Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Berryhill has had a persistently wet period with 50mm over the last 28 days and repeated light-to-moderate rain events through early June, with the most recent significant rainfall on June 11 (6.4mm) followed by only 4 fully dry days before today's light rain resets the drying clock. Although the south aspect and moderate wind exposure are favourable, the cumulative moisture loading and high ambient humidity (77% average over the last week) mean the rock is very likely still holding internal moisture — do not climb today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on private land — you must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing, and park on the farm lane ~50m past the cottages; failure to do so risks losing access for all climbers.
- The crag's free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates from the main crag face; boulders exposed on multiple sides can dry faster but also re-wet faster from ground splash.
- The south aspect is a significant advantage for drying, but 100% cloud cover today and persistent high humidity are negating much of the solar benefit.
- After the prolonged wet spell through late May and early June (50mm in 28 days), even apparently dry surface rock may retain significant internal moisture — the 'surface dry, interior wet' scenario is the most dangerous for Fell Sandstone hold breakage.
Warnings
3
- Fell Sandstone holds can break without warning when the rock is internally damp — the surface may feel dry while the interior remains dangerously weakened.
- Climbing on wet or damp Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to routes through grain loosening and erosion of the iron-oxide holds.
- Further rain is forecast every day through June 21; conditions will not improve this week.
Reasoning
With 6.4mm on June 11, then 4 dry but cool/windy days (June 12–15), followed by 0.7mm today, the rock has not had sufficient continuous drying to clear the cumulative moisture from a very wet May–June period (50.3mm in 28 days).
The 4 dry days from June 12–15 featured strong winds (up to 40 km/h) and moderate temperatures which would have aided surface drying, but humidity remained 69–77% and the south aspect received limited solar benefit on the cloudier days — insufficient to fully dry rock saturated by repeated rain events totalling ~12mm in the preceding week alone.
Given the cumulative wetting over weeks and incomplete drying, internal pore saturation is likely still elevated well above safe levels, posing a real risk of hold breakage and grain loosening on the iron-oxide-cemented holds that define Fell Sandstone climbing.
Early June should offer reasonable drying conditions, but this particular spell has been unseasonably wet and cool (avg 11.7°C over the last week), significantly slowing the drying process compared to typical summer conditions.
Contributing Factors
7
50.3mm over 28 days with repeated wetting events means the rock has been in a near-constantly moist state, preventing deep drying between rain episodes.
The promising 4-day dry spell (June 12–15) was interrupted by today's 0.7mm rain, resetting surface drying and maintaining high near-surface moisture.
Average humidity of 77% over the past week with today reaching 86% severely limits evaporative drying potential from the rock surface.
The south-facing aspect would normally provide strong solar drying, though 100% cloud cover today is negating this benefit.
Partial wind exposure with recent winds of 17–40 km/h has helped move moist air from the surface, aiding what drying has occurred.
Rain is forecast on each of the next 5 days (0.5–5.1mm daily, totalling 11.3mm), preventing any meaningful drying window from developing.
Average temperature of 11.7°C over the last week is below seasonal norms and slows evaporative drying considerably.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill today or in the coming days — the rock needs an extended dry spell of at least 48–72 hours with low humidity to begin recovering from the prolonged wet period.
- Monitor the forecast beyond June 22 for a sustained dry window; given the cumulative saturation, even after rain stops you should allow a minimum of 3 full dry days before climbing.
- If visiting the area, remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before approaching the crag — access is permissive and depends on climber goodwill.
Previous Analyses
Do Not Climb
75%
2 days ago
Despite three dry days (June 12–14) following the last significant rain on June 11 (6.4mm), the preceding weeks have been persistently wet with over 50mm in the last 28 days, and today has already seen light precipitation with more rain forecast through the coming week. The rock is unlikely to have fully dried internally given the cumulative moisture loading, cool temperatures, and high humidity, and conditions will worsen from tomorrow.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill's south aspect and low altitude (90m) give it above-average drying potential for Fell Sandstone, and the three dry, breezy days (June 12–14) with westerly winds will have helped surface drying significantly.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry faster than the main crag due to greater air circulation and exposure on all sides.
- Access requires asking permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — failure to do so risks losing access for all climbers at this private estate.
- The prolonged wet spell from late May through mid-June (50mm in 28 days across numerous rain events) means the rock has had very little opportunity to dry internally between wettings, creating a cumulative saturation concern beneath the surface.
