Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Rain is falling today and the rock will be wet and greasy through this afternoon and evening; polished slate at Buckstone How is dangerously slippery in these conditions. The forecast ahead shows a prolonged heavy wet spell with no meaningful dry window in the next five days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Buckstone How's polished Skiddaw Slate becomes extremely greasy with even light moisture — the 6.3mm today and persistent 100% cloud cover mean surfaces will have near-zero friction on slabs and lower-angle terrain.
- Layered ledges at this crag hold standing water and drain slowly despite the exposed position, so even after rain stops the ledges and horizontal features remain damp longer than vertical faces.
- The S/SW aspect normally aids drying, but with 100% cloud cover forecast all day and easterly winds today, the crag receives no direct solar radiation and wind is not hitting the face efficiently.
- The short walk-in from Honister Pass car park means quick retreat is feasible, but at 360m the crag is likely sitting in or near cloud base given 95%+ humidity this afternoon.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when wet — friction drops dramatically even with a thin film of moisture.
- Cloud base may envelop the crag at 360m this afternoon given 95%+ humidity, reducing visibility and making route-finding hazardous.
- The forecast 35mm on August 28 may cause significant surface runoff across the crag and approach paths.
Reasoning
The crag received rain from Aug 16–20 (38.6mm), had a welcome dry spell Aug 21–25, but today's 6.3mm with afternoon showers (2–3mm/hr at peak) means surfaces are actively wet right now.
Despite the exposed position and S/SW aspect, 100% cloud cover and moderate easterly winds (not hitting the south face directly) mean drying will be very slow; the brief dry morning window was insufficient to clear moisture from the preceding wet days.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the polished quarry-like surfaces at Buckstone How lose friction dramatically when damp, creating a serious slip hazard.
Late August in the Lake District often brings Atlantic frontal systems — the incoming 80mm+ over the next five days is typical of an early-autumn pattern, and conditions are unlikely to improve before September.
Contributing Factors
6
6.3mm total today with the heaviest showers (2–3mm) forecast between 14:00–16:00, meaning the rock is actively wet through the afternoon.
Buckstone How's smooth slate surfaces become extremely greasy with any surface moisture, making even moderate-grade climbing dangerous.
Persistent full cloud cover prevents any solar drying, and at 360m the crag may be in or near the cloud base.
The S/SW-facing crag is sheltered from today's easterly winds, reducing the usual wind-drying benefit of this exposed site.
Ambient humidity above 80% throughout the day severely limits evaporative drying even where wind reaches the rock.
Over 80mm of rain is forecast across the next five days, with 35mm on Aug 28 alone, meaning no drying window is in sight.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Buckstone How today or in the coming days — polished slate in these conditions is dangerously slippery.
- Monitor weather beyond August 31; the next realistic climbing window will require at least 24–36 hours of dry, breezy weather with some sunshine.
- If visiting the Honister area this week, consider the Honister Slate Mine via ferrata (with guides) as an alternative, or wait for the dry spell that should follow this frontal system.
Previous Analyses
Likely Safe to Climb
82%
57 days ago
Buckstone How has had three consecutive dry days following the wet spell of Aug 16–20, with today forecast completely dry, sunny, and with a moderate SE breeze — the south-facing slate should be well dried by now. Today offers an excellent window before significant rain returns from Aug 26 onwards.
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 moisture — friction loss is far more severe than on naturally textured rock.
- Layered ledges and horizontal breaks can pool water and stay damp longer than vertical faces; check these features before committing to routes that traverse ledge systems.
- The exposed Honister Pass position means the crag catches wind from most directions, which greatly aids drying but also means weather changes arrive quickly — keep an eye on conditions throughout the day.
- An easterly wind today (SE) is somewhat sheltered by the hillside above; drying may be slightly less efficient than with the prevailing westerlies, but solar heating on the S/SW aspect compensates well.
Reasoning
The last significant rain was 9.5mm on Aug 20, followed by a trace 0.3mm on Aug 21 and three fully dry days (Aug 22–24), so surface moisture on the non-porous slate should have fully evaporated.
