Queens Crag received 16.3mm of heavy rain on May 3rd, followed by further light precipitation on May 5th (1.4mm) and today (0.5mm), with only fragmented drying windows in between. Given the NW aspect, 300m altitude, fine-grained Fell Sandstone, and persistently high humidity (~81% average over the last week), the rock is very likely still holding significant internal moisture despite any surface drying.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
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Climbing Outlook
Site Details
Fine-grained Fell Sandstone bouldering venue at 300m on the escarpment north of Hadrian's Wall, near Sewingshields. Best known for high-ball and hard bouldering alongside a fine circuit of easier problems. The NW aspect and high altitude make it significantly slower to dry than lower-lying crags — primarily a spring and summer venue. Approach via the unmettalled road north of the B6318 to Sewingshields Farm; honesty box parking (£5) at the farm.
Condition Notes
High altitude and NW aspect make this significantly slower to dry than lower-lying crags. Fine-grained Fell Sandstone holds moisture tenaciously. Primarily viable spring through summer; avoid after prolonged wet spells.
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 300m
- Climbing
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- NW
- Problems
- 80
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7c+
- Access
- Private (Permissive)
- Approach
- 15 min
Site Data
- Name
- Queens Crag
- County
- Northumberland
- Rock Type
- Sandstone
- Climbing Types
- Bouldering
- Aspects
- NW
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 300m
- Latitude
- 55.028
- Longitude
- -2.319
- OS Grid Ref
- —
- Access Type
- Private (Permissive)
- Approach Time
- 15 min
- Problem Count
- 80
- Route Count
- —
- Boulder Grades
- Font 4 – Font 7c+
- Trad Grades
- —
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Honesty box parking (£5) at Sewingshields Farm. Approach via unmettalled road north of the B6318.
- Condition Notes
- High altitude and NW aspect make this significantly slower to dry than lower-lying crags. Fine-grained Fell Sandstone holds moisture tenaciously. Primarily viable spring through summer; avoid after prolonged wet spells.
- ID
- a4ce9c4c-0f3f-47f3-8b6b-5900aec248f4
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