Middle Dodd weather forecast.

654 m summit in Lake District. 8 forecast days covering wind, cloud, rain and temperature, updated 4 November 2026 at 06:35 UTC.

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Confidence: High
Overall hill weather80Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-25 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0025-35 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day700-1,200 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:18 · Sunset 16:30 · 9.2 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Middle Dodd: breezy, with clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of 15–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 25–35 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 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 are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

Spells of drizzle, mostly around midday.

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.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates Less than 1 hour of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
Less than 1 hour
Midday
Less than 1 hour
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
81
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
78

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 wind: gusts of about 30 mph. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 4 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the east. It should stay dry. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.2 mm Open ground · 600 m19 mph · gusts 30 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc
18%
Moonrise
02:44 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 4 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 5 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
16 mph / 25 mph
Typical / low
4.5°C / 4.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
19 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
4.5°C / 4.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaMixed conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 25–35 mph. Poor46 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 25–35 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, 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. 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. 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 mphRain0.7 mm
Main factorsgusts of 25–35 mphwet rock likely
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly clear. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-04. All times are UK local time.

Aurora is unlikely on this night

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.7 (on a 0 to 9 scale).

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Very good sky conditions during the best available spell: 4 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.

Mostly clear.

Moon-free dark sky: 4 Nov, 18:35 GMT to 5 Nov, 02:50 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
4 Nov, 18:35 GMT to 19:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

4 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

4 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 5 Nov, 00:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

5 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

5 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:20 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 18% illuminated.

Moonrise around 5 Nov, 02:50 GMT.

Full darkness: 4 Nov, 18:35 GMT to 5 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.

  • 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 624 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.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

This is about Middle Dodd on Wednesday 4 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

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

Confidence: High
Overall hill weather70Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-30 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day600-900 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:20 · Sunset 16:28 · 9.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Middle Dodd: dry and breezy, with clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of 15–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 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. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 30–40 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.

Cloud and visibility

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

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 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.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground.
67
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
74

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 wind: gusts of about 30 mph. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 5 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the east. It should stay dry. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m19 mph · gusts 32 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

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

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

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

300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
16 mph / 27 mph
Typical / low
4.6°C / 4.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
19 mph / 32 mph
Typical / low
4.6°C / 4.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 30–40 mph. Good78 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, 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. 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. 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 gust30-40 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concerngusts of 30–40 mph
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-05. 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.

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 6 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT.

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

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.
TimeViewing conditions
5 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMTMixed 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 GMTMixed 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 GMTMixed 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 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

5 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

5 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 6 Nov, 00:00 GMTMixed 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 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

6 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTMixed 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 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

6 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTMixed 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 GMTMixed 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 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

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 624 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.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

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

Open the questions to take part.

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

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather81Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-20 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0015-25 mph Feels like-2 to 2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate60% Cloud base through day600-1,300 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:22 · Sunset 16:26 · 9.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Middle Dodd: dry, with light winds.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of 5–20 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

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

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

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

Daylight

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

Forecast confidence

Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. 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 2 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
1 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
71
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground.
91

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

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 6 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. It should stay dry. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m6 mph · gusts 13 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc
5%
Moonrise
05:26 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

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

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

300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
5 mph / 11 mph
Typical / low
4.8°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
6 mph / 13 mph
Typical / low
4.8°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaExcellent conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent92 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Excellent conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, 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. 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. 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
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-06. All times are UK local time.

Aurora is unlikely on this night

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale).

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 6 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 7 Nov, 05:20 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 7 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

7 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:20 GMTPoor 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 5% illuminated.

Moonrise around 7 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Full darkness: 6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 7 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 624 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.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

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

Open the questions to take part.

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

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather88Excellent
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-15 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph Feels like-2 to 2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:24 · Sunset 16:24 · 9.0 hours daylight

The day on the hill

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

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly easterly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 5 mph.

Cloud and visibility

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

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

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

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:25pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

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 4.3 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0.9 h
Midday
2.4 h
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
90
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
86

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

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning 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 15 mph. It should stay dry. Up around 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 600 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m9 mph · gusts 13 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
7 mph / 11 mph
Typical / low
4.7°C / 4.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
9 mph / 13 mph
Typical / low
4.4°C / 3.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
27% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent88 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. It should stay mostly dry, but a passing shower could leave the rock damp and slippery. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, 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. 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. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceDry initially; rain possiblePeak gust10-20 mphRainPossible · 30%
Main concernrain possible despite mostly dry conditions being favoured
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-07. All times are UK local time.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 8 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

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.
TimeViewing conditions
7 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 8 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

8 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

8 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

8 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

8 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

8 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

8 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMTPoor 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, 07:00 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 624 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.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

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

Open the questions to take part.

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

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather82Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph northeasterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like-2 to 2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate65% Cloud base through day500-1,100 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:26 · Sunset 16:23 · 8.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Middle Dodd: dry, with light winds.

Wind

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

Cloud and visibility

The tops start clear, but the cloud comes down onto them around midday. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-afternoon. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys during the morning, clearing by about 10am.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

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

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:25pm, 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 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 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
90
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later.
73

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: dry, with light winds. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 8 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the cold. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 10 mph. It should stay dry. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 600 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m3 mph · gusts 10 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
3 mph / 8 mph
Typical / low
4.8°C / 4.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
3 mph / 10 mph
Typical / low
4.4°C / 4.1°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent90 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, 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. 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. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust5-15 mphRain0.0 mm
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter 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.

