After an extremely wet January and early February (141.5mm in 28 days), conditions have improved markedly over the last week with only 2.8mm of precipitation and warming temperatures up to 12°C today. However, the sheltered valley position, high residual moisture from prolonged saturation, and still-elevated humidity mean the rock may not have fully dried internally — a careful on-site assessment is essential before climbing.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
Also known as Colour Heugh, a west-facing Fell Sandstone outcrop in a sheltered valley approximately 5km west of Belford, around 2km north of the main Bowden Doors crag. Part of an SSSI designated as some of the finest exposures of early Dinantian Fell Sandstone in northern England. Offers both single-pitch trad routes (to E8/E9) and a well-developed bouldering circuit characterised by huge overhangs and powerful roof problems. The sheltered valley position and wooded section slow drying compared to the exposed hilltop of Bowden Doors proper — the porous Fell Sandstone must not be climbed when damp. Seasonal bird nesting restrictions may apply.
Condition Notes
Sheltered valley position and wooded section slow drying compared to the exposed hilltop of Bowden Doors proper. The powerful roof problems can weep from above after rain. Bird nesting restrictions may apply seasonally.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 170m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering
- Aspects
- W
Site Data
- Name
- Back Bowden Doors
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering
- Aspects
- W
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 170m
- Latitude
- 55.596
- Longitude
- -1.898
- Condition Notes
- Sheltered valley position and wooded section slow drying compared to the exposed hilltop of Bowden Doors proper. The powerful roof problems can weep from above after rain. Bird nesting restrictions may apply seasonally.
- ID
- f74b10d9-6e75-44bb-b3d3-3187754375d6
Community
Local knowledge and data feedback from climbers
No community contributions yet — be the first to share local knowledge!