Three dry days with moderate winds (10–19 km/h) and the south/south-west aspect receiving good August sunshine provide more than adequate drying time for non-porous slate at this exposed location.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening from moisture; the only risk is surface slipperiness, which is not a concern after three dry days.
Mid-to-late August in the Lake District offers reasonable daylight hours and warm-enough temperatures for good conditions; today's 18°C max and low humidity (51–68%) are favourable.
Contributing Factors
6
No rain since Aug 21's trace 0.3mm, with three full dry days providing ample time for non-porous slate surfaces to shed all moisture.
Humidity drops to 51% by mid-afternoon today — excellent for slate friction and well below levels that cause condensation issues.
The S/SW aspect has received direct sunshine through the dry spell, warming the rock and accelerating evaporation of any residual surface moisture.
Consistent winds of 10–19 km/h over the dry period at this exposed pass location ensure efficient surface drying.
Nearly 50mm of rain is forecast from Aug 26–29, so today and tomorrow represent the last good window before a prolonged wet spell.
Around 30mm fell in the preceding week (Aug 16–20), but three dry days is sufficient for non-porous slate to dry fully at this exposed site.
Recommendations
3
- Climb today or tomorrow to take advantage of this dry window — significant rain returns from Aug 26.
- Check ledges and horizontal breaks for pooled water before committing, as these features drain more slowly on layered slate.
- Bring layers for the exposed pass position; the easterly wind and 360m altitude will make it feel cooler than valley temperatures suggest.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
60%
58 days ago
After two dry days following a wet spell (36mm in the prior week), the exposed S/SW aspect and moderate winds should have cleared most surface moisture from steeper faces, but ledges and sheltered areas may retain dampness. Tomorrow looks promising with continued dry weather and improving humidity, but the window is short before heavy rain arrives midweek.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Polished quarried slate at Buckstone How becomes extremely greasy with even light moisture — surface friction is the primary concern rather than structural damage.
- Layered ledge systems trap water and drain slowly; even after the main faces dry, horizontal ledges and cracks between layers can hold residual moisture.
- The exposed Honister Pass position provides excellent wind-drying, but at 360m the crag frequently sits in cloud or mist which can deposit moisture even without recorded rainfall.
- An easterly wind forecast from the 25th onward is unusual for this site and may reduce the drying benefit normally gained from prevailing westerlies on the S/SW aspect.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at this venue becomes treacherously slippery with even a thin film of moisture — test friction carefully on low-consequence moves before committing to anything bold.
- A major rain event (60+ mm) is forecast for Aug 27–28; do not plan to climb on or immediately after those days.
Reasoning
Two consecutive dry days after 14mm on Aug 19 and 9.5mm on Aug 20, with only 0.3mm on Aug 21, suggest the main faces are likely surface-dry but ledges and sheltered nooks may retain dampness given the high average humidity of 88% over the past week.
The S/SW aspect receives good August solar radiation and the exposed position has provided moderate westerly winds (13–16 km/h) over the past two days, which should have cleared surface moisture from steeper rock, though today's lighter 8 km/h wind is less effective.
Slate is non-porous and not at risk of structural weakening from moisture; the concern is entirely surface friction on polished surfaces.
Mid-to-late August offers reasonable daylight hours and temperatures for drying, though the recent pattern of frequent Atlantic fronts with high humidity has limited sustained drying opportunities.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 36mm fell in the past 7 days including 14mm on Aug 19 and 9.5mm on Aug 20, saturating ledges and drainage lines.
No rain since Aug 21 (0.3mm trace) and a completely dry Aug 22 and today give approximately 48 hours of drying on an exposed site.
Average humidity of 88% over the past week and 81% today limits evaporative drying and may cause condensation on cold slate surfaces.
The exposed pass position has provided consistent airflow, though today's wind at 8 km/h is lighter than recent days, reducing drying efficiency.
South-facing slate at midsummer receives strong solar heating through the afternoon, accelerating surface evaporation on the main faces.
