The day on the hill
Strong gusts on Ben Donich: summit wind broadly 20-40 mph, with gusts 40-50 mph at times (strong winds).
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 1000–1300 m around midday and 800–1100 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 2 to 6°C, feeling around -4 to 0°C in the wind. Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 31-35 mph at walker height, with gusts 43-49 mph.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Keep windproof and warm layers readily available.
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 20% early, improving to around 60% later.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 3.8 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
- 1 h
- Midday
- 2 h
- Later
- Less than 1 hour
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaGusts near 35 mph make meaningful shelter important. 59/100Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks mixed overall around 600 m (59/100). A lower pitch near 300 m looks more comfortable. Conditions are less suitable by 900 m. Open-ground gusts may reach about 35 mph. Seek meaningful shelter. Peak gusts range from about 25 mph at 300 m to 35 mph at 900 m. Wind direction may change substantially during the night. Shelter that works at dusk may be less effective later. Around 1.6 mm is forecast, including rain around pack-up. Pitches near 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 900 m. Ventilation will matter.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 70%
- Moonrise
- 17:45 BST
- Moonset
- 23:54 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
- 14 mph / 25 mph
- Typical / low
- 8.2°C / 6.9°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Moderate
- Wind / gust
- 17 mph / 30 mph
- Typical / low
- 8.2°C / 6.9°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Moderate
- Wind / gust
- 20 mph / 35 mph
- Typical / low
- 6.7°C / 5.5°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 53% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
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.
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 & scramblingBetaRock may be damp or still drying. Gusts near 45 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor3/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (3/100). Recent rain may leave seepage and damp rock, especially on shaded sections. The mapped summit rock is Pelite, semipelite and psammite (Beinn Bheula Schist Formation). Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet. Gusts may reach about 45 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious.
Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet. 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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