Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
The last significant rain was 16.1mm on August 19th, followed by lighter showers on the 20th–21st and a trace on the 25th; the crag has had roughly 4 full dry days with moderate temperatures and decent wind on a favourable south aspect, which should be adequate for surface drying but internal moisture from the heavy mid-August rain period remains a concern. Today is likely the last dry window before a very wet spell arrives tomorrow, so a careful on-site assessment is warranted.
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 permanent access loss.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; sheltered or north-facing faces of boulders will retain moisture longer than the main south-facing wall.
- The 54.8mm of rain over the past 28 days represents a notably wet period for summer, meaning the sandstone's deeper pore structure may still hold residual moisture even where surfaces appear dry.
- A prolonged wet spell is forecast from August 27th onwards (37mm over 5 days), so today may be the last viable climbing window for a week or more.
Warnings
2
- Heavy rain is forecast from tomorrow (Aug 27th) through the weekend — the crag will be unsafe for an extended period after this; do not assume a brief dry gap between showers is sufficient.
- Remember this is private land: always ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — access depends on maintaining goodwill with the landowner.
Reasoning
The most recent significant rainfall was 16.1mm on August 19th, with lighter falls of 1.7mm (20th), 0.2mm (21st), and 0.4mm (25th); four essentially dry days have elapsed but high average humidity (78%) has slowed evaporation, and the cumulative 54.8mm over 28 days means deeper pore saturation is likely.
The south aspect and moderate SW/S winds (15–20 km/h) over the past four dry days with temperatures reaching 17–21°C provide reasonable drying conditions, but persistent humidity in the 70–85% range limits the drying rate, and the trace rain on August 25th may have refreshed surface moisture.
After such a wet month the deeper sandstone matrix may still retain enough moisture for iron-oxide cemented holds to be weakened, particularly on lower sections of the crag and around any seepage lines.
Late August offers adequate daylight and temperatures for drying, but the current pattern of frequent frontal rain is keeping the rock in a cycle of wetting and partial drying rather than achieving full dryness.
Contributing Factors
7
The last heavy rain (16.1mm) fell on August 19th, giving approximately 6–7 days of mostly dry weather with only trace amounts since.
The south-facing orientation maximises solar gain during summer, accelerating surface and near-surface drying.
0.4mm fell yesterday, insufficient to deeply re-wet the rock but enough to refresh surface moisture and reset the drying clock slightly.
Average humidity over the past week has been 78%, with today forecast at 85%, which significantly slows evaporative drying.
54.8mm over 28 days with multiple wetting events means the sandstone has been repeatedly saturated without a prolonged drying window.
Sustained winds of 15–20 km/h from the SW help move moist boundary-layer air away from the rock face, aiding drying.
37mm is forecast over the next 5 days starting tomorrow, which will fully re-saturate the rock and close the current drying window.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, visually inspect the rock carefully — check for darker patches, feel for dampness on lower sections and in horizontal breaks, and test the ground at the crag base (if it's not bone dry, the rock isn't either).
- Focus on upper and more exposed sections of the main south-facing wall where drying will be most complete; avoid sheltered boulder faces and lower crag sections.
- Plan to climb this afternoon (12:00–17:00) when temperatures peak and humidity drops to its daily low of ~70%, giving the best surface conditions.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
70%
57 days ago
Three full dry days since the last significant rain (16.1mm on Aug 19), with a preceding period of moderate rainfall, and the south aspect and reasonable summer temperatures have aided drying. However, the cumulative wet spell from Aug 16–21 deposited over 27mm, and average humidity has remained fairly high (77%), so a visual check on arrival is strongly recommended before committing to climb.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The Aug 19 event (16.1mm) was heavy enough to fully saturate exposed Fell Sandstone surfaces, and the follow-up rain on Aug 20–21 (1.9mm combined) extended the wetting period, meaning effective drying only began on Aug 22.
- Berryhill's south aspect receives direct solar radiation through the middle of the day, which is a significant advantage — today's clear skies and low afternoon humidity (~46%) will push drying further.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; lower sections and any sheltered or mossy areas should be treated with extra suspicion.
- Access 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 everyone.
Warnings
2
- Rain is forecast from tomorrow (Aug 25) through at least Aug 29 with a major 47.8mm event on Aug 28 — the crag will be out of condition for an extended period after today.
- Do not climb on any sections that feel cool to the touch or show darkened patches — even surface-dry-looking Fell Sandstone can be dangerously weakened internally.
