Mountain Weather

Ditchling Beacon weather forecast.

248 m summit in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). 8 forecast days covering wind, cloud, rain and temperature, updated 5 November 2026 at 16:25 UTC.

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Confidence: High
Overall hill weather90Excellent
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-15 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 06:58 · Sunset 16:28 · 9.5 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A fine day on Ditchling Beacon: dry, with light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly easterly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views as long as the tops stay clear.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 4 to 8°C, feeling like 0 to 4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a warm layer and a hat for the top.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:30pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 3.4 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
1.3 h
Midday
1.4 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
89
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
90

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA good night for a wild camp: dry, with light winds. 84Good · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 5 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A good night for a wild camp. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. It should stay dry. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 300 m9 mph · gusts 15 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc
11%
Moonrise
03:49 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

Views of the Moon may come and go through cloud breaks. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 5 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 6 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m84 · promising
Wind / gust
9 mph / 15 mph
Typical / low
5.8°C / 4.3°C · a brief spell
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 2°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.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaExcellent conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent95 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Excellent conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust10-20 mphRain0.0 mm
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Ditchling Beacon on Thursday 5 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: High
Overall hill weather90Excellent
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph southeasterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like2 to 6°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day400-1,000 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:00 · Sunset 16:27 · 9.4 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A fine day on Ditchling Beacon: dry, with light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly south-easterly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 4 to 8°C, feeling like 2 to 6°C in the wind. It turns milder through the day. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a warm layer and a hat for the top.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:25pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 5.7 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
1.7 h
Midday
3 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
90
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground.
90

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds. 54Mixed · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 6 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 8 mph. It should stay dry. Around 300 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp around 300 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 300 m5 mph · gusts 8 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc
5%
Moonrise
05:05 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

Cloud may affect views of the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 6 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 7 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m54 · mixed
Wind / gust
5 mph / 8 mph
Typical / low
5.6°C / 4.5°C · several hours
In cloud
67% 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 2°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.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaExcellent conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent94 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Excellent conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust5-15 mphRainPossible · 20%
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Ditchling Beacon on Friday 6 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: High
Overall hill weather77Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph westerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day200-900 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:02 · Sunset 16:25 · 9.4 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Ditchling Beacon: light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly westerly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

Rain arrives mid-afternoon.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like 0 to 4°C in the wind. It turns milder through the day. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a warm layer and a hat for the top.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:25pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

It's still two days off, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 5.5 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
3.5 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
66
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
88

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain: gusts of about 10 mph. 54Mixed · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 7 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 10 mph. Expect some light rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Around 300 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp around 300 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 5°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain1.9 mm Open ground · 300 m6 mph · gusts 10 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Near-new moon

Illuminated disc
2%
Moonrise
06:21 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

Cloud may affect views of the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 7 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 8 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m54 · mixed
Wind / gust
6 mph / 10 mph
Typical / low
5.9°C / 5.0°C · a brief spell
In cloud
60% 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 2°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.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaMixed conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor40 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust5-15 mphRain1.5 mm
Main concernwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Ditchling Beacon on Saturday 7 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather93Excellent
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph northwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like2 to 6°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:03 · Sunset 16:23 · 9.3 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A fine day on Ditchling Beacon: dry, with light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly north-westerly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 4 to 8°C, feeling like 2 to 6°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a warm layer and a hat for the top.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:25pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. It's still three days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 6.7 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
Less than 1 hour
Midday
4 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
93
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground.
93

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA reasonable night to camp, with a well-chosen pitch: dry, with light winds. 64Mixed · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 8 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A reasonable night to camp, with a well-chosen pitch. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 20 mph. It should stay dry. Around 300 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp around 300 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 3°C around 300 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 300 m9 mph · gusts 18 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m64 · reasonable
Wind / gust
9 mph / 18 mph
Typical / low
5.1°C / 2.9°C · several hours
In cloud
33% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°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.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Good82 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be drying, but damp patches, shaded holds and drainage lines may still be wet. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceDamp or dryingPeak gust5-15 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concerndamp or incompletely dried rock possible
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Ditchling Beacon on Sunday 8 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather82Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:05 · Sunset 16:22 · 9.3 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Ditchling Beacon: dry, with light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of 10–20 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 20–30 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 25–35 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

Mostly dry, but some forecast models bring rain later on.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 4 to 8°C, feeling like 0 to 4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. A windproof and an extra layer for stops will help.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

It's still four days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 6.8 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
0.9 h
Midday
4 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.
85
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.
80

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA reasonable night to camp, with a well-chosen pitch: about 4 mm of rain. 64Mixed · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 9 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A reasonable night to camp, with a well-chosen pitch. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the east. Dry to pitch, then about 4 mm of rain overnight and into the morning, so expect to pack a wet tent. Overnight lows of about 8°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain3.5 mm Open ground · 300 m18 mph · gusts 26 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 4°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m64 · reasonable
Wind / gust
18 mph / 26 mph
Typical / low
8.1°C / 7.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
7% 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.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Good77 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. It should stay mostly dry, but a passing shower could leave the rock damp and slippery. Gusts of 20–30 mph will be noticeable on exposed ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceDry initially; rain possiblePeak gust20-30 mphRainPossible · 40%
Main concernrain possible despite mostly dry conditions being favoured
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Ditchling Beacon on Monday 9 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather62Mixed
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-20 mph southeasterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph Feels like4 to 8°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day200-700 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:07 · Sunset 16:20 · 9.2 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Ditchling Beacon: light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of 5–20 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 20–30 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out. It looks hazy, so views may be limited even when the tops are clear.

