The crag has not had adequate drying time following 9.8mm of rain on May 3rd, with further light precipitation on May 5th (1.7mm) and today (0.6mm), and the forecast brings more rain tomorrow and through the week. With only fragmented dry spells, high humidity (78% average), and cool temperatures (8°C average), internal moisture levels in the porous Fell Sandstone are likely still elevated.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
The premier Northumberland sandstone crag, 2.6 miles west of Belford. A long WSW-facing escarpment with over 130 boulder problems and 97 trad/sport routes. Exposed hilltop position dries relatively quickly, but the porous Fell Sandstone still needs 2-3 dry days after heavy rain. Seasonal bird restriction June 1 - July 30.
Condition Notes
Porous Fell Sandstone requires 2-3 dry days after heavy rain. Exposed hilltop position aids drying but upper tier seepage can persist longer than lower boulders. Bird nesting restriction June 1 - July 30 may limit access.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 170m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering
- Aspects
- SW W
- Problems
- 137
- Routes
- 97
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 8B+
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E8
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 5 min
Site Data
- Name
- Bowden Doors
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering
- Aspects
- SW, W
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 170m
- Latitude
- 55.588
- Longitude
- -1.89
- OS Grid Ref
- NU 069327
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 5 min
- Problem Count
- 137
- Route Count
- 97
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 8B+
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E8
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Roadside parking on the B6349 west of Belford. Do not block gates — very wide farm vehicles pass through.
- Condition Notes
- Porous Fell Sandstone requires 2-3 dry days after heavy rain. Exposed hilltop position aids drying but upper tier seepage can persist longer than lower boulders. Bird nesting restriction June 1 - July 30 may limit access.
- ID
- 270db4ec-f119-425d-b7a0-c30b4e30c413
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