Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Only one full dry day since 1.6mm rain on August 25th, and the preceding week included 11.7mm and 5.0mm events; today is dry with moderate wind but very high humidity (86% average, 93–95% overnight). The rock may have dried sufficiently on wind-exposed faces by this afternoon, but the NW aspect, high altitude, persistent cloud cover, and elevated humidity create significant uncertainty about internal moisture state.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with NW aspect, Simonside is frequently in cloud even on 'dry' days — overnight humidity of 93–95% and 100% cloud cover suggests mist condensation may have deposited surface moisture this morning despite no recorded rain.
- Wind-exposed problems facing south or catching the easterly breeze will dry fastest and are the most likely candidates for climbable conditions this afternoon.
- The 30+ minute walk-in means conditions can change significantly during the approach — what looks promising from the car park may be different at crag level.
- Heavy rain is forecast from tomorrow (23mm on Aug 27, 18mm on Aug 28) making today the only realistic window before a prolonged wet spell.
Warnings
2
- Heavy rain (23mm+) is forecast for tomorrow — do not attempt to climb from August 27 onwards until an extended dry spell has occurred.
- At 430m in persistent cloud, the rock surface can be coated in mist condensation even when weather stations record no precipitation — always perform a thorough touch-test on arrival.
Reasoning
1.6mm fell on August 25th after a wetter period (11.7mm on Aug 19, 5.0mm on Aug 20), giving only one full dry day; with humidity averaging 81% over the last week and overnight values reaching 95%, internal moisture levels are likely still elevated despite surface drying.
Today's easterly wind at ~15–17 km/h and temperatures reaching 21°C provide moderate drying potential, but the NW aspect means the crag receives no direct sun and high cloud cover (near 100% for most of the day) limits radiative drying significantly.
The recent rain was light (1.6mm) and the heavier events (11.7mm, 5.0mm) are now 6–7 days ago with several dry days intervening, so deep saturation risk is moderate rather than severe, but the persistently high humidity has slowed internal drying.
Mid-to-late August is within the viable climbing season for Simonside, and temperatures are adequate for drying, though the site is approaching the end of its optimal window as autumn approaches.
Contributing Factors
7
1.6mm fell on August 25th with only one dry day since, insufficient for confident full drying of porous Fell Sandstone at this altitude and aspect.
Humidity has averaged 81% over the past week with overnight values of 93–95%, severely limiting evaporative drying and potentially depositing mist-moisture on the rock surface.
Near 100% cloud cover for most of today eliminates solar drying, which is already minimal on this NW-facing crag.
Easterly wind at 15–17 km/h provides the primary drying mechanism at this exposed summit ridge position.
Four consecutive dry days from August 21–24 with moderate wind allowed significant drying after the heavier rain on Aug 19–20, meaning the rock was in reasonable condition before the Aug 25 shower.
Temperatures reaching 20°C today aid evaporation and are well within the viable range for Simonside.
23mm forecast tomorrow and 18mm on August 28 will thoroughly saturate the rock, making today the last possible window for nearly a week.
Recommendations
3
- If you go today, arrive by early afternoon and carefully assess exposed, wind-facing problems first — touch-test the rock and check for any dampness before committing to climb.
- Avoid any problems in sheltered alcoves, lower sections, or areas with moss/lichen cover, as these will retain moisture longest.
- Do not plan any climbing from August 27 onwards — the heavy rain forecast (40+ mm over two days) will require several days of dry weather before the crag is safe again.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
62%
57 days ago
Four consecutive dry days with moderate temperatures and decent wind have followed significant rain on Aug 19–20 (16.7mm combined), giving the rock a reasonable drying window. However, the NW aspect at 430m, high average humidity (81%), and overnight condensation/mist risk mean internal moisture may linger — a careful on-site assessment is essential, particularly for lower and shaded sections.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with NW aspect, Simonside is frequently in cloud even on otherwise dry days, and overnight humidity regularly exceeds 90%, depositing surface moisture that resets drying on the outermost rock layer.
