Gray Crag Weather Forecast – 699m, Lake District

Thursday 5 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather61Mixed

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-30 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0035-45 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate60% Cloud base through day700-1,000 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:20 · Sunset 16:28 · 9.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Gray Crag, with a blustery wind.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of 15–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 35–45 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit mid-morning. The cloud base sits close to summit height, so the top could go in and out of cloud at short notice. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views whenever the tops come out of the cloud.

Rain and ground

A band of rain crosses around midday, clearing by early afternoon.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:30pm, 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. Things could still change through the day, so keep an eye on the sky.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 1.1 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: Less than 1 hour
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 20-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.

63

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later. Rain is forecast during this period.

59

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 30 mph. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Thursday 5 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the east. It should stay dry. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-600 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 rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m20 mph · gusts 29 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc: 11%
Moonrise: 04:05 next morning GMT
Moonset: Outside this window

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. 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 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 16 mph / 24 mph
Typical / low: 4.9°C / 4.8°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 20 mph / 29 mph
Typical / low: 4.9°C / 4.8°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% 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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaPoor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 35–45 mph. Poor27 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 35–45 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 gust35-45 mphRain0.6 mm

Main factorsgusts of 35–45 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag 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

Friday 6 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather77Good

Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-25 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph Feels like-2 to 2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate70% Cloud base through day600-1,300 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:22 · Sunset 16:26 · 9.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Gray Crag: dry and breezy.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of around 15–25 mph first thing, easing to 5–15 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 20–30 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. A wind like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.

Cloud and visibility

Cloud on the tops early should lift off them by mid-morning. The cloud base sits close to summit height, so the top could go in and out of cloud at short notice.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like -2 to 2°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.

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. Some of the detail could still change, so have a last look at the forecast in the morning before you set off.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 1.5 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: 0 h
Midday: 1.5 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 10-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.

64

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Winds ease compared with the morning. 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 mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain: about 4 mm of rain. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Friday 6 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. 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 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 rain4.1 mm Open ground · 600 m5 mph · gusts 10 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc: 5%
Moonrise: 05:26 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 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 5 mph / 9 mph
Typical / low: 4.9°C / 4.6°C · several hours
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 5 mph / 10 mph
Typical / low: 4.9°C / 4.6°C · several hours
In cloud: 0% 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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent85 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. 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 andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 gust20-30 mphRain0.0 mm

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag 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

Saturday 7 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather86Excellent

Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-15 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day600-1,300 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:24 · Sunset 16:24 · 9.0 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A fine day on Gray Crag: 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 easterly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest.

Cloud and visibility

The tops should stay mostly clear of cloud. The cloud base sits close to summit height, so the top could go in and out of cloud at short notice. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 3am.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°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

A short day, with only about 9 hours of 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 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 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.

88

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.

84

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 8 mph. 54Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Saturday 7 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. Dry to pitch, then a little rain overnight, easing by morning, though the tent may still be wet. Up around 600 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 at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 600 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.6 mm Open ground · 600 m5 mph · gusts 8 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 5 mph / 7 mph
Typical / low: 4.6°C / 4.2°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m54 · mixed

Wind / gust: 5 mph / 8 mph
Typical / low: 4.6°C / 4.1°C · much of the night
In cloud: 100% 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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling. Mixed67 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. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 mphRainPossible · 42%

Main concerndamp or incompletely dried rock possible

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag 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

Sunday 8 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather69Mixed

Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph northwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like-2 to 2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate30% Cloud base through day500-800 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:26 · Sunset 16:22 · 8.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Gray Crag, with cloud coming and going on the summit.

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

Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 10am.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

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

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, 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 1.2 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early: Less than 1 hour
Midday: 0.8 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 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later.

72

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

66

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. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Sunday 8 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. It should stay dry. Up around 600 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 at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. 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 rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m6 mph · gusts 14 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 5 mph / 11 mph
Typical / low: 4.2°C / 3.1°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 6 mph / 14 mph
Typical / low: 4.2°C / 3.2°C · much of the night
In cloud: 40% 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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Good80 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 mphRain0.0 mm

Main concernmuch of the route may be in cloud

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag 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

Monday 9 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather88Excellent

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0015-25 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate85% Cloud base through day800-1,100 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:28 · Sunset 16:21 · 8.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A fine day on Gray Crag: 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 15–25 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 drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit early in the morning. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m early in the morning. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 10am. Good spells of sunshine are likely.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, 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 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 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 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.

90

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground.

87

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: gusts of about 35 mph. 39Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Monday 9 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 35 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the east. It should stay dry. Up around 600 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 at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. 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 rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m18 mph · gusts 34 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 15 mph / 28 mph
Typical / low: 3.3°C / 3.1°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 18 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low: 3.2°C / 3.1°C · much of the night
In cloud: 67% 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

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 andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 gust15-25 mphRain0.0 mm

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag 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

Tuesday 10 November 2026Confidence: Low

Overall hill weather55Mixed

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph southeasterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0035-45 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate55% Cloud base through day500-1,000 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:30 · Sunset 16:19 · 8.8 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Gray Crag, with a blustery wind.