Reasoning
The 16.1mm event on Aug 19 plus trailing rain on Aug 20–21 would have saturated the rock, and three dry days (Aug 22–24) in moderate summer conditions with 70–77% humidity provide borderline-adequate drying for a south-facing crag but internal moisture may persist in thicker sections.
The south aspect and today's clear, low-humidity afternoon (~46% RH, ~20°C, moderate SE breeze) are actively driving evaporation, but the preceding days averaged only ~15–17°C with 70% humidity and modest wind, meaning drying has been steady but not aggressive.
With three dry days and summer temperatures the surface should be dry, but deeper pore moisture from the cumulative 27mm over Aug 16–21 could still reduce compressive strength in thicker rock features — hold breakage risk is low but not negligible on smaller holds.
Mid-to-late August is generally favourable for Fell Sandstone with reasonable daylight hours and moderate temperatures, though the recent unsettled spell and incoming rain from Aug 25 onward narrow the usable window significantly.
Contributing Factors
6
No rain since Aug 21 (0.2mm trace), giving roughly 72 hours of drying — approaching the minimum guideline for heavier rain on porous sandstone.
The south-facing orientation maximises solar gain, and today's clear afternoon skies with humidity dropping to 46% are excellent drying conditions.
Over 27mm fell between Aug 16–21 across multiple events, meaning the rock was re-wetted repeatedly before the current dry spell began.
The last seven days averaged 77% humidity, which slows evaporative drying and may have left deeper pore moisture intact.
3mm forecast for Aug 25 with humidity rising to 88%, followed by further rain through the week including a major 47.8mm event on Aug 28 — today is the last viable window for some time.
Winds of 15–20 km/h from the south and west over recent dry days help move moist air from the rock surface, supporting evaporation on this partially exposed crag.
Recommendations
3
- If climbing today, go in the afternoon (11:00–17:00) when humidity is lowest and solar heating is strongest — visually inspect the rock and test with fingertips before committing, especially on lower sections.
- Avoid any routes with visible seepage, damp patches, or moss-covered sections; the free-standing boulders should dry fastest and are the safest bet.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — this is private land and continued access depends on good relations with the landowner.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
60%
58 days ago
Two full dry days have passed since the last significant rain (16.1mm on Aug 19), with only trace amounts on Aug 20–21 and a dry day on Aug 22 and today. The south aspect, moderate wind, and summer temperatures are helping, but 25mm of rain in the past week and high average humidity (80%) mean internal moisture may linger — a visual check on arrival is essential.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on private land — climbers must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing; failure to do so risks losing access for everyone.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; lower sheltered faces and north-facing sides of boulders will hold moisture longest.
- The south-facing main crag benefits from good solar exposure at this time of year, which significantly aids surface drying, but the porous Fell Sandstone can remain damp internally even when the surface appears dry.
- The 16.1mm event on Aug 19 followed closely by 1.7mm on Aug 20 represents a substantial soaking; check the ground at the crag base — if it is not sandy-dry, the rock is still wet internally.
Warnings
2
- Do not assume the rock is dry based on surface appearance alone — Fell Sandstone can appear dry while retaining significant internal moisture after 16mm+ of rain only 4 days ago.
- Wet Fell Sandstone holds can break without warning, risking both climber injury and permanent crag damage.
Reasoning
The rock received 16.1mm on Aug 19 and a further 1.7mm on Aug 20, with only two fully dry days since; given Fell Sandstone's rapid water absorption and slow internal drying, internal moisture is likely still present despite surface drying.
The south aspect and moderate SW/W winds (11–20 km/h) over the past two days at 14–18°C provide reasonable drying conditions, but average humidity of 80% over the last week limits evaporative efficiency, meaning internal drying lags behind surface appearance.
With ~25mm of rain in the past week and only two dry days, there is a moderate risk that iron-oxide cemented holds remain weakened internally — the 10–50% strength reduction range for wet Fell Sandstone means careful assessment is warranted.
Mid-summer provides the best available drying conditions with long daylight hours and reasonable temperatures, which is the main reason conditions are borderline-acceptable rather than clearly unsafe.
Contributing Factors
7
16.1mm fell on Aug 19 with 1.7mm on Aug 20, delivering a substantial soaking to the porous sandstone only 3–4 days ago.
Aug 22 and today (Aug 23) have been dry, providing approximately 48 hours of drying time since the last trace precipitation.