- The recent wet spell (Aug 16–20: ~26.5mm over five days) will have saturated the rock deeply; four dry days is the minimum needed, and sheltered or lower sections may still hold internal moisture.
- Today's hourly forecast shows humidity dropping to ~49–52% between 12:00–15:00 with light wind picking up to 16 km/h — this midday–afternoon window offers the best chance of genuinely dry surface conditions.
- The forecast deteriorates sharply from Aug 25 onward with near-continuous rain and high humidity through the week, making today likely the last reasonable climbing window for some time.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may feel dry while internal moisture persists — test holds carefully and back off immediately if any grittiness, darkening, or dampness is detected.
- Conditions deteriorate rapidly from tomorrow; do not assume today's marginal window extends into the coming days.
Reasoning
The 16.7mm of rain on Aug 19–20 would have deeply saturated this high-porosity sandstone, and while four dry days have elapsed, the consistently high humidity (averaging 81%) and NW aspect at altitude limit the rate of internal drying.
Moderate SW/N winds of 12–17 km/h over the drying period help significantly at this exposed site, but the NW aspect receives virtually no direct sun to drive deep evaporation, and overnight humidity above 90% repeatedly re-wets the surface.
The rock has had just enough drying time to reduce surface moisture but internal saturation may persist in deeper holds and lower sections, posing a moderate risk of grain loosening and hold breakage on fine features.
Mid-summer conditions are the most favourable for Simonside, with the warmest temperatures and longest days, though the 430m altitude keeps average temperatures modest and cloud immersion common.
Contributing Factors
7
No measurable rain since Aug 20 (5.0mm), giving the rock four full days to dry — meeting the minimum community guideline for porous rock.
Approximately 26.5mm fell between Aug 16–20, enough to deeply saturate the high-porosity sandstone and require extended drying.
Average humidity over the drying period has been 81%, with overnight values consistently above 90%, significantly slowing evaporative drying.
The NW-facing rock receives minimal direct solar radiation, removing one of the most effective drying mechanisms.
Sustained winds of 12–18 km/h over the drying period help strip moisture from the surface and are Simonside's primary drying advantage.
Humidity drops to 49–52% between 12:00–15:00 with clearing skies and building wind to 16 km/h, creating the best conditions of the day.
Rain returns tomorrow (1.5mm) and escalates to 16.9mm on Aug 28, meaning the rock will be re-saturated and conditions will worsen significantly.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, target the midday–afternoon window (11:00–16:00) when humidity is lowest and wind is strongest; apply the touch test to holds before committing.
- Focus on upper, more exposed sections of the crag that catch the wind — avoid sheltered recesses, lower slabs, and any sections with visible dampness or dark patches.
- Given the incoming week of rain, if the rock does not feel completely dry to the touch today, walk away — the next reliable window may not arrive until several days after Aug 29.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
60%
58 days ago
Three consecutive dry days with moderate temperatures and reasonable wind should have dried most of the rock after the 11.7mm and 5.0mm rain on Aug 19–20, but the NW aspect, high altitude, and persistent humidity in the low-to-mid 80s mean internal moisture may linger in places. Climbers should visually and physically inspect the rock before committing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with a NW aspect, Simonside frequently sits in cloud or mist, which can deposit surface moisture even on rain-free days — check conditions are clear before the walk-in.
- The exposed ridge position means SW–W winds (dominant recently) blow across the face and significantly aid drying, but the easterly winds forecast from tomorrow onward will be less effective on the NW-facing rock.
- The most recent condition report (April) noted that wind-exposed and south-facing problems dried first — prioritise these areas and avoid sheltered recesses or lower sections of the crag.
- The long walk-in (30+ minutes) means committing to a visit without certainty; if the ground at the crag base is damp, treat the rock as still wet internally.
Warnings
2
- Heavy rain is forecast for Aug 27–28 (36mm+) which will completely re-saturate the rock — plan visits before this window closes.
- Do not rely on surface appearance alone; Fell Sandstone can appear dry while retaining damaging internal moisture after recent heavy wetting.
