Looking to get up to the peak tomorrow for some gritstone bouldering and just wondering if any of it is likely to be dry? Everything is drying off quick in the Midlands, is it the same further north? Any recommendations of areas that are likely to dry quicker than others?
I'm in Newcastle so can't comment on current conditions, but the more exposed crags (Stanage, Bamford, etc) usually dry quickly and are probably your best bet for finding dry rock.
There is still snow lying in Sheffield. I've not been to the crags recently but in previous Winters, snow blown by strong Easterly winds has dumped huge drifts of snow at the foot of West facing crags.
You may find dry grit on lower lying isolated boulder fields (like Cratcliffe area) but I wouldn't plan a special journey unless someone gives you a better heads up.
Still plenty of snow on the ground in Castleton this afternoon but rock in the sun is drying fast. The snow came from the east so has drifted up against anything west facing (i.e. most gritstone edges). You might get some good snowballing!
I've just been out for an hour at Hobson Moor and dropped by Broadbottom Quarry on the way back, both were bone dry apart from the usual spots where melt water was draining down them. I should imagine the eastern and western edges will be all be largely good tomorrow after today's sun!
It's noticeably warmer than most of the forecasts were saying and things are melting fast now. Still supposed to freeze again tonight though. I'm working tomorrow but would be looking for (highish) ice rather than rock if I wasn't.
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...
Gear News The Art of Climbing – Out Now
Press Release Alpkit and Outside Bank Holiday Hathersage Tent Show 4-5th May