The day on the hill
Strong gusts and frequent summit cloud on Arkle: summit wind broadly 30-45 mph, with gusts 50-60 mph at times (strong winds). Visibility may drop briefly in showers.
Wind & exposure
Gusts may knock you off balance on exposed ground, even between spells of lighter wind.
Cloud & views
Cloud base around 500–800 m in the morning, then around 700–1000 m around midday and 600–900 m by late afternoon. The top is likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a view during the afternoon.
Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.
Cloud may hang lower on western slopes and lift somewhat on the eastern side, but local terrain can differ. Sunny spells are possible away from summit cloud, but may not reach the top while it is in cloud.
Drizzle is forecast at times, with some passing showers too. The forecast total is up to around 2 mm, but local amounts will vary.
Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 4 to 8°C, feeling around -4 to 0°C in the wind.
Rain & temperature
The ground is likely to be saturated after recent rain. Expect boggy paths and rapid runoff if more rain arrives.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Keep windproof and warm layers readily available.
If clothing gets wet, you can cool more quickly. Keep a dry warm layer protected.
Forecast models differ on whether meaningful rain reaches the hills during the morning.
Cloud-free timing: Around 20% early, improving to around 35% later.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 3.6 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
- Early
- 1.2 h
- Midday
- 1.5 h
- Later
- 1 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaGusts near 40 mph make meaningful shelter important. 39/100Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks poor overall around 600 m (39/100). A lower pitch near 300 m looks more comfortable. Conditions are less suitable by 600 m. Open-ground gusts may reach about 40 mph. Seek meaningful shelter. Peak gusts range from about 30 mph at 300 m to 40 mph at 600 m. Around 2.5 mm is forecast, including rain around pack-up. Some condensation is possible overnight.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 70%
- Moonrise
- 18:07 BST
- Moonset
- 23:32 BST
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 20 Sep, 17:00 BST to 21 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 16 mph / 31 mph
- Typical / low
- 6.9°C / 6.7°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Moderate
- Wind / gust
- 19 mph / 38 mph
- Typical / low
- 6.9°C / 6.7°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Moderate
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
The ground is likely to be very wet after recent rain. Expect boggy approaches and choose a durable pitch carefully.
Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.
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Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 50 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor0/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (0/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. The mapped summit rock is Quartz-arenite (Pipe Rock Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Gusts may reach about 50 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.
Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point bedrock mapping; the actual route may cross different rock, superficial deposits, polish, lichen or seepage.
Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.
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Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaNight-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. This does not mean clear skies or no aurora.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
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