Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Simonside has received persistent rainfall over the past two weeks (56mm in 28 days, 16mm in the last 7 days alone) with rain again today, and the NW-facing aspect at 430m with near-constant cloud cover and high humidity (81% average) means the rock has had virtually no opportunity to dry. The forecast shows continued unsettled weather with rain on most days through the coming week, making conditions unsuitable for climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m with NW aspect, Simonside is frequently immersed in cloud — today shows 100% cloud cover all day with 97% humidity overnight, meaning mist alone keeps the rock surface wet even between rain events.
- The past two weeks show an almost unbroken pattern of light-to-moderate rain (rain fell on 10 of the last 14 days), giving the porous sandstone no meaningful drying window.
- The most recent condition report from April noted that only wind-exposed and south-facing problems looked dry even on a sunny, windy day — the predominantly NW-facing rock dries very reluctantly.
- The long 30+ minute walk-in at altitude means conditions can deteriorate rapidly and retreat is slow; committing to climb here in marginal weather carries additional risk.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry during brief sunny spells but internal saturation after two weeks of rain means holds are severely weakened — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
- At 430m with persistent cloud and mist, conditions can deteriorate rapidly; the long walk-in makes retreat slow and unpleasant.
Reasoning
With rain on 10 of the last 14 days totalling over 40mm, plus today's 2.7mm and persistent high humidity and cloud immersion at 430m, the sandstone is almost certainly saturated internally despite any brief surface drying.
Although Simonside is wind-exposed and there has been moderate SW wind (20-30 km/h), the NW aspect receives virtually no direct sun, humidity has averaged 81%, and consecutive dry days have been zero — drying has been negligible.
With cumulative heavy rainfall and near-saturation conditions, the Fell Sandstone's iron oxide holds are at serious risk of breakage; climbing now would risk permanent route damage given the estimated 30%+ strength reduction.
Although June is nominally within Simonside's climbing season (May–September), the current unsettled pattern with persistent rain and cool temperatures (averaging only 11°C) resembles late-autumn conditions more than summer.
Contributing Factors
6
Rain fell on 10 of the last 14 days accumulating over 40mm, with no consecutive dry period longer than 2 days, keeping the porous sandstone perpetually wet.
2.7mm fell today with further rain forecast on 4 of the next 5 days (totalling ~10mm), offering no meaningful drying window.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week with today reaching 97% overnight severely limits evaporative drying even when rain pauses.
The NW-facing rock at 430m receives minimal direct sun and is frequently in cloud (100% cloud cover all day today), meaning mist deposits moisture even without rain.
Moderate SW winds (15-30 km/h) provide some evaporative drying, but this is largely negated by the high humidity and frequent re-wetting.
Temperatures around 14-19°C are warm enough to support drying in principle, but the combination of cloud, humidity, and rain prevents this benefit from being realised.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Simonside until a sustained dry period of at least 3-4 days with lower humidity occurs — the rock needs time to dry internally after two weeks of near-continuous wetting.
- Monitor the forecast beyond the current 5-day window; the current unsettled pattern shows no sign of breaking and Simonside needs a genuine high-pressure system to dry out.
- If you are in the area and determined to climb, consider lower-altitude, south-facing Northumberland crags that dry faster, but still check conditions carefully on arrival.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
85%
2 days ago
Simonside has received repeated rain over the past two weeks (53mm in 28 days, 15.6mm in the last 7 days alone) with the most recent rain today and further rain forecast through the coming days. At 430m with a NW aspect, high humidity (~79% average), and moderate temperatures, the rock has had no meaningful drying window and is almost certainly saturated internally.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m NW-facing, Simonside is frequently in cloud — even on 'dry' days the rock surface can accumulate moisture from mist contact, and the 100% cloud cover forecast from mid-afternoon today strongly suggests the crag will be in cloud.
