The last significant rain was 9.1mm on Aug 19, followed by 1.5mm on Aug 20 and 2.2mm on Aug 25 — giving only one full dry day before today. The S/SW aspect and exposed setting help drying, but persistently high humidity (~83% average over the last week) has slowed evaporation; a careful on-site assessment is needed before committing to climb, and heavy rain is forecast from tomorrow making this potentially the last window for several days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
Probably the most spectacular sandstone crag in Northumberland, located on high open moorland between Knowesgate and East Woodburn in the Ridsdale area. The escarpment stands 10–20m tall with around 87 routes spanning VDiff to E8 — many test their grade, with the VDiffs and Severes notably serious. Predominantly a trad venue with some bouldering. The exposed moorland setting at around 280m gives the crag a dramatic, remote character with panoramic views across Northumberland. Dries reasonably in a blow but the porous Fell Sandstone must not be climbed when wet. Park at the Fourlaws Forestry Commission gate on the Knowesgate–Ridsdale road; 20–30 min walk-in, boggy in places. CRoW open access land.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 280m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering
- Aspects
- S SW
- Problems
- 20
- Routes
- 87
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7a
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E8
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 25 min
Site Data
- Name
- Great Wanney
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering
- Aspects
- S, SW
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 280m
- Latitude
- 55.144
- Longitude
- -2.109
- OS Grid Ref
- —
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 25 min
- Problem Count
- 20
- Route Count
- 87
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7a
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E8
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Fourlaws Forestry Commission gate on the Knowesgate-Ridsdale road. 20-30 min walk-in, boggy in places.
- Condition Notes
- —
- ID
- b524c319-45d6-4c41-bb17-257f66fa6a71
Community
Local knowledge and data feedback from climbers
No community contributions yet — be the first to share local knowledge!