Over 64mm is forecast from Aug 25–28, with 33.5mm on Aug 27 alone, meaning any current drying window is very short-lived.
Recommendations
3
- Tomorrow (Aug 24) offers the best window — arrive early to take advantage of the dry forecast and lower humidity (72%), and visually check surfaces before committing.
- Focus on steeper, well-drained faces rather than slabs or ledge-heavy routes where residual moisture may linger.
- Postpone any plans for Aug 27 onward; heavy rain will make polished slate dangerously greasy for several days.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
55%
59 days ago
After a very wet week (38.9mm in 7 days culminating in 14.1mm on Aug 19 and 9.5mm on Aug 20), today is only the second dry day with just 0.3mm yesterday. The exposed S/SW aspect and moderate breeze will have helped surface drying on non-porous slate, but polished surfaces on ledges and slabs may still hold residual moisture given the high ambient humidity (79–90% recently).
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 trace moisture — the layered ledge structure traps surface water and dries more slowly than vertical faces.
- The exposed Honister Pass position generates good airflow for drying, but the crag sits at 360m where cloud base can linger and re-wet surfaces even on nominally dry days.
- The S/SW aspect is favourable for solar drying in summer, but recent humidity levels above 85% will have slowed evaporation significantly despite the aspect.
- After the prolonged wet spell (Aug 16–20), seepage from the hillside above can continue feeding moisture onto upper sections of the crag for a day or two after rain stops.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate can feel deceptively dry to the touch while still being dangerously slippery — test friction with boot rubber before committing to any moves.
- Hillside seepage from the recent prolonged wet spell may still be feeding moisture onto upper sections of the crag.
Reasoning
Only 1.5 dry days have elapsed since significant rainfall (14.1mm on Aug 19 and 9.5mm on Aug 20), and while slate is non-porous, surface moisture on polished ledges and in layered features is likely still present in sheltered spots given persistent high humidity.
The S/SW aspect and moderate westerly winds (12–17 km/h) provide reasonable drying conditions, but the combination of high humidity (79–90%) and only ~30 hours of dry weather means exposed vertical faces may be dry while ledges and slabs likely retain dampness.
No structural risk — slate is non-porous and does not weaken when wet; the sole concern is surface friction on polished surfaces.
Mid-to-late August in the Lake District is prone to extended wet spells and high humidity; the recent pattern is typical, with daylight hours still adequate for approach and climbing.
Contributing Factors
6
38.9mm fell in the past 7 days including 14.1mm and 9.5mm on Aug 19–20, with only 1.5 dry days since.
The exposed Honister Pass position provides consistent airflow that accelerates surface drying on non-porous slate.
South-facing aspect receives good August sun when cloud clears, warming rock and promoting evaporation.
Average humidity of 88% over the past week and 79% today significantly slows evaporation from rock surfaces.
Quarried slate surfaces at Buckstone How are polished and lose friction dramatically with even trace dampness, making marginal conditions dangerous.
Only 0.2mm forecast tomorrow, effectively negligible, allowing continued drying through Aug 23–24.
Recommendations
3
- Visit in the afternoon when sun has had maximum time on the S/SW face, and physically test friction on polished surfaces at ground level before committing to routes.
- Prioritise steeper routes with positive edges over slabs and friction-dependent lines, as vertical faces will have drained and dried faster.
- Consider waiting until Aug 24–25 for a more confident session if today's or tomorrow's surface check reveals any residual greasiness.
Do Not Climb
40%
60 days ago
Buckstone How has received significant rainfall over the past week (41mm in 7 days), including 14mm on Aug 19 and 9.5mm on Aug 20, with a further 2.8mm today. Despite slate being non-porous, the polished surfaces will be greasy and layered ledges will still hold standing water; we recommend waiting for the forecast dry spell to take effect.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished quarried slate at Buckstone How becomes exceptionally slippery with even a film of moisture — far more so than natural rough slate — making slab and lower-angle routes particularly hazardous.