The south-facing aspect receives strong solar radiation in August, significantly accelerating surface and near-surface drying.
Average humidity of 80% over the past week limits net evaporation rates and slows internal drying despite reasonable temperatures.
Winds of 11–20 km/h over recent days help move moist air from the rock surface, aiding drying at a moderate rate.
96.2mm over the past 28 days represents a persistently wet period, meaning the sandstone has had little chance to fully dry out between rain events.
Temperatures of 14–18°C over recent days are adequate for evaporation, though below the week's earlier highs of 24–29°C.
Recommendations
3
- Check ground conditions at the crag base on arrival — if the soil is not sandy-dry, do not climb as the rock is still wet internally.
- Prioritise the upper sections and any overhanging faces of the main south-facing crag, which will have dried fastest; avoid lower walls and sheltered boulder faces.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — access is entirely dependent on the farmer's goodwill.
Do Not Climb
45%
59 days ago
Berryhill received 16.1mm of rain on August 19th followed by further light rain on the 20th and 21st, with only one full dry day (today) since. Despite the south aspect, the recent wet spell on top of a generally damp preceding week means the Fell Sandstone is very likely still holding internal moisture and should not be climbed on yet.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on private land — climbers must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before every visit, and parking is on the farm lane 50m past the cottages; failure to comply risks permanent access loss.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; boulders with all-round exposure can dry faster but their bases often retain dampness longer.
- The south aspect is favourable for drying, but recent humidity averaging 81% over the past week significantly slows evaporation from this porous Fell Sandstone.
- The 16.1mm event on August 19th came on top of an already damp period (27.3mm in the last 7 days), meaning the rock likely reached high saturation levels requiring extended drying time.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today or tomorrow — the Fell Sandstone is almost certainly still wet internally after 16.1mm of rain only 3 days ago, and climbing risks permanent hold damage.
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated — this is the most dangerous scenario for hold breakage on Fell Sandstone.
Reasoning
With 16.1mm falling on August 19th, 1.7mm on the 20th, and trace rain on the 21st, the rock has had only one genuinely dry day and is very likely still saturated internally despite any surface drying.
The south aspect helps, but light winds (11–16 km/h), moderate temperatures (~15°C average), and high humidity (81% average over the last week) have provided only modest drying conditions — far short of the 48–72+ hours of good drying needed after heavy rain on already-damp sandstone.
Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet, and the recent heavy rain on an already moisture-laden rock mass means iron oxide holds are at elevated risk of breakage.
Late summer conditions are generally favourable for recovery, but the recent cool and humid spell has suppressed drying rates well below typical summer performance.
Contributing Factors
6
16.1mm fell on August 19th on top of an already wet week (27.3mm in last 7 days), driving the rock to high saturation levels.
Only one full dry day has elapsed since the last significant rain, well short of the 48–72+ hours required after heavy rain on porous Fell Sandstone.
Average humidity over the past 7 days has been 81%, severely limiting evaporative drying from the rock surface.
The south-facing aspect provides good solar exposure which aids surface drying, though this alone cannot overcome the moisture deficit.
Partial wind exposure provides some airflow to assist drying, but recent wind speeds have been modest (11–16 km/h) and insufficient to compensate for high humidity.
96.6mm over 28 days indicates a prolonged damp period, meaning the rock has had little opportunity to fully dry out at depth between rain events.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least another 2 full dry days before visiting — the earliest realistic window is August 24th, assuming no further rain and improving conditions.
- If you do visit later in the window, check the ground at the base of the crag: if it is not sandy-dry, the rock is still holding moisture internally and should not be climbed.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — access is entirely dependent on the goodwill of the landowner.
Do Not Climb
35%
60 days ago
Berryhill received 16.1mm of rain on August 19th followed by 1.7mm on August 20th, with only one full dry day elapsed (today, August 21st). Despite the favourable south aspect, this is insufficient drying time for Fell Sandstone after moderate-to-heavy rainfall, especially given high humidity (79–83%) and cool temperatures over the past few days.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on private land — climbers must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before every visit, and failure to do so risks permanent access loss.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; lower sections and sheltered alcoves behind boulders will retain moisture longest.
- The recent fortnight has been notably wet (96.5mm in 28 days) with repeated wetting cycles, meaning internal moisture levels in the sandstone are likely elevated well beyond what the last rain event alone would suggest.