Rain and ground

Drizzle for much of the day. The timing could shift by a few hours.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 8 to 12°C, feeling like 4 to 8°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

It's still five days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

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.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the morning, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.
70
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.
55

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain: gusts of about 15 mph. 54Mixed · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 10 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. Expect some light rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Around 300 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. Overnight lows of about 12°C at 300 m. A 2-season bag rated to about 8°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain2.8 mm Open ground · 300 m11 mph · gusts 17 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 8°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m54 · mixed
Wind / gust
11 mph / 17 mph
Typical / low
12.0°C / 11.6°C
In cloud
80% 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 8°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.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor10 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 20–30 mph will be noticeable on exposed ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust20-30 mphRain1.2 mm
Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Ditchling Beacon on Tuesday 10 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather84Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-15 mph southwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph Feels like10 to 14°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day200-500 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:08 · Sunset 16:19 · 9.2 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Ditchling Beacon: dry, with light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Things to watch

There is a small chance of a thunderstorm from early morning into the evening. If you hear thunder, head down off the tops and away from ridges. Storms can bring sudden strong gusts and heavy rain. Storm timing could easily shift by a few hours.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly south-westerly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

The freezing level is above the summits.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

Cloud heights are particularly hard to pin down today. It's still six days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates Less than 1 hour 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
Less than 1 hour
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
84
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
85

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: gusts of about 15 mph. 54Mixed · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. Dry to pitch, then a little rain overnight, easing by morning, though the tent may still be wet. Around 300 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp around 300 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 10°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 6°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.5 mm Open ground · 300 m7 mph · gusts 15 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 6°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m54 · mixed
Wind / gust
7 mph / 15 mph
Typical / low
10.5°C / 9.6°C · several hours
In cloud
80% 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 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.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling: a chance of thunderstorms. Mixed66 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Fair conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be drying, but damp patches, shaded holds and drainage lines may still be wet. There is a small chance of a thunderstorm from early morning into the evening. If you hear thunder, get off exposed rock and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceDamp or dryingPeak gust10-20 mphRain0.0 mm
Main factorslow thunderstorm risk on exposed grounddamp or incompletely dried rock possible
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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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A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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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This is about Ditchling Beacon on Wednesday 11 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

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Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather84Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-15 mph northerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph Feels like6 to 10°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day300-900 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:10 · Sunset 16:17 · 9.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Ditchling Beacon: light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly northerly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 20–30 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

Drizzle for much of the day.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 8 to 12°C, feeling like 6 to 10°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Pack waterproofs, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

It's still seven days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

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.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Rain is forecast during this period.
81
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
88

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA poor night to camp on open ground: around 17 mm of rain. 39Poor · 300 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 12 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the northeast. Expect a wet night, around 17 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Around 300 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. Overnight lows of about 3°C at 300 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain16.7 mm Open ground · 300 m19 mph · gusts 31 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing crescent moon

Illuminated disc
13%
Moonrise
Outside this window
Moonset
17:45 GMT

Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 12 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 13 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
19 mph / 31 mph
Typical / low
6.2°C / 3.3°C · several hours
In cloud
33% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°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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Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaMixed conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Mixed55 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly chalk, a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. On the usual routes up you may also cross mudstone or slate, which has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust10-20 mphRain3.5 mm
Main concernwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Limestone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Limestone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Popular Ditchling Beacon

slate or mudstone, limestone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

6 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Chalk Lewes Nodular Chalk Formation Around 175 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Mudstone Gault Formation Around 58 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Mudstone or slate is a soft, fine-grained rock that splits into thin flakes. It has only fair grip even when dry and is slippery when wet. It is often shattered, breaking into loose flakes, scree and poor holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk Zig Zag Chalk Formation Around 100 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Route sample Chalk New Pit Chalk Formation Around 140 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Seaford Chalk Formation Around 230 m Seen on Popular Ditchling Beacon

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Chalk Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation

Chalk is a soft white limestone. It has little grip and is very slippery when wet. It is soft and crumbly and not to be trusted for holds.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are 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.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Ditchling Beacon on Thursday 12 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Weather data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). Adapted by Mountain Weather.

Forecast run: 2026-11-05

A forecast is part of the decision.

Mountain weather can differ sharply from conditions in the valley. Check official warnings, carry appropriate navigation and clothing, and be ready to change the plan. Read how Mountain Weather forecasts are produced and where their limits lie.

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