Reasoning
The last significant rain was 11.7mm on Aug 19 followed by 5.0mm on Aug 20, giving three full dry days (Aug 21–23) — borderline adequate for porous Fell Sandstone that received a cumulative ~17mm over two days.
Moderate SW/W winds (11–17 km/h) over the three dry days and temperatures around 15–19°C provide reasonable evaporative conditions, but the NW aspect receives almost no direct sun and average humidity has remained around 78–83%, slowing drying considerably.
With porosity up to 20.7% and recent heavy wetting, there is a moderate risk that internal moisture persists — surface-dry rock could still be structurally weakened, particularly on lower or sheltered sections.
Mid-to-late August is within the viable climbing season for Simonside, and temperatures are adequate for drying, though conditions are deteriorating toward autumn with increasing rainfall frequency.
Contributing Factors
6
Three consecutive dry days since 5.0mm on Aug 20, meeting the minimum threshold for light-to-moderate rain but marginal for the cumulative 17mm over Aug 19–20.
The NW-facing rock receives very little direct sunlight, relying almost entirely on wind and ambient warmth for drying.
The exposed summit ridge at 430m receives strong wind which is the primary drying mechanism for this crag and has been blowing at 11–17 km/h from favourable SW/W directions during the dry spell.
Average humidity over the drying period has been in the high 70s to low 80s, significantly reducing evaporative potential compared to drier conditions.
At 430m the crag frequently enters cloud, and even on nominally dry days mist can deposit surface moisture that re-wets the rock.
24.2mm in the last 7 days including two consecutive wet days (Aug 19–20 totalling ~17mm) means the rock was thoroughly wetted before the current dry spell.
Recommendations
3
- Prioritise wind-exposed and any south-facing problems which dry first; avoid sheltered recesses and lower crag sections.
- Check the ground at the crag base on arrival — if it is damp rather than sandy-dry, the rock is likely still wet internally and you should not climb.
- Today (Aug 23) offers the best window before conditions deteriorate from Aug 25 onward — if the rock feels dry and gritty to the touch, conditions may be acceptable for climbing.
Do Not Climb
45%
59 days ago
Heavy rain on Aug 19 (11.7mm) and Aug 20 (5.0mm) totalling nearly 17mm has been followed by only two dry days with moderate humidity (72–83%) and light winds — insufficient drying time for this high-altitude, NW-facing sandstone. While today is dry and conditions are slowly improving, the rock is very likely still holding internal moisture, particularly on this shaded aspect.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Simonside's NW aspect at 430m receives virtually no direct sun, so drying relies almost entirely on wind and ambient temperature — both have been modest over the last two days.
- At this altitude the crag is frequently enveloped in cloud or mist, which can deposit surface moisture even on nominally dry days, resetting the drying clock.
- The recent wet spell (26.5mm in 7 days across multiple events on Aug 16–20) will have allowed deep saturation of the porous sandstone, requiring a longer drying window than a single rain event.
- The most recent condition report (April) noted that only wind-exposed or south-facing problems were dry — the NW-facing majority of the crag retains moisture far longer than other Northumberland sandstone venues.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb on Fell Sandstone that appears surface-dry but may be internally saturated — hold breakage causes permanent, irreversible route damage.
- Cloud immersion at 430m can re-wet rock surfaces without rain; conditions can deteriorate rapidly even on a forecast-dry day.
Reasoning
With 11.7mm on Aug 19 and 5.0mm on Aug 20 following earlier rain on Aug 16–17, the rock has been repeatedly wetted and will have reached significant internal saturation despite only two subsequent dry days.
Two dry days with humidity around 72–83% and winds of only 10–17 km/h on a NW-facing crag at 430m provide marginal drying — well short of the 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions needed after heavy rain on porous sandstone.
Internal moisture is very likely still present, posing a real risk of grain loosening and hold breakage on the iron oxide features that define Simonside's climbing.
Mid-summer temperatures are helping (13–17°C), but the high average humidity of 83% over the past week and the crag's cloud-prone altitude significantly offset any seasonal advantage.