Warnings
3
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — holds can snap without warning, causing injury and permanent route damage.
- The surface may appear dry after the June 12–14 dry window, but internal moisture from weeks of rain is very likely still present — do not trust surface appearance alone.
- Rain is forecast from tonight through the coming week, which will re-wet any partially dried rock.
Reasoning
After 50mm of rain over 28 days with frequent re-wetting events, and only a 3-day dry window (June 12–14) before today's light rain, the rock almost certainly retains significant internal moisture despite possible surface drying.
The three dry days with strong westerly winds (34–40 km/h) and moderate temperatures (14–18°C) on June 12–13 provided good surface drying conditions on this south-facing crag, but humidity remained around 69–77% and the cumulative saturation from repeated rain events means deeper pore moisture will not have fully evacuated.
With repeated wetting over many weeks and likely residual internal moisture above the critical threshold, there is a meaningful risk of hold breakage and grain loosening — Fell Sandstone loses significant strength at even 1% saturation.
Early June conditions have been unusually cool and wet for the season, with average temperatures around 11.5°C over the past week — well below what would be expected for rapid summer drying.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 50mm across 28 days with frequent re-wetting means the rock has been repeatedly saturated with minimal opportunity for complete internal drying.
June 12–14 provided three consecutive dry days with strong winds (up to 40 km/h) that will have dried surface layers, especially on this south-facing crag.
5mm forecast for June 16 and further rain on subsequent days means any progress in drying will be reversed and the rock will be re-wetted.
Average temperatures around 11.5°C over the past week are below seasonal norms and slow evaporative drying.
Humidity has averaged 76% over the past week, significantly reducing the atmosphere's capacity to draw moisture from the rock.
The south-facing aspect receives the best solar radiation available, giving Berryhill an above-average drying rate compared to other Fell Sandstone venues.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock has not had adequate drying time after weeks of cumulative moisture, and further rain is forecast from tonight onwards.
- Monitor conditions closely for a sustained dry spell of at least 3–4 days before considering a visit, given the prolonged wet period.
- Always ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — access is permissive on a private estate and depends entirely on continued goodwill.
Do Not Climb
45%
3 days ago
Despite three dry days since the last rain on June 11 (6.4mm), the preceding two weeks have been persistently wet with nearly 50mm of cumulative rainfall, and humidity has remained high — the rock is very likely still holding internal moisture. The south aspect and moderate wind are helpful but insufficient to guarantee full drying given the prolonged wet spell and cool temperatures averaging only ~12°C.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill has experienced a prolonged wet period (49.6mm in 28 days across many separate rain events from late May through June 11), meaning the sandstone has had very little opportunity to fully dry out between soakings.
- The south-facing aspect is the crag's biggest drying asset and has been receiving reasonable solar radiation during these three dry days, but average temperatures have been cool (~12–15°C) limiting evaporation rate.
- Access is on private land — you must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing; failure to do so risks losing access for all climbers.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; sheltered or north-facing facets of boulders will retain moisture longer than the main south-facing wall.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb on Fell Sandstone that may still hold internal moisture — the iron-oxide holds are especially vulnerable to breakage when the rock is weakened, and damage is permanent.
- The forecast shows further rain on each of the next four days, making conditions unlikely to reach a safe state this week.
Reasoning
With 6.4mm on June 11 following repeated rain events totalling ~35mm in the preceding 10 days, the sandstone has been subjected to near-continuous wetting and is likely saturated well beyond the surface — three dry days is marginal even for light rain, and here the cumulative loading is substantial.
Three dry days with south aspect, moderate SW/W winds (33–40 km/h on June 12–13), and temperatures of 15–18°C provide reasonable surface drying, but humidity averaging 69–77% limits evaporation depth and the rock has had insufficient time to purge weeks of accumulated internal moisture.
Given the prolonged saturation period, internal moisture levels are likely still elevated, posing a meaningful risk of hold breakage on the iron-oxide-cemented features that define Fell Sandstone climbing.
Early June should offer good drying conditions, but this particular spell has been unusually cool and wet for the time of year, negating much of the seasonal advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
Nearly 50mm over 28 days across many discrete rain events has kept the sandstone in a near-continuously wet state with little opportunity for deep drying between soakings.
