Crag Lough has been subjected to a prolonged wet spell with over 80mm in the last 28 days and light rain again today; although dolerite doesn't absorb water, the north-facing aspect, near-saturated humidity (92%), and persistent cloud cover mean surfaces are likely still damp and slippery. A brief drier window this afternoon may allow some surface drying, but conditions remain marginal and the forecast shows continued unsettled weather.
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 — 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
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
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
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
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
Community
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