Contributing Factors
7
11.7mm on Aug 19 plus 5.0mm on Aug 20 following rain on Aug 16–17 means cumulative deep wetting of the sandstone.
Two days of drying falls well short of the 48–72+ hours of favourable conditions required after heavy rain on Fell Sandstone.
The NW-facing aspect receives minimal direct sunlight, removing one of the most effective drying mechanisms.
At 430m the crag is frequently in cloud, which deposits surface moisture and can reset drying progress even on rainless days.
The exposed summit position allows wind to aid drying, though recent winds have been moderate (10–17 km/h) rather than strong.
Temperatures of 14–17°C provide reasonable evaporative potential, better than spring or autumn conditions.
Average humidity of 83% over the past week significantly slows evaporation from the rock surface.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least another 1–2 full dry days with wind before visiting; the rock needs more drying time after the recent heavy rain.
- If you do visit, check the ground at the base of the crag — if it is still damp rather than sandy-dry, the rock is certainly too wet to climb.
- Consider lower-altitude, south-facing Northumberland sandstone venues (e.g. Kyloe) which will have dried faster from the same rain events.
Do Not Climb
35%
60 days ago
Heavy rain on August 19 (11.7mm) followed by further rain on August 20 (5.0mm) means only one full dry day has elapsed — far too little drying time for this high-altitude, NW-facing Fell Sandstone crag. High humidity (82% average over the last week) and modest temperatures compound the problem; internal moisture is almost certainly still present despite any surface drying.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with a NW aspect, Simonside frequently sits in cloud or mist, which deposits surface moisture even on nominally 'dry' days — today's 82% humidity and NW wind direction make this very likely.
- The recent wet spell (26.5mm in the last 7 days including 11.7mm on Aug 19) will have deeply saturated the porous sandstone; one day of drying is wholly inadequate given the site's limited solar exposure.
- Wind exposure is the primary drying mechanism here since direct sun is minimal — moderate westerly winds are forecast but at only 11–20 km/h they are below Simonside's typical drying-effective wind speeds.
- The most recent condition report (April 2026) noted that only wind-exposed and south-facing problems were dry, confirming that sheltered and NW-facing sections retain moisture far longer than exposed faces.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the sandstone is almost certainly still saturated internally and climbing risks permanent hold breakage and route damage.
- The crag may appear surface-dry while retaining dangerous levels of internal moisture; surface appearance alone is not a reliable indicator at Simonside.
Reasoning
With 11.7mm on Aug 19 and 5.0mm on Aug 20, plus only one dry day since, the sandstone is almost certainly saturated internally despite any surface drying from today's breeze.
One dry day with moderate 19 km/h NW wind and 82% humidity is grossly insufficient drying time for high-porosity Fell Sandstone that received 16.7mm of rain in the preceding 48 hours — a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry weather with lower humidity is needed.
At current moisture levels the rock is likely to have lost 20–40% of its compressive strength, creating a serious risk of hold breakage and permanent route damage.
Mid-August is within the viable climbing season for Simonside, but the recent cool, wet spell has created conditions more typical of early autumn at this altitude.
Contributing Factors
6
11.7mm on Aug 19 and 5.0mm on Aug 20 will have deeply penetrated the porous sandstone, requiring extended drying.
Only one dry day has elapsed since the last significant rain — far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after heavy rain on porous sandstone.
Average humidity of 82% over the past week severely limits evaporation rates, and at 430m the crag may be in cloud today.
The NW-facing aspect receives minimal direct sunlight, removing the most effective drying mechanism for rock surfaces.
Simonside's exposed ridge position means wind is the primary drying agent, and moderate 19 km/h winds today provide some benefit — but not enough to compensate for the other factors.
26.5mm over the last 7 days means the rock has been repeatedly re-wetted before it could fully dry, leading to deep saturation.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until August 23 — a minimum of two further dry days with lower humidity are needed before the rock can be considered potentially dry enough to assess.
- If visiting later this week, perform the base-ground test: if the soil and rock at the crag base feels damp rather than sandy-dry, do not climb.