- The persistent pattern of rain every 1–3 days since early June (June 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and today) means the sandstone has been re-wetted repeatedly before any meaningful internal drying could occur.
- The last confirmed condition report (April 12) noted only wind-exposed and south-facing problems were dry even after a dry spell — the NW-facing majority of the crag takes significantly longer to dry.
- Easterly winds today and tomorrow offer no drying benefit to the NW-facing rock and may actually push moisture-laden air directly onto the crag face.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on wet or internally damp Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage through hold breakage and grain loosening — the rock at Simonside is almost certainly saturated after two weeks of repeated rain.
- Cloud immersion at 430m can make the rock surface wet and extremely slippery even when it has not rained, posing a serious safety risk.
Reasoning
With rain on 12 of the past 15 days totalling over 30mm, plus today's 1.5mm and persistent high humidity (79–88%), the porous Fell Sandstone at Simonside is almost certainly saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold at which significant weakening begins.
The only meaningful dry window was June 13–14 (two days, 0mm), but this followed 2.2mm on June 12 and preceded today's rain — with 72–77% humidity, NW aspect receiving no direct sun, and moderate winds, two days is wholly insufficient to dry rock that has been repeatedly soaked over the preceding fortnight.
Repeated wetting over the past two weeks with no chance to fully dry means the sandstone is at high risk of hold breakage and grain loosening; climbing now would risk permanent damage to irreplaceable routes.
Although June is nominally within the spring/summer climbing season, the current unsettled weather pattern with below-average temperatures (~11°C average) and above-average humidity is delivering conditions more typical of autumn at this altitude.
Contributing Factors
6
Rain has fallen on 12 of the past 15 days with a cumulative total exceeding 30mm, keeping the rock in a persistently saturated state with no opportunity for internal drying.
Average humidity of 79% over the past week with frequent 85–90% readings, combined with 100% cloud cover from mid-afternoon today, severely limits evaporative drying and likely means the crag is in mist.
The NW-facing aspect receives almost no direct sunlight, removing one of the most effective drying mechanisms and meaning the crag relies almost entirely on wind for drying.
Winds of 14–30 km/h have been present but today's easterly wind is sheltered by the crag's NW aspect, and humidity is too high for wind alone to achieve meaningful drying in the available windows.
At 430m, Simonside is frequently immersed in cloud which deposits surface moisture on the rock even in the absence of measured rainfall, as noted in the site's condition notes.
Rain is forecast every day from tomorrow through June 20 (totalling ~13mm), meaning no drying window is expected for at least five more days.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Simonside today or in the coming week — the rock has been repeatedly soaked and needs a sustained dry spell of at least 3–4 days with wind to begin drying internally.
- Monitor conditions after June 21, which is the first forecast dry day, but even then at least 48–72 hours of additional dry weather with moderate wind would be needed before considering a visit.
- If you're in Northumberland and keen to climb, consider nearby whinstone venues (e.g. Crag Lough, Great Wanney) which are non-porous and may be climbable once surface-dry, though check grip carefully.
Do Not Climb
45%
3 days ago
Despite two dry days with good wind, the preceding week saw repeated rainfall totalling nearly 17mm across multiple events, and the NW-facing aspect at 430m with 78% average humidity severely limits drying. The rock is very likely still holding internal moisture and conditions are not suitable for climbing.
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 of which have been modest recently.
- The summit ridge is frequently in cloud, and the current 77% humidity with a northerly wind may be driving mist contact even on nominally dry days, adding surface moisture.
- The last two weeks show a pattern of repeated small-to-moderate rain events (June 1–12 totalling ~50mm), meaning the rock has had almost no opportunity to dry internally between wettings.
- The most recent condition report is from April and noted only wind-exposed and south-facing problems were dry — the NW-facing majority of the crag dries far more slowly.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry while internally saturated — this is the most dangerous condition for hold breakage on Fell Sandstone.
- Climbing on damp sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to these irreplaceable routes.
