CountyEthics

Kyloe-in-the-Woods

Sandstone · Partial exposure · 130m altitude

Likely safe
Likely Safe to Climb
85%
confidence

Five consecutive dry days with warm temperatures (up to 29°C) and moderate winds on a SW-facing crag provide excellent drying conditions. The last significant rain was 6.5mm on August 9th, and the rock should be well dried by now.

Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.

View full analysis Analysis 22h ago

How accurate is this verdict?

Climbing Outlook

Today 15 Aug
Likely Safe 85%
Sat 15 Aug
Likely Safe 85%
Sun 16 Aug
Likely Safe 85%
Mon 17 Aug
Do Not Climb 70%
Tue 18 Aug
Do Not Climb 75%
Wed 19 Aug
Do Not Climb 65%

Site Details

Widely regarded as having the best bouldering in Northumberland. Set in woodland near Lowick, though tree felling (2020) and Storm Arwen (Nov 2021) removed much of the canopy — the crag is less sheltered than older guides suggest, with better air circulation but still broadly protected on a windy day. The steep, pocket-rich Fell Sandstone draws dedicated boulderers from across the UK. Approach only via the designated northern gate track.

Condition Notes

Woodland setting has changed significantly since 2020: Scottish Woodlands felled trees in front of and above the crag, and Storm Arwen (Nov 2021) caused further widespread canopy loss across the plantation. The crag is now less prone to condensation and drip than it once was, with improved topping-out and better air circulation. Still broadly sheltered on a windy day, but the 'perma-dry' reputation of older sources should not be relied upon. Steep pocket-rich rock holds moisture in features. Allow at least 1-2 dry days after rain — more in cold or still conditions.

Rock Type
Sandstone
Wind Exposure
Partial
Altitude
130m
Climbing
Bouldering
Aspects
SW
Problems
100
Boulder Grades
Font 3 – Font 8B+
Access
Private (Permissive)
Approach
10 min

Site Data

Name
Kyloe-in-the-Woods
County
Northumberland
Rock Type
Sandstone
Climbing Types
Bouldering
Aspects
SW
Wind Exposure
Partial
Altitude
130m
Latitude
55.613
Longitude
-1.876
OS Grid Ref
NU 048385
Access Type
Private (Permissive)
Approach Time
10 min
Problem Count
100
Route Count
Boulder Grades
Font 3 – Font 8B+
Trad Grades
Tidal
No
Parking Notes
Park at NU 03532 38979. Do not obstruct gates or turning areas. One side of road only.
Condition Notes
Woodland setting has changed significantly since 2020: Scottish Woodlands felled trees in front of and above the crag, and Storm Arwen (Nov 2021) caused further widespread canopy loss across the plantation. The crag is now less prone to condensation and drip than it once was, with improved topping-out and better air circulation. Still broadly sheltered on a windy day, but the 'perma-dry' reputation of older sources should not be relied upon. Steep pocket-rich rock holds moisture in features. Allow at least 1-2 dry days after rain — more in cold or still conditions.
ID
ffe6fe05-f9ad-4465-b90b-cc59724c24eb

Community

Local knowledge and data feedback from climbers

Inconsistency Reports

Dense woodland note incorrect as trees have felled following storm Arwen in 2021. Not sure if this is factoring into drying data but if so needs to reflect open crag conditions.