- Prioritise the most wind-exposed and any south-facing problems first, as these will dry significantly faster than sheltered or NW-facing faces.
Do Not Climb
90%
61 days ago
Simonside received 10.8mm yesterday and a further 5.6mm today with persistent cloud and high humidity; the rock is thoroughly wet. At 430m on a NW-facing aspect with minimal direct sun, meaningful drying has not begun and will not be sufficient for at least 48–72 hours of dry weather.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with NW aspect, Simonside is frequently in cloud — today's 100% cloud cover through the morning means mist contact moisture on top of the rain, further saturating the rock.
- The crag has seen 26.2mm in the last 7 days across multiple rain events (Aug 16–17, 19, 20), meaning the sandstone has had no opportunity to dry internally between wettings.
- Exposed summit position means wind can accelerate drying significantly once rain stops, but the N/NW wind direction today and tomorrow blows directly onto the NW-facing crag, potentially carrying additional moisture.
- The long 30+ minute walk-in means conditions cannot be easily re-assessed mid-day; committing to the approach in current conditions would almost certainly be wasted effort.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone causes permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage — the rock may appear surface-dry before internal moisture has dissipated.
- The 30+ minute walk-in to a high-altitude crag with rapidly changing weather means retreat options are limited; do not commit to the approach in marginal conditions.
Reasoning
Multiple rain events totalling 26.2mm over the past 7 days — including 10.8mm yesterday and 5.6mm today — mean the sandstone is deeply saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold where significant strength loss begins.
The last meaningful dry spell was Aug 10–15, but that progress was undone by rain on Aug 16–17 and again Aug 19–20; with NW aspect receiving negligible direct sun and humidity averaging 82% this week, drying will be extremely slow even once rain ceases.
With the rock saturated from repeated soaking, compressive strength is likely reduced by 30%+ and iron oxide holds are at serious risk of breakage — climbing now would cause permanent route damage.
Mid-August is within the usable season for Simonside, but the recent wet spell has pushed conditions well outside safe parameters; no freeze-thaw concern at current temperatures.
Contributing Factors
6
10.8mm on Aug 19 and 5.6mm today on top of 7.0mm on Aug 17 mean the rock has been repeatedly saturated with no drying window.
Average humidity of 82% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even when rain is not falling.
The NW-facing aspect receives almost no direct sunlight, removing one of the most effective drying mechanisms.
At 430m with 100% cloud cover today, the crag is likely in mist, depositing additional surface moisture on already-saturated rock.
While the exposed position usually aids drying, the current N/NW wind direction blows directly onto the face and wind speeds are moderate rather than strong.
Summer temperatures (min ~9°C) mean freeze-thaw damage is not a current concern despite the high moisture levels.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Simonside today or tomorrow — the rock is thoroughly saturated and needs a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry weather before conditions can even be assessed.
- Monitor conditions for Aug 22–23 which show a dry window with improving temperatures; if the forecast holds, an on-site assessment may be worthwhile by Aug 23.
- If visiting the area, consider non-sandstone alternatives such as the whinstone crags at Kyloe or Bowden Doors if those have had better drying windows.
Do Not Climb
85%
62 days ago
Simonside has received repeated rain over the last few days (7mm on Aug 17, 0.5mm on Aug 18, and 1.3mm today including ongoing drizzle and mist), with today showing 100% cloud cover and humidity above 90% for most of the day — at 430m the crag is almost certainly in cloud and wet. No meaningful drying window has occurred since the last significant rainfall.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with NW aspect, Simonside is frequently enveloped in cloud and hill fog, which deposits surface moisture on the rock even without recorded rainfall — today's 100% cloud cover and 90%+ humidity strongly suggest this is happening.
- The crag's exposed position normally aids drying via wind, but with wind shifting to N/NW tomorrow the airflow will hit the NW-facing crag directly, potentially driving mist and moisture onto the rock face rather than drying it.
- The last condition report (April 2026) noted that only wind-exposed or south-facing problems looked dry even in sunny, breezy conditions — the predominantly NW-facing rock is inherently slow to dry.