No rain since June 11, with strong winds on June 12–13 (34–40 km/h) aiding surface evaporation, though this is marginal for the accumulated moisture load.
The south aspect maximises solar radiation exposure, which is the crag's strongest drying advantage and accelerates surface drying significantly.
Humidity has averaged 75% over the last week and remains at 77% today, substantially slowing evaporation and deep drying.
Average temperatures of only ~12°C over the last week are well below summer norms, reducing evaporation rates and slowing internal drying.
Light rain (0.9mm) is forecast for June 15, with further showers on June 16–18, meaning any drying progress will be reset repeatedly.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for a sustained dry spell — the forecast shows rain on 4 of the next 5 days, so conditions are unlikely to improve until at least June 20; monitor forecasts for a break.
- If visiting after the forecast rain clears, check that the ground at the crag base is completely sandy-dry before committing to climb — any residual ground moisture indicates the rock is still wet internally.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing and park on the farm lane past the cottages.
Do Not Climb
45%
4 days ago
Despite two dry days with good wind, the recent pattern of repeated rainfall events (nearly 50mm in the last 28 days, including 6.4mm just two days ago and frequent smaller showers throughout the past fortnight) means the sandstone is likely still holding significant internal moisture. The south aspect and strong westerly winds today are helping, but two days is marginal drying time after such a persistently wet period — we recommend waiting.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill has seen an unusually wet fortnight with rain on 9 of the last 14 days totalling ~49mm, meaning the rock has had almost no opportunity to fully dry out between wettings — cumulative saturation is a real concern.
- The south-facing aspect and today's strong 34 km/h westerly wind are actively helping surface drying, but the partially sheltered setting means wind benefit is moderate rather than exceptional.
- Access is on a private estate — you must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing, and any damage to wet rock could jeopardise this permissive arrangement for all climbers.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag face; lower sections and north-facing sides of boulders will lag behind the main south-facing wall.
Warnings
2
- Do not be deceived by a dry-looking surface — after two weeks of repeated rain, Fell Sandstone can appear dry while remaining dangerously weakened internally.
- Holds on Fell Sandstone can snap without warning when the rock is internally saturated, risking both serious injury and permanent route damage.
Reasoning
With 6.4mm falling on June 11, 1.5mm on June 10, and frequent rain throughout the preceding two weeks, the rock has been repeatedly re-wetted before any chance of full drying — internal moisture levels are almost certainly elevated despite the surface potentially appearing dry.
Two dry days with strong SW/W winds (33–34 km/h) and the south aspect have likely dried the surface layer, but given the cumulative wetting from the past fortnight and moderate temperatures (~15–18°C), deeper pore saturation will persist — the 48-hour minimum applies after light rain, but the repeated saturation pattern demands longer.
The repeated wetting-drying cycles over the past two weeks, combined with still-elevated internal moisture, create a meaningful risk of grain loosening and hold breakage on the small iron-oxide-cemented holds typical of Fell Sandstone.
Early June temperatures (12–18°C) and moderate humidity (69–85%) provide reasonable but not exceptional drying conditions; there is no freeze-thaw risk at this time of year.
Contributing Factors
6
Rain fell on 9 of the last 14 days totalling ~49mm with no extended dry spell, meaning the rock has been repeatedly re-saturated before fully drying.
No rain since June 11 (6.4mm), with today being the second consecutive dry day — this meets the bare minimum for light rain but not for cumulative heavy saturation.
Sustained 34 km/h westerly wind today significantly accelerates surface evaporation on this partially exposed crag.
The south aspect maximises solar radiation exposure during long June days, aiding surface and shallow subsurface drying.
Average humidity over the past week has been 75%, and the last significant rain day (June 11) saw 85% humidity, slowing evaporative drying.
Recent temperatures averaging 12.5°C are adequate for drying but not exceptional — cooler than the 20°C+ spell seen in late May.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least one more full dry day (ideally two) before climbing — a visit on June 15 or later would be far more responsible given the cumulative saturation.
- If you do visit, perform a careful touch-test on the rock and check that the ground at the crag base is completely sandy-dry before committing to any routes.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — this is a private estate and continued access depends on good relations with the landowner.