- South aspect and partial wind exposure are helpful but the northerly wind direction today and tomorrow provides less direct drying benefit to a south-facing crag than a southerly or westerly wind would.
Warnings
2
- Do not climb today — the rock is almost certainly still saturated internally despite any surface drying, risking permanent hold damage on irreplaceable routes.
- The cumulative wetness this month means even when the surface appears dry, internal moisture levels may remain dangerously high.
Reasoning
The rock received 16.1mm on August 19th and 1.7mm on August 20th with only one dry day since — internal saturation is almost certainly still significant given the high porosity of Fell Sandstone and the cumulative 27.1mm over the last seven days.
Only one full dry day has passed since the last meaningful rain, with cool temperatures (~14°C), high humidity (79–83%), and a northerly wind that does not directly ventilate the south-facing rock surface — drying will have been slow.
With repeated wetting events throughout August and insufficient drying time, the sandstone is at elevated risk of hold breakage and grain loosening; the iron oxide holds that define Berryhill's climbing are particularly vulnerable.
Mid-to-late summer should offer reasonable drying potential, but temperatures have been well below seasonal norms (14°C average over the last week) and humidity has been persistently high, reducing the expected summer drying advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
16.1mm fell on August 19th with an additional 1.7mm on August 20th, delivering significant moisture into the rock with only one dry day since.
96.5mm over 28 days with frequent wetting cycles means the sandstone has had little opportunity to fully dry internally at any point this month.
Only one consecutive dry day has elapsed, well short of the minimum 48–72 hours needed after moderate rain on Fell Sandstone.
The 7-day average of 14.1°C and 80% humidity significantly slow evaporation and internal drying.
The south-facing aspect receives good solar radiation which will help surface drying, though this advantage is partially offset by the northerly wind direction today.
A north wind at 18.4 km/h will not ventilate the south-facing rock surface as effectively as a southerly or westerly wind would.
Recommendations
3
- Wait at least another 1–2 full dry days (until August 23rd at earliest) before considering a visit, and only if conditions remain dry.
- Before climbing, check the ground at the base of the crag — if it is damp rather than sandy-dry, the rock is certainly still too wet internally.
- Always ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing; park on the farm lane approximately 50m past the cottages.
Do Not Climb
90%
61 days ago
Berryhill has received significant rainfall over recent days — 16.4mm on Aug 19, 3.5mm today (Aug 20), with further rain forecast tomorrow — and the rock will be thoroughly saturated. With zero consecutive dry days and high humidity, the Fell Sandstone has had no meaningful drying time and climbing would risk both 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 — you must ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing, and failure to do so could jeopardise access for all climbers.
- The south-facing aspect is favourable for drying, but the recent sequence of repeated wetting events (16.9mm on Aug 4, 4.8mm on Aug 9, 8.9mm on Aug 16–17, 16.4mm on Aug 19, 3.5mm today) means internal moisture has been continually replenished with no adequate drying window.
- The base of the crag and any sheltered alcoves or lower boulders will retain moisture longest — even when the upper main crag appears dry, lower sections may still be saturated.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry slightly faster than the main crag due to greater air circulation, but given the recent saturation levels, all areas should be treated as wet.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing now risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible crag damage.
- The rock surface may appear dry before the interior has dried — do not rely on surface appearance alone; check the ground at the crag base as a moisture indicator.
Reasoning
With 16.4mm on Aug 19 and 3.5mm today, the rock is currently saturated — the cumulative 29.2mm in the last 7 days has kept pore spaces continuously recharged with no meaningful drying interval.
The south aspect and moderate wind exposure would normally aid drying, but with zero consecutive dry days, persistent cloud cover, and humidity averaging 79% over the past week, evaporation has been far too slow to overcome the repeated wetting.
At current saturation levels the Fell Sandstone could be experiencing 30%+ compressive strength loss, making hold breakage a serious risk — climbing now would damage irreplaceable routes.
Late summer conditions with temperatures around 15°C and frequent frontal rain are keeping the crag in a prolonged damp state despite the generally favourable season.
Contributing Factors
6
16.4mm fell on Aug 19 followed by 3.5mm today, thoroughly saturating the sandstone with no dry interval.
The rock has had no opportunity to begin meaningful drying since the heavy rain on Aug 19.
29.2mm in the past 7 days with repeated wetting events has kept internal moisture continuously elevated.
Average humidity of 79% over the last week severely limits evaporative drying potential.
