The day on the hill
On Bakestall: summit wind broadly 15-35 mph, with gusts 35-45 mph at times (strong winds).
Wind & exposure
Much calmer lower down - generally 10-20 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.
Cloud & views
Cloud base around 500–800 m in the morning, lifting to 800–1100 m around midday and 1100–1400 m by late afternoon. Summit cloud is extensive early, becoming less frequent later.
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.
Rain & temperature
The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain. Little or no rain is forecast.
Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 4 to 8°C, feeling around 0 to 4°C in the wind.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops.
Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud, even where forecasts agree on the wider cloud cover.
Cloud-free timing: Around 40% early, improving to around 95% later.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 2.2 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.
- Early
- 0 h
- Midday
- Less than 1 hour
- Later
- 1 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA broadly very good night on a well-chosen pitch. 89/100Excellent · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks very good overall around 600 m (89/100). It may be breezy on open ground, with gusts near 25 mph. Little overnight rain is forecast.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 70%
- Moonrise
- 17:24 BST
- Moonset
- 23:59 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
- 12 mph / 21 mph
- Typical / low
- 8.9°C / 8.5°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
- Wind / gust
- 14 mph / 25 mph
- Typical / low
- 8.9°C / 8.5°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 6°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.
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 & scramblingBetaGusts near 40 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Mixed68/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look fair (68/100). Rock is likely to be mostly dry, though seepage and shaded holds are not resolved. The mapped summit rock is Mudstone and siltstone (Kirk Stile Formation). Often positive when dry, but smooth, polished or slabby sections can become markedly more slippery when damp. Gusts may reach about 40 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious.
Often positive when dry, but smooth, polished or slabby sections can become markedly more slippery when damp. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Wainwright Skiddaw And Little Man
slate or mudstone
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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