Chee Dale weather & climbing conditions

About Chee Dale

Chee Dale is a deep, sheltered limestone gorge, so wind does little to dry it. What matters is seepage. After a wet spell, water works through the rock for days or weeks, and it varies hugely from crag to crag. Max Buttress takes very little seepage. The Embankment and Two Tier are usually the best bets for lower grades, although the Embankment can have some lines streaming while others are dry. The Cornice is famous for staying dry in rain thanks to its steepness, until it seeps; after a long wet summer that can happen as late as July. Winter usually means widespread seepage, while spring and autumn are prime. Park at Miller's Dale station (pay and display) and walk the Monsal Trail. Several crags are reached by stepping stones on the Wye, which go under when the river is in spate, so check the alternative approaches in the guide.

Region

Peak District

Rock type

Limestone

Aspect

mixed-facing

Altitude

200m

Exposure

low

Seepage

high