Do Not Climb
65%
5 days ago
Despite today being dry with good wind, yesterday saw 6.4mm of rain capping a very unsettled 10-day period that delivered nearly 50mm of cumulative precipitation. With only one full dry day elapsed and high recent humidity, the Fell Sandstone is very likely still holding significant internal moisture — the south aspect and strong wind help but are insufficient to guarantee adequate drying after such a prolonged wet spell.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The last 10 days have seen repeated wetting events (totalling ~47mm since June 1st) with barely any multi-day dry windows, meaning the rock has had no opportunity to fully dry out between showers — cumulative saturation is the key concern.
- Berryhill's south aspect and 90m altitude are favourable for drying, but the free-standing boulders and approach walls may have different micro-exposures and could retain moisture longer than the main south-facing crag.
- Access is on private land — you must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing; failure to do so risks losing access for everyone.
- The base of the crag and any mossy or shaded sections will be the last to dry; check the ground at the crag base as a practical moisture indicator before considering climbing.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today — the rock is almost certainly still saturated internally after 6.4mm of rain yesterday on top of a prolonged wet period.
- Surface-dry appearance is misleading on Fell Sandstone; significant strength loss begins at only ~1% water saturation, well before any visible dampness.
Reasoning
The rock received 6.4mm of rain yesterday (June 11) on top of a prolonged wet period delivering ~47mm since June 1st with no dry window longer than two consecutive days, meaning internal pore saturation is likely well above the threshold for significant strength loss.
Today's dry weather with strong 33 km/h westerly wind and 69% humidity on a south-facing aspect provides good surface drying conditions, but only one dry day is far short of the minimum 48–72 hours needed after heavy cumulative wetting of porous Fell Sandstone.
With repeated wetting over 10+ days and probable high internal saturation, the risk of grain loosening and hold breakage is elevated — climbing now could cause permanent damage to the soft iron-oxide holds.
Early June temperatures (12–17°C) are moderate and supportive of drying but not exceptional; the recent run of cool, humid weather has limited evaporative potential significantly.
Contributing Factors
6
Approximately 47mm of rain has fallen since June 1st across multiple events with no sustained dry period, keeping the rock in a near-continuously saturated state.
Just one full dry day since the last rain (6.4mm on June 11th) is far below the minimum 48-hour drying guideline for even light rain on Fell Sandstone.
A 33 km/h westerly wind today and forecast tomorrow aids surface evaporation considerably, though it cannot compensate for deep internal moisture after prolonged wetting.
The south-facing orientation maximises solar radiation exposure, giving Berryhill above-average drying speed compared to north-facing Northumberland crags.
Average humidity over the past 7 days has been 77%, limiting evaporative drying potential even on nominally dry days.
Temperatures of 13–17°C are adequate but not warm enough to drive rapid deep drying of saturated sandstone.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least until June 14th (two full dry days after last rain) before considering a visit, and ideally longer given the cumulative saturation from the past 10 days.
- On arrival, check the ground at the base of the crag — if it is not completely sandy-dry, the rock interior is almost certainly still wet and you should not climb.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing; park on the farm lane approximately 50m past the cottages.
Do Not Climb
92%
6 days ago
Berryhill is currently receiving rain today (6.2mm forecast) on top of a very wet recent period — nearly 50mm in the last 28 days with rain on most of the last 10 days. The rock will be deeply saturated internally and needs a sustained dry spell of at least 48–72 hours before climbing should be considered.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on private land — you must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing; failure to do so risks losing access for everyone.
- The south-facing aspect and low altitude (90m) are favourable for drying, but the prolonged wet spell means internal saturation will be significant despite good surface drying potential.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry faster than the main crag due to better air circulation on all sides, but should still be treated with caution after this much rain.
- The base of the crag and any areas with moss or vegetation will retain moisture longest — check ground moisture at the crag base as a proxy for internal rock condition.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage.
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has dried — do not be deceived by a dry-looking surface after only one dry day.
Reasoning
The rock is almost certainly saturated internally: 6.2mm falling today adds to 12.6mm in the last 7 days and 49.4mm over 28 days, with rain recorded on 8 of the last 11 days preventing any meaningful drying.
Despite the south aspect and moderate wind, the persistent rainfall cycle has allowed no consecutive dry days to accumulate; meaningful drying cannot begin until the rain stops, and even then 48–72+ hours of dry weather will be needed given the cumulative saturation.