Wind

On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of 20–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 35–45 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 60–70 mph.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit mid-morning. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m early in the morning.

Rain and ground

Drizzle sets in around midday. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

There is some disagreement between forecast models on wind strength. 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 7.6 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: 1.6 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 Mixed Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.

56

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.

54

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: about 6 mm of rain. 53Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Tuesday 10 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the southeast. The wind swings from southeasterly to southwesterly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Expect about 6 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Up around 600 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 4°C at 600 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 rain6.0 mm Open ground · 600 m15 mph · gusts 28 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 13 mph / 23 mph
Typical / low: 6.9°C / 4.6°C · several hours
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m53 · mixed

Wind / gust: 15 mph / 28 mph
Typical / low: 7.0°C / 3.9°C · several hours
In cloud: 100% 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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 35–45 mph. Poor18 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 35–45 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 gust35-45 mphRain2.0 mm

Main factorsgusts of 35–45 mphwet rock likely

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag 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

Wednesday 11 November 2026Confidence: Unavailable

Overall hill weather59Mixed

Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-15 mph westerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0015-25 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationAround 2-5 mm Cloud-free summit estimate30% Cloud base through day400-700 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:32 · Sunset 16:17 · 8.8 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Gray Crag, with drizzle for much of the day and cloud coming and going on the summit.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly westerly, with gusts of 15–25 mph at the windiest. The wind turns north-westerly in the early afternoon. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. 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

Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 400–700 m early in the morning. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys through the morning. Any sunshine is more likely on lower ground than on the summit.

Rain and ground

Drizzle for much of the day. Expect 2–5 mm in total.

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. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, 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 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.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early: 2 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 Mixed Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.

61

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.

57

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 25 mph. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the northeast. Expect some light rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. The air is damp up around 600 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 1°C around 300 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain1.0 mm Open ground · 600 m12 mph · gusts 25 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -2°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 10 mph / 20 mph
Typical / low: 3.7°C / 1.2°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Moderate

600 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 12 mph / 25 mph
Typical / low: 3.5°C / 1.2°C · much of the night
In cloud: 13% 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 -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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaPoor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor39 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Poor 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 andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 gust15-25 mphRain4.7 mm

Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag on Wednesday 11 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

Thursday 12 November 2026Confidence: Unavailable

Overall hill weather97Excellent

Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-15 mph northerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph Feels like-8 to -4°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate60% Freezing level500-800 m DaylightSunrise 07:34 · Sunset 16:15 · 8.7 hours daylight

The day on the hill

Dry, with light winds on Gray Crag. Cloud could cover the tops and limit the views.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly northerly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest.

Cloud and visibility

Clear spells are possible, but cloud could cover the tops for part of the day. Forecast models differ on how much summit cloud develops. The cloud base sits close to summit height, so the top could go in and out of cloud at short notice. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 7am.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of 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 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: 2 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 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.

96

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

98

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: a frost, down to -2°C. 39Poor · 600 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 north. It should stay dry. A frost at every height we checked (300-600 m), down to about -2°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m16 mph · gusts 28 mph Morning pack-upNo wet signal Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -4°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing crescent moon

Illuminated disc: 13%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 17:27 GMT

Clear spells may allow a view of 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: 13 mph / 23 mph
Typical / low: -1.3°C / -2.0°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

600 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 16 mph / 28 mph
Typical / low: -1.3°C / -2.0°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

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 -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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaPoor conditions for exposed scrambling. Poor35 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be drying, but damp patches, shaded holds and drainage lines may still be wet. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross volcanic tuff, which is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably 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 factorsdamp or incompletely dried rock possibleSub-zero temperatures and moisture may leave icy patches on exposed rock

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite

Origin: Igneous
Broad rock-response group: Volcanic rock
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Volcanic rock in 88% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin: Dacitic lapilli-tuff (Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation)
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. 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.

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records

Mapped variation

9 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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 759 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Route sample Andesitic tuff Scalehow Tuff Formation 327–472 m samples Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolite Borrowdale Sill Suite Around 182 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record

Route sample Andesite Brock Crags Andesite Formation Around 399 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 544 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Whelter Knotts Tuff Formation Around 613 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Volcaniclastic-sandstone Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 686 m Seen on Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record

Summit-area sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff St Raven's Edge Tuff Member

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

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

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 Gray Crag 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

Gray Crag weather forecast.

Choose your hill day.

The day on the hill

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Moon overnight

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

9 rock types appear in the mapped samples

After dark: aurora and stargazing

The day on the hill

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Moon overnight

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

9 rock types appear in the mapped samples

After dark: aurora and stargazing

The day on the hill

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

9 rock types appear in the mapped samples

After dark: aurora and stargazing

The day on the hill

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

9 rock types appear in the mapped samples

After dark: aurora and stargazing

The day on the hill

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Wainwright Hartsop Hayeswater

9 rock types appear in the mapped samples

After dark: aurora and stargazing

The day on the hill

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight