899 m summit in Lake District. 8 forecast days covering wind, cloud, rain and temperature, updated 5 November 2026 at 16:25 UTC.
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Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather52Mixed
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph easterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0035-45 mphFeels like-6 to -2°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate40%Cloud base through day800-1,100 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:22 · Sunset 16:29 · 9.1 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Great Gable, with a blustery wind and cloud coming and going on the summit.
Wind
On the summit expect an 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 10–20 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 could be as low as 700–1000 m in the early 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.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°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.
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.
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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit 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.
53
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit 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.
50
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 40 mph). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 5 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 40 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. It should stay dry. Up around 900 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 (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 3°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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
19 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
4.8°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
22 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low
4.8°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
26 mph / 42 mph
Typical / low
3.1°C / 2.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
67% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
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.Poor38View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. 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 rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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 gust35-45 mphRain0.1 mm
Main factorsgusts of 35–45 mphmuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
Night beginning 2026-11-05. All times are UK local time.
Aurora is unlikely on this night
Too quiet for a likely sighting from here. Activity peaks around Kp 2.7 (on a 0 to 9 scale). It would take about Kp 5.0 for a camera to pick up a glow low in the north, though that is not a hard line. NOAA has a G1 storm watch out for this date, though the timing of the strongest activity can shift.
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Very good sky conditions during the best available spell: 5 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT.
Mostly clear.
Moon-free dark sky: 5 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 6 Nov, 04:15 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
5 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
5 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
5 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
5 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Very good sky conditions
Mostly clear.
5 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
5 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 6 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Very good sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
6 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.
6 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
6 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.
6 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
6 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
6 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:20 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 10% illuminated.
Moonrise around 6 Nov, 04:15 GMT.
Full darkness: 5 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 6 Nov, 05:20 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 576 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
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 Great Gable on Thursday 5 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-25 mph easterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0025-35 mphFeels like-4 to 0°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate20%Cloud base through day700-1,000 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:24 · Sunset 16:28 · 9.1 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Great Gable, with the summit in cloud for most of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect an easterly wind of around 15–25 mph first thing, easing to 10–20 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 25–35 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m around midday. 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.
Rain and ground
Spells of drizzle, mostly mid-morning.
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. 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 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 10-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
52
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground.
65
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.59Mixed · 600 mView 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 15 mph. Dry to pitch, then about 6 mm of rain overnight and into the morning, so expect to pack a wet tent. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A cold night, down to about 3°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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
4 mph / 11 mph
Typical / low
5.1°C / 4.8°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
5 mph / 13 mph
Typical / low
5.1°C / 4.8°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m51 · mixed
Wind / gust
6 mph / 15 mph
Typical / low
3.2°C / 3.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
53% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 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.
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 25–35 mph.Poor33View 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 25–35 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 rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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 gust25-35 mphRain0.3 mm
Main factorsgusts of 25–35 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
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 darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-06. All times are UK local time.
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 5.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale). NOAA has a G1 storm watch out for this date, though the timing of the strongest activity can shift.
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 7 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
Moon-free dark sky: 6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 7 Nov, 05:25 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
6 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
6 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
6 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
6 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
6 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 7 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
7 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
7 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
7 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
7 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
7 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
7 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-new moon, about 5% illuminated.
Moonrise around 7 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Full darkness: 6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 7 Nov, 05:25 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 576 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
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 Great Gable on Friday 6 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph easterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mphFeels like-2 to 2°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate75%Cloud base through day600-2,200 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:26 · Sunset 16:26 · 9.0 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A good day on Great Gable: 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 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 600–900 m mid-afternoon.
Rain and ground
Drizzle at first, clearing by mid-morning. The timing could shift by a few hours.
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
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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.
87
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
GoodSummit 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.
76
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 9 mph.54Mixed · 600 mView 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 9 mph. Expect a little rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Above about 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 (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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.
Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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 gust5-15 mphRain0.7 mm
Main concernwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
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 darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-07. All times are UK local time.
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 4.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale). NOAA has a G1 storm watch out for this date, though the timing of the strongest activity can shift.
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 8 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 7 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 8 Nov, 05:25 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
7 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
7 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
7 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
7 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
7 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
7 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 8 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
8 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
8 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
8 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
8 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
8 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
8 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-new moon, about 2% illuminated.
Moonrise around 8 Nov, 07:05 GMT.
Full darkness: 7 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 8 Nov, 05:25 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 576 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
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 Great Gable on Saturday 7 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph northwesterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mphFeels like-4 to 0°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate30%Cloud base through day500-800 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:28 · Sunset 16:24 · 8.9 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Great Gable, 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. Any sunshine is more likely on lower ground than on the summit.
Rain and ground
Drizzle sets in mid-morning.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°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
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
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 4.9 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
65
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
65
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: a frost, down to 0°C.59Mixed · 600 mView 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. The air is damp up around 900 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A frost up around 900 m, down to about 0°C. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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.
Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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 gust5-15 mphRain0.6 mm
Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
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 darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-08. All times are UK local time.
Stargazing
Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 8 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 8 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 9 Nov, 05:25 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
8 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
8 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
8 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
8 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
8 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
8 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 9 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-new moon, about 0% illuminated.
Full darkness: 8 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 9 Nov, 05:25 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 576 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
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 Great Gable on Sunday 8 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph easterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0015-25 mphFeels like-6 to -2°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate90%Cloud base through day900-1,200 mFreezing level700-1,000 mDaylightSunrise 07:30 · Sunset 16:22 · 8.9 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A good day on Great Gable: 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 should stay mostly clear of cloud. A few forecast models bring the cloud base down to around 500–800 m at times. 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 10am. It will look largely cloudy overhead, but that cloud should mostly stay above the tops.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. It turns milder through the day. 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 heights are particularly hard to pin down today. 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 7.9 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground.
77
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground.
92
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 cold: a frost, down to -2°C.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 9 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the cold. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 20 mph. It should stay dry. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -2°C. 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.
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.
Good 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 rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
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 darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-09. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.
Stargazing
Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 10 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 10 Nov, 05:30 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
9 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
9 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
9 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
9 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 10 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly clear. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
10 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly clear. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
10 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
10 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
10 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:30 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly clear. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-new moon, about 1% illuminated.
Full darkness: 9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 10 Nov, 05:30 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 576 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
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 Great Gable on Monday 9 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-25 mph southeasterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0025-35 mphFeels like-6 to -2°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate75%Cloud base through day800-3,000 mFreezing level800-1,100 mDaylightSunrise 07:32 · Sunset 16:20 · 8.8 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Great Gable: breezy, with clear tops for most of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of 10–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 25–35 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Cloud and visibility
The tops should stay mostly clear of cloud. A few forecast models bring the cloud base down to around 400–700 m at times. The cloud base sits close to summit height, so the top could go in and out of cloud at short notice. Good spells of sunshine are likely.
Rain and ground
Rain arrives mid-afternoon. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -6 to -2°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 heights are particularly hard to pin down today. 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 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 10-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
71
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit 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. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
65
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 5 mm of rain.54Mixed · 600 mView 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 south. Expect about 5 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Above about 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 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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.
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 25–35 mph.Poor29View 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 25–35 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 rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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 gust25-35 mphRain1.1 mm
Main factorsgusts of 25–35 mphwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
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 darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-10. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.
Stargazing
Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 10 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 10 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:30 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
10 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
10 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
10 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
10 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 11 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:30 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-new moon, about 3% illuminated.
Full darkness: 10 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:30 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 576 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
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 Great Gable on Tuesday 10 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A mixed day on Great Gable, 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 10 mph, mainly southerly, 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 400–700 m mid-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 2 to 6°C. 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 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Cloud heights are particularly hard to pin down today. It's still six days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
60
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
62
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 cold: a frost, down to 0°C.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the cold. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 10 mph. Expect a little rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. A frost up around 900 m, down to about 0°C. 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.
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.
Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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 gust5-15 mphRain3.1 mm
Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
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Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-11. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 11 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 12 Nov, 00:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 11 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 12 Nov, 05:30 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
11 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 12 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
12 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
12 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
12 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
12 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
12 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
12 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:30 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 7% illuminated.
Full darkness: 11 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 12 Nov, 05:30 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 576 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
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 Great Gable on Wednesday 11 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Dry, with light winds on Great Gable. 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. A few forecast models bring the cloud base down to around 600–900 m at times. 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 -4 to 0°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 700–1000 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
95
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
97
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 -5°C.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 12 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 35 mph around 900 m and nearer 25 mph around 300 m, 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 (300-900 m), down to about -5°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.
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
14 mph / 23 mph
Typical / low
-1.3°C / -1.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
17 mph / 28 mph
Typical / low
-1.3°C / -1.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
19 mph / 33 mph
Typical / low
-4.5°C / -5.0°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.
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 rhyolite, 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. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. 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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
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. 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 Bob Graham Round
volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone
Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
volcanic rock
Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
volcanic rock
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
DaciteScafell Dacite Member591–876 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
AndesiteBirker Fell Andesite Formation74–405 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Felsic tuffCrinkle Tuff Member404–761 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable, Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Andesitic tuffWhorneyside Tuff Formation216–303 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Felsic tuffLong Top Tuff Member567–669 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Pyroclastic rockLingmell Tuff Formation695–776 m samplesSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Green Gable
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
Dacitic lapilli-tuffLincomb Tarns Tuff FormationAround 847 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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-tuffLong Top Tuff MemberAround 469 mSeen on Wainwright Great Gable Wasdale
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
Volcaniclastic sandstone and brecciaSeathwaite Fell Sandstone FormationAround 957 mSeen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round
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.
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 Great Gable on Thursday 12 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.