Today is dry with a useful afternoon window where humidity drops into the 60s, and the non-porous dolerite should be surface-dry after yesterday's dry spell — but the north-facing aspect, 100% cloud cover, and high overnight humidity mean residual dampness or condensation is possible. A significant wet spell begins tomorrow with over 60mm forecast in the next five days, so today is the last realistic climbing opportunity for nearly a week.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
Dramatic Whin Sill dolerite crag on Hadrian's Wall — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike sandstone, dolerite is non-porous and can be climbed much sooner after rain, often within hours. North-facing and very exposed on the high ridge. The dense, hard black rock lacks friction when damp but doesn't absorb water. Series of buttresses like wrecked castle towers. Peregrine nesting site in spring.
Condition Notes
Non-porous dolerite can be climbed much sooner after rain than sandstone — often within hours. However, the dense black rock is extremely slippery when wet. Loose blocks and active freeze-thaw at crag bases are a hazard in winter.
- Rock Type
- Whinstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 260m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering
- Aspects
- N
- Problems
- 50
- Routes
- 90
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 6c
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E4
- Access
- National Trust
- Approach
- 5 min
Site Data
- Name
- Crag Lough
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Whinstone
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering
- Aspects
- N
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 260m
- Latitude
- 55.003
- Longitude
- -2.382
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 755677
- Access Type
- National Trust
- Approach Time
- 5 min
- Problem Count
- 50
- Route Count
- 90
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 6c
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E4
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Pay and display at Steel Rigg car park.
- Condition Notes
- Non-porous dolerite can be climbed much sooner after rain than sandstone — often within hours. However, the dense black rock is extremely slippery when wet. Loose blocks and active freeze-thaw at crag bases are a hazard in winter.
- ID
- e42f24af-6990-4c70-b606-93d1a3b22bde
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