The day on the hill
On Three Pikes: summit wind broadly 15-30 mph, with gusts 30-40 mph at times (a fresh breeze).
Cloud & views
Cloud base around 700–1000 m in the morning, lifting to 800–1100 m around midday and 1300–1600 m by late afternoon. The summit is likely to stay mostly clear.
Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.
Cloud may hang lower on western slopes and lift somewhat on the eastern side, but local terrain can differ.
Rain & temperature
Little or no rain is forecast. Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 4 to 8°C, feeling around 0 to 4°C in the wind.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. 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.
Cloud-free timing: Around 60% early, improving to around 95% later.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 4.2 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
- 1.1 h
- Later
- 1 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA broadly promising night on a well-chosen pitch. 86/100Excellent · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks promising overall around 600 m (86/100). It may be breezy on open ground, with gusts near 25 mph. Peak gusts range from about 20 mph at 300 m to 25 mph at 600 m. Little overnight rain is forecast. Some condensation is possible overnight.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 70%
- Moonrise
- 17:21 BST
- Moonset
- 23:55 BST
Views of the Moon may come and go through cloud breaks. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 20 Sep, 17:00 BST to 21 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 13 mph / 22 mph
- Typical / low
- 8.1°C / 7.4°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Moderate
- Wind / gust
- 16 mph / 27 mph
- Typical / low
- 8.1°C / 7.4°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.
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Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaRock may be damp or still drying. Gusts near 30 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Mixed63/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look fair (63/100). Recent rain may leave seepage and damp rock, especially on shaded sections. The mapped summit rock is Limestone, sandstone, siltstone and mudstone (Alston Formation). Usually positive where it is rough and dry, but polished limestone can become very slippery when wet and seepage may linger. Gusts may reach about 30 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious.
Usually positive where it is rough and dry, but polished limestone can become very slippery when wet and seepage may linger. 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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