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: 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, 18:25 GMT to 9 Nov, 05:25 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
8 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMTMixed 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

8 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

8 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

8 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 9 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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, 18:25 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 624 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.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

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

Open the questions to take part.

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

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather76Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like-2 to 2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day800-1,100 m Freezing level600-900 m DaylightSunrise 07:28 · Sunset 16:21 · 8.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

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

Wind

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

Cloud and visibility

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

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

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

Daylight

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

Forecast confidence

Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. It's still 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 2.5 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
Less than 1 hour
Midday
1.5 h
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground.
66
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
85

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

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: dry, with light winds. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 9 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 10 mph. It should stay dry. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-600 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 600 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m9 mph · gusts 12 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
7 mph / 10 mph
Typical / low
3.6°C / 2.8°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
9 mph / 12 mph
Typical / low
3.2°C / 2.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
20% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent85 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, 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. 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. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust5-15 mphRain0.0 mm
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-09. 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: 9 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: 9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 10 Nov, 05:25 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Mostly clear.

9 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

9 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

9 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTMixed 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor 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 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

10 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMTPoor 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 1% illuminated.

Full darkness: 9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 10 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 624 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.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

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

Open the questions to take part.

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

Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather72Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-25 mph southeasterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0025-35 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate70% Cloud base through day400-700 m Freezing level600-900 m DaylightSunrise 07:30 · Sunset 16:19 · 8.8 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Middle Dodd: dry and breezy.

Wind

On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of around 5–15 mph first thing, rising to 15–25 mph by early afternoon, with gusts of 25–35 mph at the windiest. The wind turns southerly in the early afternoon. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.

Cloud and visibility

Cloud on the tops early should lift off them by midday. The cloud base could be as low as 400–700 m around midday. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 7am. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views as long as the tops stay clear.

Rain and ground

Dry through the daylight hours, but rain arrives after dark. Some forecast models bring rain, so don't count on it staying dry.

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 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

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 1.2 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
Less than 1 hour
Midday
Less than 1 hour
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground.
64
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 10-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
81

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: around 12 mm of rain. 49Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 10 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the southeast. Expect a wet night, around 12 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 300 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain11.8 mm Open ground · 600 m14 mph · gusts 25 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower
300 m49 · mixed
Wind / gust
12 mph / 21 mph
Typical / low
4.6°C / 4.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m49 · mixed
Wind / gust
14 mph / 25 mph
Typical / low
4.6°C / 4.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling. Mixed61 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Fair conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be drying, but damp patches, shaded holds and drainage lines may still be wet. 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 volcanic tuff, 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. 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. 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 gust25-35 mphRain0.7 mm
Main concerndamp or incompletely dried rock possible
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. 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

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 10 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.

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.
TimeViewing conditions
10 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.

Limited model coverage.

10 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.

Limited model coverage.

10 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.

Limited model coverage.

10 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

10 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

10 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 11 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:30 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

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 624 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.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

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

Open the questions to take part.

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Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather50Mixed
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-15 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationAround 10-20 mm Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day600-900 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:32 · Sunset 16:17 · 8.8 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Middle Dodd, with burns likely to be in spate and rain for much of the day.

Things to watch

Burns and rivers are likely to be in spate through the day and overnight, so unbridged crossings could be difficult or impossible. Timings are rough. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.

Wind

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

Cloud and visibility

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

Rain and ground

Rain for much of the day, becoming heavier later. Expect 10–20 mm in total.

Warmth and kit

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

Daylight

A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

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

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
50
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed More rain is expected. Summit winds around 0-10 mph in the early afternoon, strengthening to 5-15 mph later. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
50

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

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA poor night to camp on open ground: gusts of about 40 mph and around 12 mm of rain. 34Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 40 mph on open ground, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Look for shelter from the northeast. Expect a wet night, around 12 mm of rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. A frost at every height we checked (300-600 m), down to about 0°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain11.9 mm Open ground · 600 m24 mph · gusts 38 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -4°C or lower
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
20 mph / 31 mph
Typical / low
2.3°C / -0.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m34 · poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 38 mph
Typical / low
2.3°C / -0.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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

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

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

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, 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. 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. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust10-20 mphRain13.9 mm
Main concernwet rock likely
Most common mapped rock around the summit Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Slate or mudstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Slate or mudstone in 53% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Middle Dodd Dacite Formation)
Rock-response profile
Moderate confidence
View the summit BGS record

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. 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 Red Screes Kirkstone

volcanic rock, slate or mudstone, sandstone or gritstone

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

5 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 Volcaniclastic-mudstone Esk Pike Sandstone Formation 520–718 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Andesite Borrowdale Sill Suite 440–758 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation 557–678 m samples Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 490 m Seen on Wainwright Red Screes Kirkstone

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 Dacite Middle Dodd Dacite Formation

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

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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

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

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaNight-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. This does not mean clear skies or no aurora.

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

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

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

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

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

Open the questions to take part.

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

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

Forecast run: 2026-11-04

A forecast is part of the decision.

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