With this level of prolonged wetting the Fell Sandstone will have lost 30%+ of its compressive strength and iron oxide holds are at serious risk of breakage — climbing now would cause permanent route damage.
Early June temperatures (12–16°C) and moderate winds are adequate for drying once rain stops, but current humidity averaging 76–85% is slowing evaporation significantly.
Contributing Factors
7
6.2mm of rain is falling today, predominantly mid-morning through mid-afternoon, directly wetting the rock surface and replenishing internal moisture.
Nearly 50mm over 28 days with rain on 8 of the last 11 days has kept the sandstone in a persistently saturated state with no chance to dry out.
There have been no consecutive dry days recently; the minimum 48-hour drying window required after heavy rain has not even begun.
Average humidity of 76–85% over recent days severely limits evaporation rate even when it is not actively raining.
The south-facing orientation will receive good solar radiation once skies clear, aiding surface drying faster than north-facing alternatives.
Strong westerly winds forecast for June 12–13 (33–37 km/h) will significantly aid drying once rain ceases.
Humidity is forecast to drop from 85% today to 64–67% by June 14–16, which will improve drying conditions.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill today or tomorrow — the rock is saturated from prolonged rain and needs at least 48–72 hours of dry weather to begin recovering.
- The earliest realistic window to assess conditions on-site would be June 14 or 15, assuming no further rain — check the ground at the crag base before touching the rock.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing, and park on the farm lane approximately 50m past the cottages.
Do Not Climb
92%
8 days ago
Berryhill has received repeated rain over the past 10 days (~40mm cumulative since late May), with the most significant event being 13.7mm on June 2nd, followed by further rain on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and today. The rock has had no meaningful consecutive dry period to recover and will be saturated internally despite any surface drying between showers.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on a private estate — you must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing; failure to do so risks losing access for all climbers.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry slightly faster than the main crag due to better air circulation on all sides, but they will still be holding significant internal moisture after this prolonged wet spell.
- The south aspect and partial wind exposure are helpful for surface drying, but with rain arriving every 1–3 days since late May the rock has had no opportunity to dry internally beyond the outer few millimetres.
- Ground conditions at the crag base are a reliable proxy — if the soil and leaf litter are damp, the rock is certainly still wet inside.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage.
- The rock surface may appear dry during brief sunny spells while remaining dangerously saturated internally; do not be deceived by surface appearance.
Reasoning
Cumulative rainfall of ~40mm over the past 10 days with no dry window exceeding 2 consecutive days means the Fell Sandstone will be saturated well beyond the surface, likely at or above the critical 60% pore saturation level throughout.
Despite the south aspect and moderate SW winds, each brief drying interval (1–2 days) between rain events has only allowed surface evaporation; the interior has had no chance to dry, and today's additional 1.5mm plus forecast rain tomorrow and the 11th resets any progress.
At current saturation levels, compressive strength is likely reduced by 20–40%, making hold breakage a serious risk — particularly on the small iron-oxide-cemented holds that define Berryhill's routes.
Early June temperatures (12–19°C) and moderate winds are broadly favourable for drying, but the persistent rain cycle has negated these advantages entirely.
Contributing Factors
6
Approximately 40mm of rain over the past 10 days with no dry period longer than 2 days has kept the rock in a near-continuously saturated state.
Light rain today (1.5mm) and further rain forecast for June 10th (3.9mm) and 11th (3.3mm) will prevent any meaningful drying progress until at least June 12th.
Average humidity of 77% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even during dry intervals.
The south-facing aspect and moderate SW wind exposure are the best possible orientation for drying and will help once a sustained dry window arrives.
Temperatures of 13–21°C are adequate for evaporation, though not exceptional.
Minimum temperatures well above 0°C eliminate freeze-thaw concerns at this time of year.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill today or until at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with low humidity has passed — the earliest realistic window is June 14th.
- Check ground conditions at the crag base before touching the rock: if the soil is damp, the sandstone is certainly still wet internally.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — access is permissive and dependent on maintaining good relations with the landowner.
Do Not Climb
90%
9 days ago
Berryhill has received nearly 30mm of rain in the last 7 days, with significant falls on June 1st (6mm), 2nd (13.7mm), and 4th (9.8mm), plus further light rain today. Despite the south aspect, the rock will still be holding substantial internal moisture and climbing today or in the immediate future risks hold breakage and permanent crag damage.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on private land — permission must be sought at Berryhill Farm before every visit, and irresponsible climbing (especially on wet rock) risks losing access for everyone.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry slightly faster than the main crag due to greater air circulation on all sides, but all areas should be treated as wet after this prolonged rain spell.