Reasoning
Repeated rain events from June 1–12 totalling approximately 50mm, with only two fully dry days since, means the porous sandstone is almost certainly saturated internally despite any surface drying.
Two dry days with moderate wind (30–32 km/h yesterday, 20 km/h today) help surface evaporation, but the NW aspect, 430m altitude, and 72–77% humidity mean drying is far too slow to clear moisture from a week of cumulative rainfall.
With the rock likely at high internal saturation from repeated recent wetting, climbing risks hold breakage and accelerated erosion on these iron-oxide-cemented holds — strength loss of 10–50% is probable.
Early June should be entering the best season for Simonside, but this year's unsettled weather pattern has kept the crag in near-continuous wet conditions through the traditional opening window.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 50mm fell between June 1–12 across at least seven rain events, keeping the rock in a near-continuously wet state with no meaningful drying window.
Just two consecutive dry days since the last rain on June 12 is far short of the 48–72+ hours of good drying conditions needed after heavy cumulative rainfall on porous sandstone.
The NW-facing aspect receives almost no direct sunlight, removing the most effective drying mechanism and leaving the crag dependent on wind alone.
At 430m the crag is frequently in cloud, and today's 77% humidity with a northerly wind could mean mist contact is adding moisture even on a rain-free day.
The exposed summit ridge position and recent winds of 20–32 km/h provide significant surface drying, which is the main positive factor in current conditions.
Average humidity of 78% over the last week significantly reduces evaporation rates, slowing the drying process at every stage.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least two more fully dry days with wind before considering a visit — ideally three to four given the cumulative rainfall.
- If visiting, check the ground at the crag base: if it is at all damp rather than sandy-dry, the rock is still too wet to climb.
- Focus any future visit on the most wind-exposed arêtes and faces; sheltered corners and lower sections will be the last to dry.
Do Not Climb
35%
4 days ago
Simonside has received 17.1mm of rain over the last 7 days across multiple events, with the most recent precipitation (2.2mm) falling just yesterday (June 12). Despite today being dry with a strong 30 km/h westerly wind and lower humidity (70%), only one dry day has elapsed — far too few for this high-altitude, NW-facing, porous Fell Sandstone to dry reliably. We recommend waiting.
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 hill fog, which deposits surface moisture even on nominally rain-free days — humidity readings in the high 70s–80s over recent days suggest this has been occurring.
- The sustained wet spell from June 1–12 (over 50mm in the last 28 days) will have deeply saturated the porous sandstone, meaning internal moisture will persist well beyond surface drying.
- The exposed summit ridge position does benefit from strong winds (30 km/h today), which is the primary drying mechanism at this crag given the lack of direct sun on the NW face.
- The long 30+ minute walk-in means conditions cannot be easily rechecked — committing to the approach only to find damp rock is a significant wasted effort.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb on Fell Sandstone that appears surface-dry after only one day — internal saturation causes up to 50% strength loss and risks permanent hold breakage.
- Further rain is forecast for June 16–17, which will reset the drying clock if the rock has not fully dried by then.
Reasoning
With 2.2mm of rain falling just yesterday and repeated rain events throughout the preceding 10 days totalling over 50mm in 28 days, the sandstone is almost certainly still saturated internally despite one dry day with good wind.
Today's strong 30 km/h westerly wind and reduced humidity (70%) will have begun surface drying, but the NW aspect receives virtually no direct sun and one day is wholly insufficient to dry deeply wetted Fell Sandstone — a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry weather is needed after this volume of rain.
The prolonged wetting over the past two weeks means internal saturation is likely well above the threshold where significant strength loss occurs (32% average), creating real risk of hold breakage on the small iron-oxide features climbers depend on.
Early June is within the viable climbing season for Simonside, and temperatures are adequate for drying (mid-teens), but the recent unsettled spell and further rain forecast for June 16–17 limit the available drying window.
