The day on the hill
On Ben Rinnes: summit wind broadly 15-35 mph, with gusts 40-50 mph at times (strong winds).
Things to watch
Severe spate risk from the evening into the night, with forecast rain and subsequent runoff. Risk may continue beyond the daytime period shown. Timings are approximate, not a guarantee of safe crossings afterwards. Burns and unbridged crossings may become difficult or impassable. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.
Wind & exposure
Much calmer lower down - generally 5-15 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.
Cloud & views
Cloud base around 800–1100 m around midday, lowering to 600–900 m by late afternoon. The top is likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a view from early morning into around midday.
Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.
Cloud may hang lower on southwestern slopes and lift somewhat on the northeastern 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
Some rain is likely, totalling around 2-5 mm, but its timing and local amounts are uncertain. Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 28-35 mph at walker height, with gusts 40-49 mph.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges.
Rain is forecast during late afternoon and evening, but models differ considerably on the amount.
Cloud-free timing: Around 95% early, falling to around 25% later.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 2.6 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.
- Early
- 1.9 h
- Midday
- Less than 1 hour
- Later
- 0 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaGusts near 30 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). Open-ground gusts may reach about 30 mph. Seek meaningful shelter. Peak gusts range from about 20 mph at 300 m to 30 mph at 900 m. Wind direction may change substantially during the night. Shelter that works at dusk may be less effective later. Roughly 47.8 mm is forecast overnight, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing 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 300, 600 and 900 m. Ventilation will matter. The coldest temperature falls from about 6.7°C at 300 m to 4.7°C at 900 m.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 86%
- Moonrise
- 18:15 BST
- Moonset
- 02:26 next morning BST
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 22 Sep, 17:00 BST to 23 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 8 mph / 21 mph
- Typical / low
- 9.8°C / 6.7°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
- Wind / gust
- 10 mph / 26 mph
- Typical / low
- 9.8°C / 6.7°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 13% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
- Wind / gust
- 12 mph / 30 mph
- Typical / low
- 8.6°C / 4.7°C · a brief spell
- In cloud
- 93% 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 & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 45 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 Porphyritic granite (Ben Rinnes Pluton (Phase 1)). Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery. Gusts may reach about 45 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious.
Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery. 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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