- Cumulative rainfall of ~11mm in the last 7 days with no consecutive dry days means the sandstone has had no opportunity to dry internally, despite summer temperatures.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on wet Fell Sandstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage — the iron-oxide holds at Simonside are irreplaceable.
- At 430m the crag may be in cloud even when lower ground is clear — do not assume conditions from the car park apply at the crag.
Reasoning
With 7mm on Aug 17, 0.5mm on Aug 18, and 1.3mm today (including persistent drizzle and mist through the early hours), the rock is almost certainly saturated or near-saturated, with no dry period to allow internal drainage.
There have been zero consecutive dry days since the Aug 17 rainfall; today's prolonged cloud cover (100%) and humidity (90%+) at summit level mean effectively no evaporative drying has occurred, despite moderate SW winds.
Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% compressive strength when wet, and with continuous wetting over recent days the iron-oxide holds that Simonside relies on are at significant risk of breakage.
August is within the recommended climbing season for Simonside, but the current unsettled spell with cloud-base at or below crag height negates the seasonal advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
7mm on Aug 17, 0.5mm on Aug 18, and 1.3mm today with no dry days in between means cumulative wetting with no drying opportunity.
Today's hourly data shows 100% cloud cover and 90%+ humidity for most of the day at 430m, strongly suggesting the crag is in cloud and receiving constant surface moisture.
Average humidity of 78% over the last 7 days and 83% today prevents effective evaporative drying even when rain stops.
The NW-facing rock receives virtually no direct sunlight, removing solar heating as a drying mechanism.
The exposed summit position normally aids drying, but with saturated airflow and cloud immersion the wind is currently bringing moisture rather than removing it.
Temperatures around 15–18°C support evaporation once the air dries out, but current humidity negates this benefit.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the crag is almost certainly wet from rain, drizzle, and cloud immersion with no drying window.
- Monitor conditions from Aug 22 onward when a dry spell with lower humidity is forecast; the crag will need at least 48 hours of dry weather after the last rain/mist to begin drying internally.
- If visiting later this week, check the base of the crag for damp ground and test rock surfaces thoroughly before committing — surface-dry sandstone can still be dangerously wet inside.
Do Not Climb
72%
63 days ago
Rain fell overnight today (3.1mm) following 5.4mm yesterday and 2.3mm the day before, giving roughly 10.8mm over the last three days. Although the afternoon today looks dry with decent wind, the rock at 430m on a NW aspect with 100% cloud cover will not have had adequate drying time, and further rain is forecast tomorrow and heavily on the 20th.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with NW aspect, Simonside is frequently in cloud — the 100% cloud cover today means the rock surface is likely receiving persistent mist-moisture even between rain events, preventing effective drying.
- The exposed ridge position does benefit from consistent SW/W winds (20–23 km/h today), which is the single biggest drying asset at this crag, but wind alone cannot overcome ongoing moisture input from cloud immersion.
- The most recent condition report (April 2026) noted that wind-exposed and south-facing problems dried first — climbers should note that NW-facing main faces will be the last to dry.
- The long walk-in (30+ minutes) means committing to a visit when conditions are marginal is particularly frustrating — checking conditions remotely or being prepared to turn around is essential.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on wet Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage — holds break under reduced compressive strength and the rock surface erodes; please wait for genuinely dry conditions.
- The crag at 430m may be in cloud even when the valley below looks clear — do not assume summit conditions match Rothbury conditions.
Reasoning
With 3.1mm today, 5.4mm yesterday, and 2.3mm the day before, the rock has received approximately 10.8mm over 72 hours with no meaningful dry window — the sandstone is almost certainly saturated internally despite any surface wind-drying.
Decent SW/W winds (20–23 km/h) and mid-teens temperatures would normally aid drying, but 100% cloud cover at summit altitude means the crag is likely immersed in cloud for much of the day, drastically reducing net evaporation from the NW-facing surfaces.