Contributing Factors
7
17.1mm fell across multiple events in the last 7 days, with 2.2mm just yesterday, keeping the rock in a persistently wetted state.
A single day of drying is far below the 48–72+ hour minimum required after heavy cumulative rainfall on porous sandstone.
Over 50mm in 28 days across many rain events means deep pore saturation that takes extended dry periods to resolve.
A 30 km/h westerly wind with 70% humidity provides meaningful surface evaporation, the best drying day in over a week.
The NW-facing aspect receives minimal direct sunlight, removing one of the key drying mechanisms and leaving wind as the sole significant factor.
At 430m Simonside frequently sits in hill fog or low cloud, which deposits moisture on the rock surface even without recorded precipitation.
Temperatures around 15°C are adequate but not exceptional for driving evaporation at altitude.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with wind before visiting; the earliest realistic window is June 15, and only if conditions remain dry.
- If you do visit, check the base of the crag — if the ground is damp or mossy areas are glistening, the rock is still wet internally regardless of surface appearance.
- Consider lower-altitude, more sheltered Northumberland crags with better aspects (e.g. Kyloe-in or Bowden Doors) which will have dried faster from this same weather.
Do Not Climb
88%
5 days ago
Simonside has received repeated rainfall over the past 10 days (nearly 50mm in the last month, 17.5mm in the last week alone) with today still recording 0.4mm, and zero consecutive dry days. At 430m with a NW aspect, high humidity averaging 80%, and temperatures only around 11–15°C, the rock will be thoroughly saturated internally despite any surface drying from wind.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m altitude with NW aspect, Simonside frequently sits in low cloud and hill fog, which deposits surface moisture on the rock even without recorded rainfall — this is especially likely given recent high humidity (80%+ average).
- The prolonged wet spell from June 1–11 (over 40mm across multiple events with no meaningful dry break) will have deeply saturated this porous sandstone; internal moisture will persist far longer than surface appearance suggests.
- Wind exposure from the SW is helpful for surface drying but the NW-facing rock receives minimal direct sun at any time of year, meaning evaporative drying of deeper moisture is very slow.
- The most recent condition report is from April and noted that only wind-exposed or south-facing problems looked dry — the NW-facing majority of the crag dries far more slowly.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry in wind-exposed sections while remaining dangerously saturated internally — do not be misled by surface appearance.
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone risks permanent hold breakage and route damage; iron oxide holds are irreplaceable once lost.
Reasoning
Repeated rainfall events from June 1–11 totalling over 40mm with no consecutive dry days mean the sandstone is deeply saturated internally, well above the critical ~1% saturation threshold where significant weakening begins.
Despite moderate wind (16–29 km/h SW), the NW aspect receives almost no direct sun and humidity has averaged 80% over the past week, meaning net evaporation is minimal and drying of deeper moisture layers will take several more dry days.
With porosity up to 20.7% and prolonged saturation, the rock is at serious risk of hold breakage — compressive strength may be reduced by 30%+ and iron oxide holds are particularly vulnerable when wet.
Early June is within the climbing season for Simonside but the recent weather pattern has been unseasonably wet and cool, negating the usual summer advantage.
Contributing Factors
7
Over 40mm of rain fell between June 1–11 across multiple events with no meaningful dry break, deeply saturating the porous sandstone.
Today (June 12) recorded 0.4mm and there has been no run of consecutive dry days since May 31, preventing any meaningful drying cycle.
Average humidity over the past week was 80%, severely limiting evaporative drying even with wind present.
The NW-facing rock receives very little direct sunlight at any time of year, making solar-driven drying negligible.
Sustained winds of 15–30 km/h will help remove surface moisture, but cannot address deep internal saturation in high humidity.
At 430m the crag frequently sits in cloud and hill fog, depositing additional moisture on the rock surface even between rain events.