- Layered ledges and horizontal breaks in the slate trap standing water and drain slowly, meaning surface moisture persists well after rain stops despite the rock being non-porous.
- The exposed Honister Pass position provides excellent wind-drying, but today's light 12 km/h northerly wind from a sheltered direction offers less drying benefit than the prevailing westerlies.
- A promising dry window of three consecutive dry days (Aug 22–24) with improving temperatures should bring much better conditions by mid-window.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is dangerously slippery when damp — even a thin moisture film can cause sudden, unexpected foot slips with no warning.
- Do not be misled by dry-looking rock; test friction on easy holds at ground level before committing to routes above gear.
Reasoning
With 2.8mm today on top of 14mm and 9.5mm in the preceding two days, surface moisture is highly likely across the crag, and layered ledges will be holding standing water.
Light northerly wind at only 12 km/h and 84% humidity today provide minimal drying; the S/SW aspect will have received some afternoon sun but not enough to clear accumulated moisture from a prolonged wet spell.
Slate is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so hold breakage risk is negligible.
Late August at 360m brings shortening days and cooling temperatures (average 12.7°C this week), which slow evaporation compared to midsummer despite reasonable daylight hours.
Contributing Factors
7
41mm in the last 7 days including 14mm on Aug 19 and 9.5mm on Aug 20 has thoroughly saturated surface drainage channels and ledges.
Continued precipitation today means no meaningful drying window has begun since the last significant rain.
Average humidity of 89% over the past week severely limits evaporation from rock surfaces.
Only 12 km/h from the north — well below the brisk westerlies that normally dry this exposed pass efficiently.
The S/SW aspect receives good solar radiation through late August afternoons, aiding surface drying when sun breaks through.
The Honister Pass location is well exposed to wind, which will accelerate drying once the forecast dry spell begins tomorrow.
Three consecutive dry days forecast from Aug 22–24 with dropping humidity should progressively improve conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until at least Aug 23 (two full dry days) before visiting, and ideally aim for Aug 24 when warmer temperatures and a SE breeze should have dried the crag thoroughly.
- On arrival, test friction carefully on lower holds before committing — polished slate can feel deceptively dry while still retaining a greasy film.
- Avoid slab routes and lower-angle terrain first; steeper faces with positive edges will offer better grip if any residual moisture remains on ledges.
Do Not Climb
55%
61 days ago
Buckstone How has been soaked by repeated rain over the past week (30.5mm in 7 days), with today adding further light precipitation through the morning; the polished slate surfaces will be greasy and unreliable. A brief drying window may open this afternoon (14:00–18:00) but it is too short to trust on polished slate after such a prolonged wet spell.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The layered slate ledges at Buckstone How hold pooled water after rain, and the heavily polished quarried surfaces become treacherously slippery even with residual dampness — surface drainage is slow despite the exposed position.
- The crag sits at 360m on Honister Pass where cloud base frequently drops below the crag level in unsettled westerly weather, meaning the rock can remain damp from mist even between rain showers.
- The S/SW aspect is helpful when the sun breaks through, but with 100% cloud cover for much of today the solar drying benefit is largely negated.
- The exposed pass position means wind-driven drying is effective once rain stops, but humidity levels above 85% for most of the past week limit evaporation significantly.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when damp — falls on greasy slabs can happen without warning and protection on slate is often marginal.
- Cloud base may sit at or below crag level (360m) in the current unsettled conditions, re-wetting rock even between rain episodes.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly wet right now — intermittent light rain has fallen through this morning (totalling ~1.5mm by midday), following 13.1mm yesterday and 30.5mm over the past week, with humidity persistently above 89%.
A brief drying window from ~14:00–18:00 today with humidity dropping to 61–64% and moderate wind (~15 km/h) may begin to strip surface moisture, but this 4-hour window after heavy recent rain is insufficient to dry polished slate ledges reliably.
Slate is non-porous so there is no risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from the wet conditions.
