the rock itself is non-porous, meaning the crag stays wet longer than its exposed aspect would suggest after heavy rain.
- Polished quarried slate at this venue becomes treacherously slippery with even light moisture — the 178mm of rain in the past week will leave surfaces dangerously greasy for some time.
- At 360m altitude on Honister Pass, the crag is frequently in cloud during unsettled spells; today's 85%+ humidity and 100% cloud cover will suppress any meaningful drying.
- The exposed pass position and consistent SW winds do aid drying significantly once rain stops, but the sheer volume of recent precipitation means multiple consecutive dry, breezy days are needed.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when wet — falls on greasy slabs are a serious injury risk even on easy-graded terrain.
- The crag has received nearly 250mm of rain in the past month; do not assume surface-dry appearance means safe friction — test carefully before committing.
Reasoning
The rock surfaces are thoroughly wet — 178mm fell in the past 7 days including 65.5mm on June 4 and 30.6mm yesterday, with light but persistent rain continuing through today.
Despite the exposed S/SW aspect and moderate winds (~25 km/h), continuous rain and very high humidity (90% average over the last week) have prevented any meaningful drying; today's intermittent showers reset any brief dry spells.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the polished surfaces lose virtually all friction when wet, making climbing extremely hazardous.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but an unusually prolonged wet spell has kept the crag saturated; temperatures at altitude (7–11°C) are cool for June and limit evaporation.
Contributing Factors
7
178mm in the last 7 days and 240mm in 28 days have left the crag thoroughly soaked with standing water on ledges.
Light but persistent showers throughout today (7.6mm total) prevent any drying from beginning.
Average humidity of 90% over the past week with 85% today suppresses evaporation even on exposed surfaces.
The quarried slate surfaces at Buckstone How become exceptionally greasy when damp, making even light residual moisture a serious slip hazard.
Consistent 20–35 km/h winds across the pass will aid surface drying once rain ceases, but cannot overcome continuous re-wetting.
Temperatures of 7–11°C at 360m are below seasonal norms and limit evaporative drying.
7.9mm forecast tomorrow and 14.7mm on June 11 will extend the wet period before any drying window opens.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the dry spell forecast from June 13 onwards — polished slate at Buckstone How needs at least 1–2 full dry, breezy days after this volume of rain before surfaces regain adequate friction.
- If visiting from June 14, physically test friction on a low-level slab before committing to any route — residual seepage from ledges may persist even after surface drying.
- Consider lower-altitude, sheltered alternatives in the Lake District if you need to climb this week, though conditions are poor region-wide.
Do Not Climb
92%
9 days ago
Buckstone How has received nearly 170mm of rain in the last 7 days including 25mm today, with heavy rain overnight and into the early morning hours. Although the afternoon looks dry with moderate wind, the polished slate surfaces will remain extremely greasy after such prolonged saturation, and the layered ledges will still be holding surface water.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished Skiddaw Slate at Buckstone How becomes dangerously slippery with even light residual moisture, and the 169mm of rain over the past week will leave surfaces treacherous despite non-porous rock.
- Layered ledges and horizontal features trap standing water and drain slowly, meaning even after rain stops, pooled moisture persists and seeps across the face.
- The exposed Honister Pass position and S/SW aspect provide good wind-drying, but at 360m the crag has been sitting in near-continuous cloud (humidity 90%+) for a week, severely limiting evaporation.
- The short walk-in from Honister Pass car park makes it easy to check conditions visually, but climbers should not be deceived by dry-looking surfaces — polished slate retains a thin film of moisture that is invisible but lethal for friction.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when wet — friction loss is dramatic and falls are likely even on moderate grades.
- The crag is at 360m and has been in persistent cloud; conditions will feel significantly colder and wetter than in the Borrowdale or Buttermere valleys below.
- Do not be misled by a dry afternoon window today — surfaces will remain greasy for hours after rain stops on polished slate.
Reasoning
The rock is currently saturated on the surface with 25mm of rain today on top of 169mm in the past week; at 360m altitude with 82–98% humidity, evaporation has been negligible and the polished slate will be uniformly wet and greasy.
Although the afternoon shows a dry window with 20+ km/h SW winds and dropping humidity (to ~58%), a few hours of breeze cannot meaningfully dry surfaces that have been continuously wetted for over a week, especially with overnight rain resuming.
Slate is non-porous and not at risk of structural damage from water, so the concern is purely surface friction and climber safety on greasy polished holds.
Early June in the Lake District is seeing an extended wet spell with below-average temperatures (~11°C), limiting drying potential; the forecast shows continued unsettled weather with rain every day through at least June 13.
Contributing Factors
7
169mm in the past 7 days including a 65mm deluge on June 4 and 45mm on June 1 means the entire hillside is waterlogged with persistent surface runoff.
25mm of rain has fallen or is forecast today, with heavy precipitation overnight through 07:00 keeping all surfaces thoroughly wet.
Average humidity of 90% over the past week with the crag frequently in cloud means evaporative drying has been virtually non-existent.
The quarried Skiddaw Slate surfaces are highly polished and become extremely greasy with even a thin film of moisture, making any climbing dangerously slippery.
The exposed Honister Pass location receives strong SW winds (20–35 km/h) which will help strip surface water once rain ceases, but this is insufficient given ongoing saturation.
Today's forecast shows a dry spell from roughly 08:00 to 21:00 with moderate winds and some cloud breaks, which will begin the drying process.
Rain is forecast every day from June 9 through June 13, totalling another 37mm, preventing any meaningful extended drying period.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the polished slate will be dangerously greasy after sustained heavy rain and overnight precipitation.