The south aspect receives good solar radiation which will aid drying once a sustained dry period begins.
2.4mm forecast for Aug 21 will reset the drying clock yet again before any meaningful drying can occur.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill today or tomorrow — the rock is saturated and needs a sustained dry period of at least 48 hours from the last rain before conditions can be reassessed.
- Monitor conditions from Aug 23 onwards when a dry window may begin, but check the ground at the crag base before committing — if it is damp, the rock is still wet internally.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing on any visit.
Do Not Climb
70%
62 days ago
The rock is likely still damp internally following recent rain on 16th–17th August (8.9mm combined) plus light precipitation today (0.7mm including early-morning drizzle), with insufficient drying time elapsed. Although Berryhill's south aspect and moderate wind exposure aid drying, the repeated wetting events over the past month (79.4mm in 28 days) mean the sandstone has had little opportunity to dry out fully.
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 could lose access for everyone.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; boulders with overhanging faces may appear dry while vertical and slab faces retain moisture.
- The south aspect is favourable for drying but today's 100% cloud cover negates much of the solar benefit, and humidity has been high (80%+ overnight and early morning).
- The high cumulative rainfall this month (79.4mm over 28 days) means internal moisture levels in this porous Fell Sandstone are likely elevated even where surfaces appear dry.
Warnings
2
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing on damp rock risks permanent hold breakage and route damage.
- The rock surface may appear dry while internally saturated after repeated recent rain; do not rely on visual assessment alone without considering drying time.
Reasoning
Rain fell on 16th (2.3mm), 17th (6.6mm), 18th (0.4mm), and light drizzle early today (0.7mm), giving the rock no meaningful consecutive dry period; internal moisture is very likely still elevated in this porous Fell Sandstone.
The south aspect and moderate westerly/south-westerly winds would normally aid drying, but persistent cloud cover today, high humidity (80% average), and the lack of consecutive dry days since the 17th August rain event mean drying has been slow and incomplete.
With 79.4mm of rain in the past 28 days and frequent re-wetting, the sandstone's internal pore saturation is likely well above safe thresholds, posing a real risk of hold breakage and grain loosening — especially on the iron-oxide-cemented small holds that characterise Fell Sandstone.
Mid-August temperatures (~17°C) and day length are adequate for drying in principle, but the unsettled weather pattern with frequent showers has kept conditions consistently damp.
Contributing Factors
7
Rain on 16th (2.3mm), 17th (6.6mm), 18th (0.4mm), and light drizzle today means the rock has been re-wetted repeatedly with no sustained dry spell.
79.4mm over 28 days has kept the porous sandstone in a near-continuously damp state, preventing deep internal drying.
The south-facing aspect maximises solar radiation exposure, which is the most favourable orientation for drying Fell Sandstone.
100% cloud cover for most of today eliminates direct solar heating, significantly reducing the south aspect's drying advantage.
Partial wind exposure with 15–20 km/h winds provides some evaporative drying benefit at the rock surface.
Average humidity of 75–80% over recent days slows evaporation considerably, prolonging internal moisture retention.
4.0mm forecast for 20th August will re-wet the rock again before any meaningful drying can occur.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock has had insufficient drying time since rain on the 16th–18th and drizzle this morning, and more rain is forecast tomorrow.
- The earliest realistic window is 22nd–23rd August after a dry spell from the afternoon of the 21st; check conditions visually on arrival and test the base of the crag for dampness.
- Always ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing and park on the farm lane 50m past the cottages.
Do Not Climb
90%
63 days ago
Berryhill received 4.8mm of rain overnight (early hours of today, 18 August) on top of 7.5mm over the previous two days, and the rock will still be saturated internally. With further rain forecast tomorrow and heavy rain (11mm) on the 20th, there is no adequate drying window in the near term.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill's south aspect and partial wind exposure normally aid drying, but the cumulative 12.3mm over the past three days (16th–18th) has kept the rock persistently wet with no meaningful dry interval.
- The free-standing boulders may dry slightly faster than the main crag due to greater air circulation, but the standard Fell Sandstone waiting period still applies after this level of wetting.
- Access requires permission from Berryhill Farm before climbing — climbing on wet rock here risks both permanent route damage and jeopardising the permissive access arrangement for all climbers.
- The approach walls and base of the main crag will retain moisture longest; even when upper faces appear dry, lower sections and sheltered corners will remain damp internally.
