After a very wet period (nearly 200mm in 28 days), Shepherd's Crag has had two dry days (June 14–15) and a mostly dry morning today, but high humidity, full cloud cover, and light rain returning this afternoon limit drying. The south-facing aspect and non-porous BVS rock mean the main faces may have surface-dried enough for a midday window, but seepage-prone areas and sheltered sections will still be 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
The quintessential Lake District crag and one of the most popular venues in Borrowdale. South-facing Borrowdale Volcanic rock with exceptional friction when dry, offering single and multi-pitch trad routes at all grades. Classic routes include Little Chamonix (Diff), Adam (HS), Eve (HS), and Brown Crag Wall (HVS). Short approach from the road makes it ideal for shorter days or afternoon sessions. The sheltered valley position and sunny aspect make it one of the first crags to come into condition after rain.
Condition Notes
South-facing and relatively sheltered in Borrowdale — one of the best-drying crags in the Lakes. Non-porous volcanic rock allows climbing soon after rain when the surface has dried. Some seepage persists on North Buttress after prolonged wet weather. Brown Crag area can be slower to dry due to tree cover. The rough BVS texture gives excellent friction when dry but is noticeably slippery when damp.
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 170m
- Climbing
- Trad
- Aspects
- S SW
- Routes
- 120
- Trad Grades
- Diff – E5
- Access
- National Trust
- Approach
- 10 min
Site Data
- Name
- Shepherd's Crag
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Climbing Types
- Trad
- Aspects
- S, SW
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 170m
- Latitude
- 54.54
- Longitude
- -3.147
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 263 184
- Access Type
- National Trust
- Approach Time
- 10 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 120
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- Diff – E5
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Small car park off the B5289 near Lodore. Fills quickly on good weather days — arrive early or use Borrowdale bus.
- Condition Notes
- South-facing and relatively sheltered in Borrowdale — one of the best-drying crags in the Lakes. Non-porous volcanic rock allows climbing soon after rain when the surface has dried. Some seepage persists on North Buttress after prolonged wet weather. Brown Crag area can be slower to dry due to tree cover. The rough BVS texture gives excellent friction when dry but is noticeably slippery when damp.
- ID
- d663631b-4c48-4a48-814c-655bf932ea31
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