- Monitor the forecast for June 14 onwards, which shows the first potential dry day; a full dry day with wind after this prolonged wet spell would be the minimum needed.
- If visiting the area, consider using the short approach to visually assess conditions without committing to climb — look for standing water on ledges and test friction on low holds before any attempt.
Do Not Climb
95%
10 days ago
Buckstone How is currently saturated after over 200mm of rain in the past week, with 39mm falling today alone and further heavy rain forecast for the next five days. Polished slate surfaces will be extremely greasy and dangerous, and there is no meaningful drying window in sight.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The layered ledge structure on Skiddaw Slate traps standing water and prolongs surface drainage even though the rock itself is non-porous.
- At 360m on Honister Pass, the crag has been sitting in cloud for days with humidity consistently above 90%, preventing any evaporative drying.
- The exposed position normally aids drying, but persistent SW winds are currently delivering successive Atlantic fronts directly onto the crag.
- The polished quarried slate surfaces here are among the most friction-sensitive in the Lakes — even residual dampness makes them unclimbable.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is treacherously slippery when wet — falls on even easy ground are a serious risk in current conditions.
- The approach from Honister Pass will be waterlogged and potentially slippery; stream crossings may be swollen after 200mm+ of recent rain.
- Cloud base is likely to be at or below crag level (360m) given current humidity levels, severely reducing visibility.
Reasoning
The rock is thoroughly wet after 206mm in seven days including 65mm on June 4th, 41mm on June 3rd, and 39mm today, with humidity at 96% offering no evaporative drying.
Despite the exposed SW aspect and moderate winds, continuous rainfall and near-saturation humidity mean no meaningful drying has occurred or will occur in the coming days.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but pooled water on layered ledges and seepage down crack systems will persist for days after rain stops.
Early June should offer good conditions, but this is an exceptionally wet spell; at 360m the temperatures are cool (averaging 11°C) which further slows any drying.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 206mm in the past seven days with major deluges on June 1st (46mm), June 3rd (41mm), June 4th (66mm), and today (39mm) have left all surfaces thoroughly soaked.
Humidity has averaged 93% over the past week and is 96% today, effectively preventing any evaporative drying between rain events.
The next five days show continuous precipitation totalling 82mm with no dry window longer than a few hours.
Buckstone How's polished Skiddaw Slate becomes extremely greasy with even light moisture, making current conditions genuinely dangerous.
The exposed Honister Pass position normally aids drying, but current SW winds are delivering rain rather than assisting evaporation.
Temperatures around 11–12°C at 360m provide minimal thermal drying energy compared to warmer summer conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Buckstone How until a sustained dry spell of at least 2–3 days with breeze and lower humidity materialises.
- Monitor forecasts beyond June 12th — the first potential dry day appears to be June 13th but even then residual moisture from ledges and seepage will need time to clear.
- If in the area, consider low-altitude indoor climbing alternatives rather than risking any Lake District slate venue in these conditions.
Do Not Climb
95%
11 days ago
Buckstone How is currently saturated after 174mm of rain in the last 7 days, with today adding another 5.6mm and high humidity (92%). The forecast shows continued rain every day through June 11th, meaning the polished slate surfaces will remain dangerously greasy with no meaningful drying window.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished Skiddaw Slate at Buckstone How becomes extraordinarily slippery with even a film of moisture — after this volume of rain, every ledge and slab will be treacherous.
- The layered slate structure traps standing water on horizontal ledges and in crack systems, meaning surface drainage takes longer than the exposed position might suggest.
- At 360m on Honister Pass, the crag has likely been in cloud for much of the recent wet spell given 92–97% humidity readings, keeping surfaces persistently damp even between showers.
- The SW aspect matches the prevailing wind direction bringing the rain, so the crag faces directly into the weather systems rather than being sheltered from them.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when wet — falls on greasy surfaces are a serious injury risk even on lower-grade routes.
- At 360m the crag may be in cloud even when Honister Pass car park appears clear — conditions at the crag can be significantly worse than at the road.
Reasoning
The rock is thoroughly wet after 174mm in seven days including two very heavy events (45.8mm and 65.5mm), with today adding further rain and 92% humidity preventing any evaporation.
Despite the exposed position and SW aspect, there has been zero consecutive dry days and the forecast shows continuous rain through June 11th, so no meaningful drying can begin.
Slate is non-porous so structural integrity is not compromised, but the extreme surface moisture makes the polished quarry-style surfaces a serious slip hazard.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this is an exceptionally wet spell; at 360m altitude, temperatures around 11–14°C and persistent cloud cover severely limit drying capacity.
Contributing Factors
5
174mm in the last 7 days, including two days exceeding 40mm, has left the crag completely saturated with water pooling on layered ledges.
Humidity has averaged 92% over the past week, indicating the crag is likely in or near cloud level much of the time, preventing any surface drying.
Every day from tomorrow through June 11th shows rain (10.7–20.8mm), with no dry window for the slate to shed surface moisture.
Strong SW winds (25–35 km/h) would normally aid drying, but they are carrying moisture-laden air and rain directly onto the south-facing crag.
Buckstone How's polished slate surfaces lose nearly all friction when wet, making even easy-angled climbing extremely hazardous.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Buckstone How until a sustained dry spell of at least 24–48 hours with wind and lower humidity allows the slate surfaces to dry completely.
- Monitor conditions from June 12th onwards, which is the first potentially dry day in the forecast — but even then, a single dry day after this volume of rain is unlikely to be sufficient.
- If in the Lakes during this wet spell, consider indoor climbing walls rather than risking injury on greasy slate.
Climbing Outlook