Hodge Close has received rain this morning and intermittent light precipitation is forecast throughout the rest of today, with high humidity and full cloud cover trapping moisture in the sheltered quarry bowl. The polished slate surfaces will be greasy and dangerous; this is not a day to climb here.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
A spectacular disused slate quarry near Tilberthwaite, forming a dramatic amphitheatre with vertical and overhanging walls dropping into a deep pool. Offers an unusual combination of trad climbing, bouldering, and deep water soloing. The quarried slate has a distinctive rippled texture with good edges when dry but becomes treacherously greasy when damp. The sheltered quarry bowl traps humidity and can be slow to dry despite non-porous rock. A unique and atmospheric venue.
Condition Notes
Sheltered quarry bowl traps moisture and humidity — can feel damp even when surrounding crags are dry. Polished slate surfaces are extremely slippery when wet. Non-porous rock does not absorb water but the enclosed amphitheatre is slow to dry due to poor air circulation. DWS is possible year-round but water temperature is cold. Seepage from the quarry rim can persist for days after rain.
- Rock Type
- Slate
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 220m
- Climbing
- Trad Bouldering Dws
- Aspects
- S W N E
- Problems
- 50
- Routes
- 100
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7a
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E6
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 10 min
Site Data
- Name
- Hodge Close Quarry
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Slate
- Climbing Types
- Trad, Bouldering, Dws
- Aspects
- S, W, N, E
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 220m
- Latitude
- 54.4009
- Longitude
- -3.054
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 316 016
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 10 min
- Problem Count
- 50
- Route Count
- 100
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7a
- Trad Grades
- VDiff – E6
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Small parking area off the minor road between Tilberthwaite and Hodge Close. Can fill quickly on sunny weekends.
- Condition Notes
- Sheltered quarry bowl traps moisture and humidity — can feel damp even when surrounding crags are dry. Polished slate surfaces are extremely slippery when wet. Non-porous rock does not absorb water but the enclosed amphitheatre is slow to dry due to poor air circulation. DWS is possible year-round but water temperature is cold. Seepage from the quarry rim can persist for days after rain.
- ID
- 33757ab3-e0f9-4b1e-ac93-0359e7997b52
Community
Local knowledge and data feedback from climbers
No community contributions yet — be the first to share local knowledge!