With recent cumulative rainfall and inadequate drying, internal moisture levels are likely well above the ~1% saturation threshold at which significant strength loss begins — climbing risks hold breakage and permanent damage to the soft Fell Sandstone.
Mid-August is within Simonside's viable climbing season, but this current unsettled spell with temperatures dropping to ~14°C at altitude and high humidity is producing poor conditions more typical of early autumn.
Contributing Factors
6
Approximately 10.8mm fell over the last three days (Aug 16–18), with no dry period long enough to allow meaningful internal drying of the porous sandstone.
100% cloud cover all day at 430m strongly suggests the crag is in or near cloud, depositing persistent surface moisture that prevents drying even without formal precipitation.
The NW-facing aspect receives virtually no direct sun to drive evaporation, leaving wind as the only drying mechanism.
Sustained SW/W winds of 20–23 km/h across the exposed ridge are the main drying asset and will help surface moisture evaporate faster than at a sheltered crag.
17.2mm is forecast for Aug 20 with further showers on the 19th and 21st, meaning any drying progress will be completely reversed within 24–48 hours.
Average humidity of 76% over the past week, and 79% today, significantly slows evaporative drying from the rock surface.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock has had insufficient drying time after three consecutive days of rain, and cloud immersion at altitude is likely adding surface moisture.
- The next realistic climbing window may not arrive until at least Aug 22–23 at the earliest, but only if the forecast dries out and winds remain; monitor conditions closely.
- If you do visit, apply the ground-moisture test: if the soil and rock base are damp on arrival after the 30-minute walk-in, turn around — the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Do Not Climb
88%
64 days ago
Simonside received 6.2mm of rain today with a further 6.2mm forecast this evening, following 2mm yesterday — the rock will be thoroughly wet. The five-day forecast shows continued rain through to August 21st, with no meaningful drying window until August 22nd at the earliest.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with a NW aspect, Simonside is frequently in cloud and mist which deposits surface moisture even without recorded rainfall, compounding the effect of today's rain.
- The exposed summit ridge position means strong winds can aid drying significantly when conditions eventually turn dry, but current and forecast wind speeds are moderate and accompanied by high humidity, limiting their drying benefit.
- The hourly forecast shows heavy rain arriving this evening (5.3mm between 20:00–23:00 plus 0.2mm at 19:00), so even if the morning's 6.2mm total included some early precipitation, fresh saturation is imminent.
- The most recent condition report (April 2026) noted that only wind-exposed and south-facing problems looked dry — the predominantly NW-facing rock at Simonside retains moisture much longer than the favourable micro-aspects.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on wet Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds — the iron oxide features that form small holds are especially vulnerable when saturated.
- The rock surface may appear deceptively dry between showers while remaining saturated internally; do not be fooled by brief sunny spells.
Reasoning
The rock is currently saturated from today's 6.2mm rainfall, with an additional 2mm yesterday and 1.8mm on August 9th meaning the sandstone has had no prolonged dry spell to fully dry out internally.
Despite the exposed position, today's winds are light (0–12 km/h) with humidity in the 60–99% range, and heavy rain is forecast this evening, so no meaningful drying will occur before the rock is re-wetted.
With repeated wetting events over recent weeks (29.6mm in the last 28 days) and the rock currently saturated, compressive strength is reduced by an estimated 30%+ and hold breakage risk is significant.
Mid-August is within the viable climbing season for Simonside, but the current unsettled spell with rain forecast through August 21st means conditions are temporarily unsuitable despite the time of year.
Contributing Factors
7
6.2mm recorded today with a further 5.5mm forecast this evening will thoroughly saturate the porous Fell Sandstone.
Rain is forecast on each of the next three days (Aug 18–20), preventing any meaningful drying of the rock.
Humidity has averaged 76% over the past week and is forecast to reach 90–93% on August 20–21, severely limiting evaporative drying.
The NW-facing aspect receives very little direct sunlight, removing the most effective natural drying mechanism for rock surfaces.
At 430m, Simonside is frequently in cloud which deposits moisture directly onto the rock surface even between rain events.
The exposed ridge position normally aids drying, but current winds are moderate and accompanied by high humidity, greatly reducing their effectiveness.