Average temperatures around 11–15°C at altitude are modest for June and limit evaporation rates.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for at least 48–72 hours of genuinely dry, breezy weather before considering a visit — the rock needs a sustained drying window that has not occurred yet.
- If visiting for a walk, check the base of the crag: if the ground is damp or mossy areas are wet, the rock is certainly still saturated internally.
- Consider lower-altitude, south-facing alternatives in Northumberland (e.g. Kyloe-in or Bowden Doors) which will dry significantly faster in current conditions.
Do Not Climb
90%
6 days ago
Simonside has received significant rainfall over the past 10 days (~33mm since June 1st) including 5.9mm today with persistent rain through midday, 100% cloud cover, and very high humidity. The NW-facing aspect at 430m with minimal sun means drying will be extremely slow, and the rock is almost certainly saturated internally despite any surface drying.
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 and 86–91% humidity likely mean mist contact is adding surface moisture even between rain showers.
- The recent wet spell (June 1–11) has deposited ~33mm over 10 days with almost no dry breaks, meaning the porous sandstone has had repeated wetting cycles with no meaningful drying window.
- The last genuinely dry period was late May (May 23–29), but even that ended with the current prolonged wet spell — deep internal saturation is very likely.
- The most recent condition report (April 12) noted only wind-exposed and south-facing problems were dry even in sunny, breezy conditions — the majority of NW-facing rock at Simonside is slow to dry.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage — the iron-oxide holds are especially vulnerable when wet.
- Surface-dry appearance is unreliable after prolonged wet spells — the rock can look climbable while still being dangerously weakened internally.
- At 430m, mist and cloud immersion can re-wet apparently dry rock without visible rain — conditions can change rapidly.
Reasoning
Repeated rainfall totalling ~33mm over the last 10 days with today's 5.9mm still falling means the sandstone is almost certainly at or near full saturation internally, well above the critical thresholds for strength loss.
Despite moderate winds (~20–29 km/h SW), the NW aspect receives no direct sun and humidity has averaged 79–89% throughout this wet period, meaning virtually no net evaporative drying has occurred between rain events.
With probable saturation well above 60% of pore capacity, compressive strength may be reduced by 30–50%, creating serious risk of hold breakage on the iron-oxide-cemented features climbers rely on.
Early June at 430m with persistent Atlantic fronts is a common pattern; while nominally within the May–September climbing season, prolonged wet spells at this altitude require extended drying windows that have not materialised.
Contributing Factors
6
5.9mm of rain fell today with the heaviest showers mid-morning through early afternoon, keeping the rock actively wet.
Approximately 33mm has fallen since June 1st across multiple days with no consecutive dry period longer than one day, maintaining deep saturation.
The NW-facing aspect receives almost no direct solar radiation, dramatically slowing evaporative drying compared to south-facing crags.
At 430m with 100% cloud cover and humidity above 85%, the crag is likely in or near cloud, depositing additional surface moisture.
Winds of 28–35 km/h are forecast for June 12–13 which will significantly aid surface drying once rain stops.
Forecast humidity drops to 68% from June 12 onward, which will improve evaporative drying conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is actively wet and likely deeply saturated from 10 days of intermittent rain.
- Wait at least 48–72 hours from the end of today's rain (i.e. earliest June 14) before considering a visit, and even then assess conditions carefully on arrival.
- Check the base of the crag for damp ground as a proxy for internal rock moisture — if the ground isn't sandy-dry, the rock isn't ready.
Do Not Climb
90%
8 days ago
Simonside has received significant rainfall over the past week (24.6mm across multiple days including today), with further rain forecast today and into the next two days. At 430m with a NW aspect, high humidity (~80%), and frequent cloud cover, the rock will be thoroughly saturated and needs an extended dry spell before climbing is appropriate.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m altitude Simonside is frequently in cloud, meaning surface condensation and mist can keep the rock damp even during periods without recorded precipitation.