Warnings
3
- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing today risks hold breakage, personal injury, and permanent irreversible damage to routes.
- The rock surface may appear dry by this afternoon but internal saturation from three days of rain makes it structurally unsafe.
- Berryhill is on private land with permissive access only — climbing on wet rock here could result in access being revoked for everyone.
Reasoning
The rock received 4.8mm of rain in the early hours of today following 2.3mm on the 16th and 5.2mm on the 17th, meaning the sandstone has been repeatedly wetted over the past 72 hours with no dry spell long enough to allow meaningful internal drying.
Although today's afternoon shows decent wind (25–30 km/h) and dropping humidity (~60%), drying only began mid-morning and a single afternoon is wholly insufficient to dry Fell Sandstone that has absorbed cumulative rain over three consecutive days.
With 81.7mm of rain in the last 28 days and repeated wetting cycles, the sandstone's internal moisture content is likely well above the critical 1% saturation threshold where significant strength loss begins, posing a real risk of hold breakage and permanent route damage.
Mid-August should be favourable for drying, but this has been an unusually wet spell for summer; the persistent moisture and moderate temperatures mean no freeze-thaw risk but prolonged saturation is the primary concern.
Contributing Factors
6
4.8mm fell in the early hours of 18 August, freshly saturating the rock surface and replenishing internal moisture.
A total of 12.3mm over the 16th–18th with no dry interval means the sandstone has had no opportunity to begin meaningful internal drying.
81.7mm over 28 days with frequent wetting events means background moisture levels in the rock are elevated well above safe thresholds.
Strong westerly winds (25–30 km/h) and humidity dropping to ~60% this afternoon will begin surface drying, but this is far too short a window for internal drying.
The south-facing aspect would normally aid drying significantly, but 100% cloud cover today eliminates direct solar radiation.
3.9mm is forecast for tomorrow (19th) and 11mm on the 20th, which will re-saturate any surface drying achieved today.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill today or in the next several days — the rock is freshly wet and further rain is forecast through the 20th.
- The earliest realistic window for assessment would be the 22nd (after a dry 21st–22nd), but only if the 11mm on the 20th is followed by at least 48 hours of genuinely dry, breezy weather.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before any visit — respecting the access arrangement is essential for maintaining climbing access at this private estate.
Do Not Climb
90%
64 days ago
Berryhill has received 6.8mm of rain in the last 7 days including 2.3mm yesterday and 4.5mm today, with heavy rain forecast tonight and continuing through the next three days — the rock is wet now and will not get a chance to dry. With 76.2mm over the past 28 days and nearly 19mm more forecast in the coming week, the Fell Sandstone will be saturated and structurally compromised.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Berryhill is on private land and requires permission from Berryhill Farm before every visit — failure to ask risks losing access for all climbers.
- The south-facing aspect normally aids drying, but persistent cloud cover and high humidity (84% today, forecast 76–88% through the week) will significantly reduce the solar drying advantage.
- The crag's free-standing boulders and approach walls may absorb and retain moisture differently from the main crag face — boulders can wick water from all sides and take longer to dry internally.
- With 76.2mm of rain in 28 days the background moisture level in the sandstone will be elevated; even after a dry spell, internal saturation may persist longer than surface appearance suggests.
Warnings
3
- Climbing on wet Fell Sandstone causes permanent, irreversible damage to holds through grain loosening and breakage — the rock loses 10–50% of its compressive strength when wet.
- The surface may appear to dry before the interior does; do not be deceived by a dry-looking surface after only one dry day.
- Heavy rain is forecast tonight and through August 19–21 — conditions will worsen before they improve.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from 2.3mm yesterday and 4.5mm today, with high humidity (84%) preventing effective evaporation, and the sandstone will be absorbing water rapidly through its porous surface.
Despite the south aspect, there has been zero consecutive dry days, light winds (13 km/h SE — blowing into the face rather than across it), and heavy cloud cover today limiting solar drying to negligible levels.
With recent repeated wetting events (16.9mm on Aug 4, 4.8mm on Aug 9, 2.3mm on Aug 16, 4.5mm today) and no extended dry period, the sandstone's compressive strength is significantly reduced, making hold breakage and permanent damage a real risk.
Although mid-summer temperatures are adequate for drying in principle, the current unsettled pattern with frequent rain and above-average humidity is preventing the rock from drying out between events.
