The day on the hill
Frequent summit cloud on Crag Hill: summit wind broadly 10-25 mph, with gusts 25-35 mph at times (a fresh breeze).
Cloud & views
Cloud base mostly around 600–900 m through daylight. Summit cloud is likely, but brief clear spells remain possible if the cloud sits higher than expected.
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. Very little direct sunshine is likely, with extensive cloud.
Drizzle is forecast at times. The forecast total is up to around 2 mm, but local amounts will vary.
Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 18-27 mph at walker height, with gusts 25-38 mph.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Exposed tops may feel chilly in the wind.
A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops. Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud, even where forecasts agree on the wider cloud cover.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 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
- 0 h
- Later
- 0 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaCondensation risk is high near 300, 600 and 900 m. 64/100Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks reasonable overall around 600 m (64/100). It may be breezy on open ground, with gusts near 25 mph. Peak gusts range from about 20 mph at 300 m to 25 mph at 900 m. Wind direction may change substantially during the night. Shelter that works at dusk may be less effective later. A little rain may coincide with pitching or 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.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 78%
- Moonrise
- 17:46 BST
- Moonset
- 01:19 next morning BST
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 21 Sep, 17:00 BST to 22 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 10 mph / 19 mph
- Typical / low
- 13.5°C / 12.6°C
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
- Wind / gust
- 11 mph / 23 mph
- Typical / low
- 13.5°C / 12.6°C
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
- Wind / gust
- 13 mph / 27 mph
- Typical / low
- 12.4°C / 11.8°C
- In cloud
- 100% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 2-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 10°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. Poor14/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (14/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. 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. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.
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 Coledale Round
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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