Temperatures of 15–18°C support some evaporation when rain stops, though this is insufficient to counter the ongoing precipitation.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Simonside today or in the coming days — the rock is wet and will remain so until at least August 22nd.
- Monitor conditions from August 22nd onwards when dry weather may finally arrive; the rock will need at least 48 hours of dry, breezy conditions after the last rain before it is climbable.
- If visiting Northumberland this week, consider non-porous alternatives such as the Great Whin Sill crags (e.g. Crag Lough, Peel Crag) which handle moisture better, though still check for surface slipperiness.
Do Not Climb
65%
65 days ago
Today has seen 1.1mm of rain and conditions are currently damp, with further rain forecast over the next three days totalling nearly 18mm. The preceding dry spell from Aug 10–15 with warm temperatures would have dried the rock well, but today's rain and the incoming wet spell make climbing inadvisable right now.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with NW aspect, Simonside is frequently in cloud and mist-moisture can keep the rock damp even when no measurable rain falls — humidity readings of 81% today support this concern.
- The exposed ridge position means strong SW/W winds (commonly 20–30 km/h) are the primary drying mechanism here, partially compensating for the lack of direct sun on the NW face.
- The long walk-in (30+ minutes) means conditions can change during the approach — cloud can roll in quickly at this altitude, wetting rock that looked dry from below.
- The most recent condition report (April) noted that wind-exposed and south-facing problems dried first, while sheltered NW-facing problems stayed damp longer — the same pattern will apply now.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today or over the next three days — the rock is wet and further heavy rain is forecast, with 10.8mm expected on August 19th.
- Surface-dry appearance at this crag can be deceptive; the high porosity sandstone may retain internal moisture for days after rain, especially on the shaded NW face.
Reasoning
Today's 1.1mm of rain on already humid conditions (81% RH) means the rock surface is currently wet, ending a promising 5-day dry spell that had likely dried the rock well.
The preceding dry period (Aug 10–15) with warm temps up to 30°C and moderate winds would have dried the rock thoroughly, but today's rain has re-wetted the surface and the NW aspect receives minimal direct sun to drive evaporation.
Structural risk is moderate — the cumulative rainfall over the past 28 days (22.5mm) has been spread across multiple light events rather than prolonged soaking, so deep saturation is unlikely, but repeated wetting-drying cycles still weaken the sandstone.
Mid-August is within the optimal climbing season for Simonside, and temperatures are adequate for drying (17–23°C range), but the incoming frontal system will keep conditions poor for several days.
Contributing Factors
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1.1mm of rain today has re-wetted the rock surface after a promising dry spell, resetting the drying clock.
The forecast shows 3.5mm tomorrow, 3.4mm on the 18th, and a heavy 10.8mm on the 19th, meaning the rock will be repeatedly soaked over the next three days.
Humidity is 81% today and forecast at 79–86% through the 20th, significantly slowing evaporation from the porous sandstone.
The NW-facing aspect receives very little direct sunlight, removing one of the key drying mechanisms and leaving the crag reliant on wind alone.
The exposed ridge position with winds of 16–28 km/h provides the primary drying mechanism and partially compensates for the lack of sun.
Temperatures of 15–19°C are reasonable for evaporation, though not exceptional, and well above the 5°C threshold where drying stalls.
The rock had five fully dry days (Aug 10–15) with exceptional warmth (up to 30°C), meaning the crag was likely well-dried before today's rain.
At 430m, the crag frequently sits in cloud which deposits surface moisture even without measurable precipitation, a persistent concern in humid conditions.
Recommendations
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- Wait until at least 48 hours after the last rainfall — the earliest realistic window is August 21st if the forecast holds dry from the 20th onwards.
- If visiting on August 21st, check the base of the crag for dampness on arrival; if soil or vegetation at the crag foot is moist, the rock is still holding water internally.
- Prioritise wind-exposed arêtes and any south-facing problems first, as these will dry significantly faster than sheltered or recessed NW-facing walls.
Climbing Outlook