Contributing Factors
6
4.5mm recorded today with an additional 4.2mm of heavy rain forecast tonight (from 20:00 onwards), ensuring the rock is thoroughly wet.
There have been zero consecutive dry days heading into today, meaning the rock has had no opportunity to begin meaningful drying.
76.2mm over 28 days with repeated wetting events means the sandstone's internal moisture content is elevated well beyond what surface appearance reveals.
Humidity at 84% today and forecast 76–88% through the week severely limits evaporative drying from the rock surface.
18.8mm of additional precipitation is forecast over the next 5 days (Aug 18–22), with rain on three consecutive days before any dry weather arrives.
The south-facing aspect would normally aid drying, but heavy cloud cover (95–100% this afternoon) and continued rain negate this advantage entirely.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb at Berryhill today or in the coming days — the Fell Sandstone is wet and structurally weakened, and more rain is forecast.
- Monitor conditions from August 22 onwards when a dry window may begin; you will need at least 48 hours of dry weather with reasonable temperatures and lower humidity before considering a visit.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before any visit — access is on private land and depends on maintaining good relations with the landowner.
Do Not Climb
65%
65 days ago
Despite a good drying spell from August 10–15, today's rain (1.5mm) has reset the clock, and the forecast shows continued unsettled weather through August 20 with rain on each of the next four days. Berryhill's south aspect and partial wind exposure are helpful but cannot compensate for repeated wetting events on porous Fell Sandstone.
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 parking is on the farm lane ~50m past the cottages; failure to ask risks permanent access loss.
- The free-standing boulders and approach walls may dry at different rates to the main crag; lower sheltered sections and north-facing sides of boulders will hold moisture longest.
- The recent heavy rain on July 26 (39.5mm) and August 4 (16.9mm) means deeper pore saturation may persist even after the surface-dry spell of August 10–15, making the rock more vulnerable to rapid re-saturation from today's and upcoming rain.
- South aspect and ~90m altitude give Berryhill above-average drying potential for Fell Sandstone, but the upcoming high-humidity SE airflow (85% on Aug 17) will significantly slow evaporation.
Warnings
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- Fell Sandstone loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when wet — climbing on damp rock risks permanent hold breakage and irreversible route damage.
- The rock surface may appear dry while the interior remains saturated after this pattern of intermittent rain; do not rely on surface appearance alone.
Reasoning
Today's 1.5mm rain on already partially recovered rock has re-wetted the surface; while the preceding 6 dry days (Aug 10–15) with warm temperatures up to 28.8°C would have dried upper layers well, the deeper pore network may still retain moisture from the heavier events in late July and early August.
The south aspect and moderate wind (12.6 km/h today) would normally allow quick drying after a light shower, but with humidity at 78% today rising to 85% tomorrow and further rain forecast each day through August 20, no meaningful drying window is available.
Repeated wetting-drying cycles through this unsettled period pose a moderate risk of grain loosening on the iron-oxide-cemented holds that characterise Fell Sandstone routes, particularly on the easier-grade lower routes that see more traffic.
Mid-August is generally favourable for Fell Sandstone climbing, and temperatures remain adequate for drying, but this particular spell of unsettled Atlantic weather is preventing the rock from reaching a genuinely dry state.
Contributing Factors
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1.5mm of rain today has re-wetted the rock surface after the promising dry spell of August 10–15.
Rain is forecast on each of the next four days (3.4mm, 5.3mm, 4.6mm, 2.7mm) totalling 16mm, preventing any sustained drying.
Six consecutive dry days (Aug 10–15) with temperatures up to 28.8°C will have significantly reduced deeper moisture from earlier heavy rain events.
The south-facing orientation maximises solar radiation exposure, giving Berryhill above-average drying potential for Fell Sandstone.
Humidity of 78% today and 85% forecast tomorrow significantly reduces the evaporative drying rate.
70.9mm over the past 28 days including two heavy events (39.5mm on July 26, 16.9mm on Aug 4) means the deeper rock may not have fully dried internally.
Recommendations
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- Do not climb today or during the upcoming unsettled spell — wait for at least 48 hours of dry weather with low humidity after the last rain, which is unlikely before August 22 at the earliest.
- Monitor conditions closely from August 21 onwards; if the forecast dries out and humidity drops, a visit on August 22 or later could be feasible with on-site assessment.
- Remember to ask permission at Berryhill Farm before climbing — access is entirely dependent on maintaining good relations with the landowner.
Climbing Outlook