CountyEthics

Great Wanney

Sandstone · Exposed exposure · 280m altitude

Do not climb
Do Not Climb
70%
confidence

Great Wanney has not had an adequate drying window: 14.1mm fell on May 3rd, followed by further light rain on May 5th and today (May 7th), with only isolated dry days in between at moderate temperatures and high humidity. The forecast brings more rain tomorrow and heavy rain on May 9th, meaning conditions are unlikely to improve this week.

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

View full analysis Analysis 1d ago

How accurate is this verdict?

Climbing Outlook

Today 8 May
Do Not Climb 70%
Fri 8 May
Do Not Climb 85%
Sat 9 May
Do Not Climb 90%
Sun 10 May
Do Not Climb 85%
Mon 11 May
Do Not Climb 90%
Tue 12 May
Do Not Climb 65%

Site Details

Probably the most spectacular sandstone crag in Northumberland, located on high open moorland between Knowesgate and East Woodburn in the Ridsdale area. The escarpment stands 10–20m tall with around 87 routes spanning VDiff to E8 — many test their grade, with the VDiffs and Severes notably serious. Predominantly a trad venue with some bouldering. The exposed moorland setting at around 280m gives the crag a dramatic, remote character with panoramic views across Northumberland. Dries reasonably in a blow but the porous Fell Sandstone must not be climbed when wet. Park at the Fourlaws Forestry Commission gate on the Knowesgate–Ridsdale road; 20–30 min walk-in, boggy in places. CRoW open access land.

Rock Type
Sandstone
Wind Exposure
Exposed
Altitude
280m
Climbing
Trad Bouldering
Aspects
S SW
Problems
20
Routes
87
Boulder Grades
Font 4 – Font 7a
Trad Grades
VDiff – E8
Access
CRoW Open Access
Approach
25 min

Site Data

Name
Great Wanney
County
Northumberland
Rock Type
Sandstone
Climbing Types
Trad, Bouldering
Aspects
S, SW
Wind Exposure
Exposed
Altitude
280m
Latitude
55.144
Longitude
-2.109
OS Grid Ref
Access Type
CRoW Open Access
Approach Time
25 min
Problem Count
20
Route Count
87
Boulder Grades
Font 4 – Font 7a
Trad Grades
VDiff – E8
Tidal
No
Parking Notes
Fourlaws Forestry Commission gate on the Knowesgate-Ridsdale road. 20-30 min walk-in, boggy in places.
Condition Notes
ID
b524c319-45d6-4c41-bb17-257f66fa6a71

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