Crag Lough has received frequent light precipitation over the past week (13.9mm in 7 days, including 1.9mm yesterday and 1.1mm forecast today) with no meaningful dry spell, and the north-facing aspect at 260m means surface moisture will linger despite the exposed position. The dolerite won't be damaged but is likely to be greasy and slippery, making climbing inadvisable today.
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.
Active Restriction — Raven nesting
Ravens nest on the escarpment. Avoid disturbing nest sites.
Feb 15 – May 31
Active Restriction — Peregrine nesting
Peregrine falcons nest on the Whin Sill escarpments. Avoid east of the lake end and all routes above the lake during nesting season.
Mar 1 – Jun 30
- 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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