- The NW aspect receives very little direct sun, so drying relies almost entirely on wind — which has been moderate (15–30 km/h SW) but insufficient to counter the repeated wetting events of the past week.
- The crag has seen rain on 6 of the last 9 days (June 1–9), totalling ~31mm, creating deep saturation that will require multiple consecutive dry days to resolve.
- The most recent condition report (April 12) noted that only wind-exposed and south-facing problems were dry even after a sunny spell — the NW-facing majority of the crag dries very slowly.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone causes permanent damage to holds — the iron-oxide features that define Simonside's climbing will not regenerate once broken.
- The crag base and lower sections will remain wet long after upper, wind-exposed faces appear dry — do not be deceived by surface dryness on exposed arêtes.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally after 31mm of rain spread across 6 of the last 9 days, with today adding a further 2.4mm and humidity averaging 80%.
Despite moderate SW winds (15–30 km/h), there has been no meaningful drying window — rain has fallen repeatedly, and at this NW-facing, high-altitude site the lack of direct sun means evaporation rates are very low.
With deep saturation from prolonged wetting, Fell Sandstone will have lost 30%+ of its compressive strength, making hold breakage and grain loosening a serious risk on the small iron-oxide holds that characterise Simonside.
Early June is within the climbing season for Simonside, but the current unsettled weather pattern with persistent rain and cloud is keeping conditions firmly in the 'too wet' category.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 31mm has fallen across 6 of the last 9 days (June 1–9), with rain continuing today, leaving the porous sandstone deeply saturated.
At 430m the crag is frequently in cloud (100% cloud cover for most of today), depositing surface moisture even between rain events.
The NW-facing aspect receives negligible direct sun, removing the most effective drying mechanism and leaving the crag reliant on wind alone.
Winds of 15–30 km/h have been present but are insufficient to dry deeply saturated rock when rain keeps re-wetting the surface every day or two.
Average humidity over the past week is ~80%, severely limiting the evaporative drying potential even when wind is present.
7.2mm is forecast for June 10 and 4.2mm for June 11, extending the wet period and resetting any drying progress.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Simonside until at least June 14 at the earliest — the rock needs a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry, breezy weather after June 11's rain to begin approaching climbable conditions.
- Consider lower-altitude, south-facing alternatives in Northumberland that will dry significantly faster during this unsettled spell.
- If visiting after the dry window opens (June 12–14), test rock thoroughly by pressing a palm to the surface and checking the crag base for dampness before committing to climb.
Do Not Climb
90%
9 days ago
Simonside has received over 31mm of rain in the past 7 days across multiple events, with the most recent rain falling this morning (2.9mm today so far), and the NW-facing, high-altitude rock at 430m will be thoroughly saturated. With further rain forecast for the next two days, there is no adequate drying window in sight for this highly porous sandstone.
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 — even during nominally dry spells, mist contact deposits surface moisture that resets drying progress.
- The exposed summit ridge position means strong SW winds do aid drying significantly, but persistent high humidity (averaging 81% over the past week) severely limits evaporative drying even with wind.
- The prolonged wet spell from June 1–8 (31.6mm over 7 days across multiple events) means the sandstone will have reached deep saturation — internal moisture will persist long after the surface appears dry.
- The last reliable condition report is from April and noted many problems were only OK when south-facing or wind-exposed; the NW-facing majority of the crag dries very slowly even in better conditions than these.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds — the iron oxide features that define Simonside's routes are especially fragile when wet.
- The rock surface may appear dry during the afternoon clearing today but internal saturation from 31mm of recent rain means it remains dangerously weakened.
Reasoning
With 31.6mm of rain over the past week including rain today, and high average humidity of 81%, the porous Fell Sandstone will be deeply saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold where significant strength loss begins.
Despite the exposed position and moderate winds (15–30 km/h SW), the NW aspect receives minimal direct sun and the persistent high humidity (76–89%) drastically reduces net evaporation, meaning effective drying has barely begun since the last dry day (June 5).