Mid-August in the Lake District is peak summer but the recent unsettled westerly pattern with temperatures well below average (13.6°C average vs typical ~18°C) has kept drying rates low.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 30mm in the past 7 days across multiple wet days, with the heaviest fall (13.1mm) just yesterday, means the crag and surrounding ground are thoroughly saturated.
Light but persistent precipitation through the morning (0.0–11:00 totalling ~1.5mm) has kept surfaces freshly wet into the afternoon.
Average humidity of 89% over the past week and 94–98% overnight severely limits evaporative drying even with wind exposure.
Humidity drops to 61–64% between 15:00–16:00 with moderate SW wind, offering a narrow drying window — but it comes after heavy morning moisture.
Buckstone How's position on the open Honister Pass means 15–17 km/h winds can strip surface moisture relatively quickly once rain stops.
The polished quarried slate at Buckstone How loses friction dramatically with even trace moisture, making partially dried surfaces dangerous rather than merely suboptimal.
100% cloud cover for most of the day at 360m altitude means mist contact is likely, which can re-wet surfaces even during dry spells.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for the forecast dry spell beginning August 22 — two consecutive dry days with lower humidity and moderate wind should bring the crag into condition by the afternoon of the 22nd.
- If visiting today, do not commit to routes on polished or slabby ground; even the brief afternoon clearing is unlikely to dry ledges and low-angle surfaces sufficiently.
- Check conditions on August 23 or 24 for the best window before the next rain arrives on the 25th.
Do Not Climb
92%
62 days ago
Buckstone How is currently soaked after 18.6mm of rain today on top of a very wet recent period (31.5mm in the last 7 days). The polished slate surfaces will be extremely greasy and dangerous, with further showers forecast through the afternoon and evening.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Polished quarried slate at Buckstone How becomes treacherously slippery with even light moisture — today's heavy and prolonged rain makes all surfaces extremely greasy.
- The layered ledge structure retains pooled water and slow-draining surface moisture even after rain stops, requiring extended drying time despite the exposed position.
- The crag sits at 360m on Honister Pass where cloud base frequently engulfs the crag in mist, adding ambient moisture even between rain showers.
- The south/south-west aspect will aid drying once the weather clears, but today's 100% cloud cover and persistent rain negate any solar benefit.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when wet — even a thin film of moisture can cause unexpected slips on what appear to be good holds.
- Further heavy showers are forecast this afternoon (15:00–19:00) adding to already soaked conditions.
Reasoning
The rock is thoroughly wet — 18.6mm has fallen today alone, following 3.7mm yesterday and 6.6mm the day before, with humidity at 92% and 100% cloud cover.
Despite the exposed pass position, drying today is negligible due to continuous rain, overcast skies, and high humidity; meaningful drying cannot begin until at least tomorrow afternoon.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening risk, but the friction loss on polished slate when wet creates serious slip and fall hazard.
Mid-August should be peak season but this prolonged wet spell with below-average temperatures (13.5°C max) is limiting drying potential significantly.
Contributing Factors
6
18.6mm of rain today with showers continuing through the afternoon and evening leaves all surfaces thoroughly wet.
Over 31mm in the last 7 days with zero consecutive dry days means the crag and surrounding ground are saturated.
Humidity averaging 92% today with 100% cloud cover prevents any evaporative drying.
Buckstone How's polished slate surfaces lose friction dramatically when wet, creating an unacceptable slip hazard.
The exposed Honister Pass location will aid rapid drying once the rain stops and humidity drops, but currently provides no benefit.
The S/SW aspect will accelerate drying once sunshine returns, but today's 100% cloud negates this advantage.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the slate is saturated and dangerously slippery.
- Consider visiting from August 22nd onwards after two full dry days with declining humidity and moderate wind.
- If visiting mid-week, check for residual moisture on ledges and lower-angled slabs, which dry last on layered slate.
Do Not Climb
92%
63 days ago
Buckstone How is currently wet and unsuitable for climbing. Intermittent rain throughout today with 100% cloud cover and very high humidity means the polished slate surfaces will be dangerously greasy. Conditions should improve from the 21st after a forecast dry spell with lower humidity.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The polished quarried slate at Buckstone How becomes exceptionally slippery with even a thin film of moisture — far more so than natural rough rock surfaces.
