The day on the hill
Little rain and limited summit cloud on Swarth Fell: summit wind broadly 15-25 mph, with gusts 25-35 mph at times (a fresh breeze).
Rain & temperature
The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain. Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud.
Clear spells may be difficult to time. Very little direct sunshine is likely, with extensive cloud.
Little or no rain is forecast.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Exposed tops may feel chilly in the wind.
A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops. Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud, even where forecasts agree on the wider cloud cover.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
- Early
- 0 h
- Midday
- 0 h
- Later
- 0 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaCondensation risk is high near 300 and 600 m. 64/100Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks reasonable overall around 600 m (64/100). Light winds are expected on open ground, though local shelter and exposure still matter. A little rain may coincide with pitching or packing up. Condensation risk is high near 300 and 600 m, so a wet pack-up is possible. Ventilation will matter.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 78%
- Moonrise
- 17:41 BST
- Moonset
- 01:16 next morning BST
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 21 Sep, 17:00 BST to 22 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 10 mph / 15 mph
- Typical / low
- 12.9°C / 12.4°C
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
- Wind / gust
- 12 mph / 18 mph
- Typical / low
- 12.9°C / 12.4°C
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 2-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 10°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.
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Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaRock may be damp or still drying. Poor48/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look mixed (48/100). Recent rain may leave seepage and damp rock, especially on shaded sections. The mapped summit rock is Gritstone (Pickersett Edge Grit). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.
Typically rough and very grippy when dry. Damp gritstone can feel greasy, while seepage, polish and softer or saturated holds still need careful checking. Summit-point bedrock mapping; the actual route may cross different rock, superficial deposits, polish, lichen or seepage.
Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.
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Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaNight-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. This does not mean clear skies or no aurora.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
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