Slight Side is a 762m (2500ft) fell in Cumberland classified as a Wainwright, one of 214 Lake District fells. Check today's Slight Side summit weather including wind speed, temperature, rain risk and cloud cover before heading out. Weather on the Lake District fells can change quickly at this altitude.
Slight Side is a fell in the English Lake District it stands 25 kilometres east southeast of the town of Whitehaven and reaches a height of 762 metres (2,499 ft). Slight Side lies at the south western edge of the Scafell Massif, a four-kilometre-long crescent of high ground which includes the highest ground in England.
Planning to walk Slight Side? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 762m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Slight Side: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 762m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on fell tops than in the valley below).
Slight Side weather can change quickly at 762m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Slight Side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Slight Side?
Slight Side is 762 metres (2500 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Wainwright in the Lake District.
What is the weather like on Slight Side?
At 762m, conditions on Slight Side are noticeably different from the valley floor. Expect temperatures 4-6°C colder at the summit, stronger winds on exposed sections, and cloud that can sit on the tops. Check the live summit forecast on hillandglen.com for wind chill, rain risk and visibility before your walk.
Is Slight Side a difficult walk?
Slight Side at 762m is a moderate fell walk. The main challenges are weather-related: wind, rain and poor visibility can make navigation harder. Check the summit forecast before setting out and carry waterproofs, warm layers and a map.
What is a Wainwright?
A Wainwright is one of the 214 fells in the English Lake District described by Alfred Wainwright in his seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, published between 1955 and 1966. Completing all 214 is a popular walking challenge.
When is the best time to walk Slight Side?
The best months for walking Slight Side are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. Summer offers the best visibility and warmest conditions. Autumn (October-November) brings beautiful colours but shorter days. Autumn can also be excellent with clearer skies and golden light.
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