With repeated wetting events over the past week driving saturation deep into the rock, compressive strength will be reduced by 10–50% and iron oxide holds are at serious risk of breakage — climbing now would cause permanent damage.
Early June is within the primary climbing season for Simonside, but this particular spell of unsettled weather with repeated rain events has created conditions more typical of autumn than summer.
Contributing Factors
7
31.6mm over the past 7 days across at least 5 separate rain events (June 1–4, 6, 7, and today) has kept the rock repeatedly wetted with no sustained drying window.
2.9mm of rain fell overnight and into this morning, with a further light shower forecast at 18:00, meaning the rock surface is currently wet.
The NW-facing aspect receives very little direct sunlight, removing one of the most important drying mechanisms for porous sandstone.
At 430m, the crag is frequently in cloud (100% cloud cover for most of today), depositing surface moisture even during nominally dry hours.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week, with today peaking at 93%, severely limits evaporative drying even in wind.
Sustained winds of 15–30 km/h from the SW do aid surface drying, but cannot overcome the combination of repeated wetting, high humidity, and lack of sun.
5.6mm and 5.7mm are forecast for June 9 and 10 respectively, meaning no meaningful drying window will begin until June 11 at the earliest.
Recommendations
3
- Do not visit Simonside until at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with low humidity have elapsed — realistically June 14 at the earliest if forecasts hold.
- If you are in Northumberland this week, consider non-porous alternatives such as the whinstone crags at Crag Lough or Great Wanney, which tolerate moisture far better.
- When you do visit, test the base of the crag and sheltered recesses for dampness before climbing — if the ground beneath the crag feels moist, the rock is still too wet.
Do Not Climb
90%
10 days ago
Simonside has received nearly 35mm of rain over the past week, with the most recent precipitation today (1.1mm) following substantial falls on June 1–4 and again on June 6. At 430m on a NW-facing aspect with average humidity of 84%, the rock will be thoroughly saturated internally despite any surface drying from the moderate SW winds.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- At 430m altitude, Simonside is frequently in cloud and mist, which deposits surface moisture on the rock even between rain events — this has likely been happening throughout the recent high-humidity spell.
- The NW aspect receives virtually no direct sun, so drying relies almost entirely on wind evaporation, which is significantly hampered by the sustained high humidity (84% average over the past week).
- The prolonged dry spell from May 10–21 would have left the rock in excellent condition, but the accumulation of ~35mm since June 1 — spread across multiple days — will have driven moisture deep into the porous sandstone.
- The most recent condition report from April noted that only wind-exposed or south-facing problems looked dry, confirming that NW-facing surfaces at this altitude are inherently slow to dry.
Warnings
2
- The rock surface may appear dry in wind-exposed areas but internal saturation will be high — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone risks permanent destruction of the fragile iron oxide holds that define Simonside's routes.
Reasoning
With 34.7mm of rain in the last 7 days spread across multiple events (June 1–4, 6, and today), the sandstone will be deeply saturated — likely well above the critical 60% pore saturation threshold — and the surface-dry appearance cannot be trusted.
Despite decent SW winds (15–30 km/h), the NW aspect receives no direct sun and humidity has averaged 84% over the past week, severely limiting evaporative drying; consecutive dry days currently stand at zero.
At these saturation levels, Fell Sandstone will have lost 30%+ of its compressive strength, and the iron oxide holds that climbers depend on are at significant risk of breakage — climbing now risks permanent route damage.
Early June should be prime season for Simonside, but this unsettled spell with repeated rain and high humidity has pushed conditions back to a winter-like moisture state for the rock.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 35mm of rain over the past week across multiple events has repeatedly re-saturated the porous sandstone, driving moisture deep into the rock.
Rain today (1.1mm) means the drying clock has not even started; Fell Sandstone needs a minimum of 48–72 hours of dry weather after heavy rain.
