Raven Crag has had a prolonged unsettled spell with 10.1mm on May 3rd and light precipitation on several recent days including today, and the forecast shows continued showery weather through the coming week. Although the south-facing volcanic rock dries relatively quickly, persistent cloud cover, high humidity, and intermittent drizzle today mean the surface is unlikely to offer reliable friction.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
One of the classic Lake District mountain crags, looming above the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale. Multi-pitch trad routes on superb Borrowdale Volcanic rock with excellent friction when dry. South-facing and catches sun for most of the day. Home to iconic routes including Bilberry Buttress (S), Centipede (HS), and Pluto (E2). The short approach from the valley floor makes it one of the most accessible mountain crags in the Lakes.
Condition Notes
South-facing volcanic rock dries well in sun and wind. Non-porous so does not suffer wet-rock damage, but friction is poor when damp. Some seepage lines persist after heavy rain, particularly on the left side of the crag. The south aspect and partial wind exposure mean it dries faster than many Lakes mountain crags. Can be affected by low cloud even when the valley is clear.
Active Restriction — Raven nesting
Ravens nest on the crag. Avoid areas near active nest sites. Check FRCC and BMC notices for current restrictions.
Feb 15 – May 31
Active Restriction — Raven nesting
Ravens nest on the crag. Avoid areas near active nest sites. Check FRCC and BMC notices for current restrictions.
Feb 15 – May 31
Active Restriction — Raven nesting
Ravens nest on the crag. Avoid areas near active nest sites. Check FRCC and BMC notices for current restrictions.
Feb 15 – May 31
Active Restriction — Raven nesting
Ravens nest on the crag. Avoid areas near active nest sites. Check FRCC and BMC notices for current restrictions.
Feb 15 – May 31
Active Restriction — Raven nesting
Ravens nest on the crag. Avoid areas near active nest sites. Check FRCC and BMC notices for current restrictions.
Feb 15 – May 31
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 280m
- Climbing
- Trad
- Aspects
- S SE
- Routes
- 80
- Trad Grades
- S – E6
- Access
- National Trust
- Approach
- 15 min
Site Data
- Name
- Raven Crag, Langdale
- County
- Lake District
- Rock Type
- Rhyolite
- Climbing Types
- Trad
- Aspects
- S, SE
- Wind Exposure
- Partial
- Altitude
- 280m
- Latitude
- 54.4356
- Longitude
- -3.073
- OS Grid Ref
- NY 285 064
- Access Type
- National Trust
- Approach Time
- 15 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 80
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- S – E6
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- New Dungeon Ghyll car park (National Trust, pay and display). Can fill early on good weather weekends.
- Condition Notes
- South-facing volcanic rock dries well in sun and wind. Non-porous so does not suffer wet-rock damage, but friction is poor when damp. Some seepage lines persist after heavy rain, particularly on the left side of the crag. The south aspect and partial wind exposure mean it dries faster than many Lakes mountain crags. Can be affected by low cloud even when the valley is clear.
- ID
- 936ce916-f5c2-400b-851b-b821ebe2bf81
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