- The south aspect and low altitude (90m) are favourable for drying, but 29.7mm over the past week with humidity averaging 79% means internal saturation will be high despite any surface drying.
- The base of the main crag and any north-facing or sheltered sections will retain moisture longest — check ground conditions at the crag base as a proxy for internal rock moisture.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on Fell Sandstone in its current saturated state risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage — the rock loses up to 50% of its strength when wet.
- The rock surface may appear dry in afternoon sun while remaining dangerously saturated internally — do not be deceived by surface appearance.
Reasoning
With 29.7mm of rain in the past 7 days including heavy falls on June 1st, 2nd, and 4th, plus additional light rain today (1.6mm), the Fell Sandstone will be significantly saturated internally despite any surface drying.
Only one fully dry day (June 5th and 7th) has occurred since the heavy rain, with high average humidity (79%) limiting evaporation; the south aspect and moderate SW winds help but are insufficient to dry porous sandstone after this volume of rain.
At likely internal saturation levels well above the critical 1% threshold, compressive strength will be reduced by 10–50%, making iron oxide holds highly vulnerable to breakage — climbing now poses serious risk of permanent route damage.
Early June conditions should be improving, but this unsettled spell with repeated frontal rain has kept the rock in a prolonged wet state that needs an extended dry window to recover from.
Contributing Factors
7
29.7mm over the past 7 days, including 13.7mm on June 2nd and 9.8mm on June 4th, will have deeply saturated the porous Fell Sandstone.
1.6mm of rain today (mostly early morning) resets any drying progress and keeps the surface wet.
Average humidity of 79% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying, keeping internal moisture levels elevated.
The south-facing aspect receives good solar radiation which will help accelerate surface drying once a dry window arrives.
Partial wind exposure with recent winds of 17–33 km/h provides some helpful air movement across the rock face.
Further rain is forecast for June 9th (2.7mm) and 10th (4.5mm), preventing the start of any meaningful drying window.
Minimum temperatures remain well above freezing (7–13°C), so freeze-thaw damage is not a concern during this period.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill until at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with low humidity has passed — the earliest realistic window may be June 13th or later, conditions permitting.
- When you do visit, check the ground at the base of the crag: if it is damp or dark-coloured rather than sandy-dry, the rock is still too wet internally.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — access is permissive and depends on good relations with the landowner.
Do Not Climb
92%
10 days ago
Berryhill has received over 34mm of rain in the last 7 days across multiple events, with the heaviest fall (13.7mm) on June 2nd and further significant rain on June 4th (9.8mm). Despite the south aspect, high humidity (~81% average) and continued light precipitation today mean the rock is almost certainly still saturated internally — climbing would risk permanent damage to holds and routes.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill's south-facing aspect and partial wind exposure help drying, but the cumulative 34mm over the past week with high humidity (81% average) overwhelms these advantages — internal moisture will persist.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry slightly faster than the main crag due to greater airflow on all sides, but all Fell Sandstone at this site should be treated as wet after this sequence.
- Access requires permission from Berryhill Farm before every visit — climbing on wet rock here not only damages the crag but risks the goodwill-based access arrangement for all climbers.
- The base of the crag and lower sections will retain moisture longest; even if upper faces appear dry, internal saturation from the repeated rain events makes the rock structurally compromised.
Warnings
3
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — holds can snap off permanently, destroying routes and injuring climbers.
- The rock surface may appear dry while still saturated internally after this prolonged wet spell; do not rely on visual or touch tests alone.
- Forecast rain through to June 12th means conditions are unlikely to improve for at least a week.
Reasoning
Multiple rain events totalling 34.2mm in seven days — including 13.7mm on June 2nd and 9.8mm on June 4th — with only brief, incomplete drying windows between them mean the rock is almost certainly saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold internally.
The south aspect and moderate SW wind are helpful but the last meaningful dry window was only June 5th–6th (roughly 36 hours with one further 0.9mm interruption on the 6th), which is far too short to dry Fell Sandstone after cumulative heavy rain, especially at 80%+ humidity.