- At 360m on Honister Pass, the crag is frequently in cloud when humidity exceeds ~90%, meaning condensation can keep surfaces wet even between rain showers.
- The exposed pass position and strong westerly winds aid rapid surface drying once rain stops and humidity drops, but persistent cloud negates this advantage today.
- Layered ledges and horizontal breaks in the slate can pool water and remain damp longer than steep faces, creating inconsistent friction across a route.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How in current conditions is extremely dangerous — even damp residue invisible to the eye can cause sudden foot slips on slab and friction-dependent moves.
- The crag is likely in cloud at 360m given current humidity; visibility may be poor on the approach and at the crag.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from ongoing intermittent rain today (4.6mm spread across the day) following several days of unsettled weather, with humidity at 85–100% and continuous 100% cloud cover.
Despite moderate westerly winds (~20 km/h), the persistent cloud cover and near-saturation humidity mean virtually no evaporative drying is occurring; the S/SW aspect is irrelevant under total overcast.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern, but the friction risk on polished slate surfaces in these conditions is severe.
Mid-August should be peak season but the Lake District has been in an unsettled spell with 69mm over 28 days; temperatures are well below seasonal average at 13–15°C at crag altitude.
Contributing Factors
6
Intermittent precipitation throughout today (4.6mm total) is keeping all slate surfaces wet.
Humidity 85–100% with unbroken 100% cloud cover at crag altitude prevents any meaningful drying.
Nearly 12mm in the last 7 days with only brief dry windows means ledges and cracks have had no chance to fully drain and dry.
Winds of 19–22 km/h would normally aid drying, but are ineffective when humidity is near saturation and cloud envelops the crag.
A further 8.6mm is forecast for the 19th, meaning conditions will worsen before they improve.
Three consecutive dry days are forecast from the 21st with humidity dropping to 79%, offering a realistic drying window.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the slate will be dangerously greasy with active rain and saturated conditions.
- Target the 21st or 22nd August after the forecast dry spell; check that humidity has dropped below 80% and cloud has lifted before committing.
- On arrival, test friction on a low-level polished slab before getting on any route — if your shoe smears at all, the rock is not dry enough.
Do Not Climb
92%
64 days ago
Buckstone How is currently wet and will remain so today, with intermittent rain throughout and 100% cloud cover at 360m — the crag is almost certainly in cloud. The polished slate surfaces will be extremely greasy and dangerous, and the forecast shows continued heavy rain over the next three days before a potential drying window later in the week.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 360m on Honister Pass, 100% cloud cover today almost certainly means the crag is enveloped in mist/cloud, adding condensation moisture beyond just rainfall.
- Polished Skiddaw Slate at this venue is notoriously greasy — even a thin film of moisture from cloud contact dramatically reduces friction on the smoother quarried faces.
- The layered ledge structure traps water and delays drainage, meaning even after rain stops, pooled water persists on ledges and horizontal breaks.
- The exposed pass position is an advantage for drying in wind, but today's light winds (under 10 km/h for most of the day) offer minimal drying benefit.
Warnings
3
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is extremely dangerous when wet — even a thin moisture film can cause a sudden, unrecoverable slip.
- The crag is very likely in cloud today at 360m, meaning poor visibility compounds the friction hazard.
- Heavy rain is forecast this evening (6mm+ after 21:00) — do not be caught out on route.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from overnight and morning drizzle (8.7mm total today), with humidity at 95–99% and the crag almost certainly sitting in cloud at 360m.
No meaningful drying is occurring today — winds are light (mostly under 10 km/h until late afternoon), cloud cover is total, and intermittent rain continues throughout the day with heavier falls expected this evening.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural damage concern, but the extreme greasiness of polished slate when wet poses a serious slip and fall hazard.