Average humidity of 84% over the past 7 days severely limits evaporative drying, and at this altitude the crag is likely in and out of cloud.
The NW-facing aspect receives minimal direct sunlight, removing the most effective drying mechanism and leaving the rock reliant on wind alone.
Sustained SW winds of 15–30 km/h provide some drying benefit at this exposed summit ridge site, but are insufficient to overcome the humidity and repeated wetting.
At 430m, the crag is frequently enveloped in cloud and mist which deposits additional moisture on the rock surface even between rain events.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Simonside until there have been at least 48–72 hours of consecutive dry weather with humidity dropping below 75%.
- If visiting the area, consider lower-altitude Northumberland crags with more favourable aspects that may have dried faster.
- Monitor conditions closely — the forecast shows continued rain through June 12, so realistic climbing conditions may not return until mid-June at the earliest.
Do Not Climb
90%
11 days ago
Simonside has received over 36mm of rain in the past week, including significant falls on each of the last three days and further rain today. With high humidity (83% average), NW aspect receiving minimal sun, and 430m altitude frequently in cloud, the rock will be thoroughly saturated and unsafe to climb.
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 — mist-deposited surface moisture can keep the rock damp even between rain events, compounding the recent heavy rainfall.
- The exposed summit ridge position means strong SW winds (20–30 km/h forecast) will help surface drying, but at these humidity levels and with repeated wetting events, wind alone cannot dry saturated porous sandstone internally.
- The last reliable condition report is from April and noted that only wind-exposed or south-facing problems looked dry — the NW-facing main crag will be in far worse condition after this wet spell.
- Repeated soaking from four distinct rain events in six days (June 1–6) means deep saturation of the porous sandstone; internal moisture will persist long after the surface appears dry.
Warnings
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- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone risks permanent destruction of irreplaceable iron oxide holds — the rock has been soaked repeatedly over the past week.
- The surface may begin to appear dry before the interior has adequately dried; do not be deceived by surface appearance at this site after prolonged rain.
Reasoning
Four rain events totalling 36mm over the past six days, with today's 4.8mm still falling at 90% humidity, mean the rock is deeply and thoroughly saturated throughout.
Zero consecutive dry days and persistent high humidity (83–90%) negate the benefit of the exposed position; the NW aspect receives negligible direct sun, so drying relies almost entirely on wind evaporation which is severely limited at these humidity levels.
With prolonged saturation from repeated heavy rain, Fell Sandstone will have lost 30%+ of its compressive strength; iron oxide holds are at serious risk of breakage, and climbing now risks permanent route damage.
Early June should be entering the best season for Simonside, but this unsettled spell with below-average temperatures (13°C average) and above-average humidity has created winter-like saturation conditions.
Contributing Factors
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Over 36mm in the past seven days across four separate rain events (June 1–6), with the most recent rain falling today, has deeply saturated the porous sandstone.
Average humidity of 83% over the past week with today at 90% severely limits evaporative drying even with wind exposure.
The NW-facing aspect receives very little direct sunlight, removing solar heating as a drying mechanism and leaving the crag reliant on wind alone.
At 430m, Simonside is frequently in cloud, meaning mist can deposit additional surface moisture even during nominally dry periods.
The exposed summit ridge position with 17–30 km/h winds provides meaningful airflow across the rock surface, which will accelerate drying once humidity drops.
There have been zero fully dry days since June 1st, meaning no sustained drying window has begun.
Rain is forecast on each of the next four days (totalling ~17mm), preventing any meaningful drying window from developing.
Recommendations
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- Do not visit Simonside until a sustained dry window of at least 3–4 days with lower humidity materialises — the forecast shows no such window in the next five days.
- Monitor conditions for a potential window after June 12 when a dry day is indicated, but only if followed by additional dry days with moderate wind.
- If in the area, consider nearby whinstone or limestone venues which are non-porous and recover far more quickly from wet weather.
Climbing Outlook