With internal moisture levels likely high from repeated soaking, compressive strength could be reduced by 30%+ and iron-oxide cemented holds are at significant risk of breakage — climbing now would cause irreversible damage.
Early June temperatures (13–16°C) are moderate and no freeze-thaw risk exists, but the unseasonably wet and humid spell is preventing the drying that would normally be expected at this time of year.
Contributing Factors
6
Over 34mm across multiple events in seven days has repeatedly saturated the porous Fell Sandstone, preventing any meaningful internal drying.
Only ~36 hours of dry weather since the last significant rain on June 4th, far short of the 48–72+ hours needed after heavy rain.
Average humidity of 81% over the past week severely limits evaporative drying even during rain-free windows.
The south-facing aspect and partial wind exposure provide better-than-average drying potential, but cannot compensate for the recent rainfall pattern.
A further 0.1mm today resets any drying progress and the forecast shows more rain arriving tomorrow.
17.3mm of further rain is forecast over the next 5 days, meaning no extended dry window is available for adequate drying.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill until there have been at least 48–72 hours of continuous dry weather with humidity below 70% following the current wet spell.
- Monitor the forecast beyond June 12th — the first dry window appears to be around June 13th onward, but adequate drying will depend on conditions remaining dry for several days after that.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before every visit, and respect the private estate access by only climbing when conditions are genuinely suitable.
Do Not Climb
92%
11 days ago
Berryhill has received 35.6mm of rain over the past week, including significant falls on June 1st (6mm), 2nd (13.7mm), and 4th (9.8mm), with further light rain today. The rock will be heavily saturated internally despite any surface drying, and the forecast shows continued unsettled weather with no meaningful dry window in the next five days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The south aspect and partial wind exposure would normally aid drying, but the relentless sequence of rain events since June 1st has kept the rock re-saturated before any meaningful internal drying could occur.
- The free-standing boulders may dry marginally faster than the main crag due to greater airflow around all sides, but even these will be holding significant internal moisture after this wet spell.
- Access requires asking permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — do not simply turn up, as this is private estate land and access is contingent on goodwill.
- The approach walls and base of the main crag are likely to show visible moisture; if the ground at the crag base is damp, the rock is certainly still wet internally.
Warnings
2
- Climbing on saturated Fell Sandstone risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage — the rock can lose 30–50% of its strength when wet.
- The rock surface may appear dry while remaining dangerously saturated internally — do not be misled by surface appearance after only brief drying.
Reasoning
With 35.6mm of rain in the past seven days — including 13.7mm on June 2nd and 9.8mm on June 4th — and only one dry day (June 5th) before further rain today, the Fell Sandstone will be deeply saturated well beyond the critical 1% threshold where significant weakening begins.
The single dry day on June 5th with moderate wind (25.9 km/h) and lower humidity (66%) would have begun surface drying, but this is entirely insufficient to address the cumulative soaking; the south aspect helps but cannot overcome repeated re-wetting events every 1–2 days.
At current saturation levels the sandstone will have lost an estimated 30%+ of its compressive strength, with iron oxide cemented holds at serious risk of breakage — climbing now risks permanent and irreversible damage to this small, valued crag.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this unusually wet spell with temperatures averaging only 13.7°C and humidity around 80% is producing winter-like drying conditions despite the season.
Contributing Factors
6
35.6mm in the past seven days across multiple events has kept the rock repeatedly re-saturated with no opportunity for deep drying.
Zero consecutive dry days to date means the essential 48–72+ hour drying window required after heavy rain has not even begun.
Average humidity of 80% over the past week severely limits evaporation rates, even with the south-facing aspect.
Temperatures around 13–16°C are adequate for some evaporation but not high enough to compensate for the persistent humidity and frequent re-wetting.
The south-facing orientation and partial wind exposure are the best possible drying setup for Fell Sandstone, but they cannot overcome the current saturation state.
Rain is forecast on each of the next five days (totalling 27.1mm), meaning no drying window will open during the outlook period.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill until a sustained dry spell of at least 3–4 consecutive dry days follows the current wet period — given the cumulative soaking, the standard 48 hours minimum is insufficient.
- Monitor conditions from around June 13th onwards if the forecast clears after June 11th; use the field test of checking ground moisture at the crag base before touching the rock.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — respecting access arrangements is essential to preserving this venue for all climbers.
Climbing Outlook