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In the Lakes for a few days riding. Tomorrow’s Forecast is ‘strong to gale southerly winds’. Was planning on riding a NaN Bield loop - but not so sure now... At what point does ‘windy’ become dangerous? Experiences / advice please, ta!
Over gatesgarth an nan bield you'll be fine with a bit of caution, might be a bit fruity over the top as it channels but you're in the dip so sheltered to an extent. Avoid the tops/ridgelines.
38mph southerly will absolutely ruin the nan bield descent, especially as its not that dry.
As far as safety is concerned, just take note of the wind chill. Stop below the top of the pass if you want a rest on the push/carry, the wind will be cold and relentless on top, and the wee shelter wont be that good if its seriously blowing. Coupled with the mist/drizzle forecast, I'd be looking elsewhere.
MWIS for easy to understand info applicable to hill level. In this case:
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous walking conditions developing by afternoon, difficult on higher tops, and sudden gusts in places to low levels.
How Wet?
Heavy rain developing. Isolated patches of drizzle at first, but many hills dry. However, rain will spread extensively from the west to set in heavily by midday and then persist over several hours. Heaviest on south & western fells. Smaller amounts NE Lakes.
I wouldn't go up high with that forecast personally. Grizedale forest weather IMO.
The wind will be against you coming down Nan Bield so will probably ruin the descent, especially the bottom bit which is usually soggy.
>30mph = no for me
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Harter-Fell-Mardale/forecasts/778 I use this every time i head North. normally spot on and looking at that I wouldnt bother , Iorn Keld and Timberthwaite is where id be 🙂
You'll live, probably, but you won't enjoy it, up or down. Low level FTW.
Old Winchester Hill plateau is only ~630-292 feet and the top of Harvesting Lane is only ~750-785 feet, but after a few crosswind scares, generally I won't head up there if winds are more than ~25mph and there are gusts approaching 40mph+.
But then road ride speeds are likely to be higher.
38mph southerly will absolutely ruin the nan bield descent, especially as its not that dry
This. Nan bield has to be taken at a bit of speed once past the lovely snakey bit, a 40mph headwind, and wet under tyre conditions will scupper this.
The wind wouldn't put me off of going that high per se, other descents in other Lakeland areas will work fine.
Bunch of big girls blouses. Just me that enjoys a 'character building' day in the hills, then? 😜😂 Fair point about the descent though.
how windy is too windy?
When wind is blowing snot back to your sinuses xD
Been there, done that - or shall I say did not - no T-Shirt awarded...
Cheers!
I.