Mid-August should be prime season, but the Lake District has been in a notably wet spell with 68mm over the past 28 days and only brief dry interludes; the current frontal system continues through mid-week.
Contributing Factors
6
8.7mm forecast today with drizzle throughout and heavier rain this evening, keeping all surfaces thoroughly wet.
Humidity 95–99% with 100% cloud cover all day means the crag is likely engulfed in mist, depositing condensation on rock surfaces.
Winds are mostly under 10 km/h until late afternoon, far too light to drive meaningful surface drying at this exposed site.
The polished Skiddaw Slate at Buckstone How becomes extremely greasy with even light moisture, making climbing dangerously slippery.
11mm in the past 7 days and 68mm in 28 days with only short dry windows means ledges and seepage lines have had little chance to fully dry out.
The next three days bring a further 29mm of rain, with no meaningful drying window until August 21–22 at the earliest.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is wet, likely in cloud, and conditions are dangerous on polished slate.
- The earliest realistic window is August 22, after the rain clears and a day of drying with NW wind; check conditions on arrival as ledges may still hold moisture.
- If visiting the area this week, consider lower-altitude alternatives on non-polished rock during any brief dry spells, but even those will require careful assessment.
Do Not Climb
70%
65 days ago
Today has seen 1.6mm of rain with very high humidity (91%), and the forecast shows a significant wet spell arriving tomorrow through the 19th with over 35mm expected. While slate doesn't absorb water, the polished surfaces at Buckstone How will be extremely slippery with active moisture and persistent high humidity preventing proper surface drying.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Polished quarried slate at Buckstone How becomes dangerously greasy with even a thin film of moisture — far more so than natural rough slate surfaces.
- The layered ledge structure traps standing water and delays surface drainage even though the rock itself is non-porous.
- The exposed Honister Pass position means strong westerly winds can drive rain directly onto the S/SW-facing crag, but also aids rapid drying once rain stops.
- At 360m altitude, the crag frequently sits in or near cloud base during unsettled spells, maintaining persistent dampness even between showers.
Warnings
2
- Polished slate at Buckstone How is dangerously slippery when damp — even residual surface moisture from humidity or light drizzle can cause sudden foot slips on slab and lower-angle terrain.
- A major wet spell with 35mm+ of rain is forecast through the 19th; do not plan to climb at this venue until at least the 21st.
Reasoning
Today's 1.6mm rain combined with 91% humidity means rock surfaces are currently wet or damp, and high humidity will inhibit evaporation through the day.
Despite the exposed position and S/SW aspect, moderate winds (14.8 km/h) and near-saturated air today provide minimal drying capacity, and further rain is forecast from tomorrow.
Slate is non-porous so there is no structural weakening concern; the risk is purely friction-related on the polished surfaces.
Mid-August provides adequate daylight and reasonable temperatures, but an Atlantic weather system is bringing a prolonged wet and cool spell that will keep conditions poor for several days.
Contributing Factors
6
1.6mm of rain today with 91% humidity means surfaces are currently wet and unlikely to dry before further rain arrives tomorrow.
Over 35mm of rain is forecast across the 17th–19th, ensuring the crag will be thoroughly wet for the next several days.
Humidity has been 91% today and is forecast at 94–95% for the next three days, preventing effective surface drying even between showers.
The exposed Honister Pass setting and consistent 18–27 km/h winds will aid rapid drying once the rain finally stops around the 20th–21st.
The S/SW aspect maximises solar exposure which will assist drying once skies clear, though cloud cover negates this benefit during the current spell.
The quarried, polished slate surfaces lose friction dramatically when damp, making even marginally moist conditions a serious slip hazard.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until at least the 21st of August when dry weather and lower humidity are forecast, then visually check surfaces before committing to routes.
- If visiting the area during the wet spell, consider lower-altitude indoor alternatives or well-sheltered limestone venues that may stay drier.
- On arrival after the dry spell begins, test friction carefully on lower-angle holds before attempting anything committing — polished slate can feel deceptively dry while retaining a greasy film.
Climbing Outlook