Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SH73241 76219 |
|---|---|
| what3words | jammy.breath.decide |
| Wind direction(s) | NE and NW |
| Take-off Height(s) | NE face: 1000ft (304m), NW face: 1000ft (304m) |
| Top to Bottom | 1000ft (304m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | Limited - possible to south and west |
| Airspace | None but within Valley AAIA |
| Non-member fee/day | none |
| PG Distance Record | None submitted |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
Foel Lus is situated on the north coast of Wales, east of and overlooking Penmaenmawr. Just over 1100' (360m) high, foel Lus offers a good top to bottom off the nose of the hill and has soarable faces in both NE and NW winds. If lucky there is chance of a 'ridge run' towards Bangor, though this does entail some tricky 'jumps' and avoidance of several power lines.
At the end of the surfaced road on the side of the hill facing seaward close to the 2 prominent stone gateposts (map ref SH731759) the track turns sharply inland and on uphill. Park by the gateposts but do not block the track. Alternatively, if your vehicle has the clearance then drive up the track, take the first left and park in the patch of ground marked out by the stones.
From the gateposts carry up the track until you find a clear footpath bearing left. Follow footpaths towards the summit and then seek a suitable take off point according to the wind direction. from the upper park the footpath towards the summit is obvious.
Takeoff should be straightforward. Top landing is possible with care but exercise caution in lifty or scratchy conditions.
The landing area is at the beach and for convenience close to the footbridge over the railway near the restaurant (map ref SH 777734). Check tide state before flying - there is little beach left at high tide. Leave yourself sufficient height to safely cross the A55 dual carriageway and railway lines. Do not plan to land elsewhere
The dangers of the sea, railway and dual carriageway should be obvious.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SH76246 83180 |
|---|---|
| what3words | warblers.edge.repeat |
| Wind direction(s) | WSW |
| Take-off Height(s) | 600ft ( 182m) |
| Top to Bottom | 600ft ( 182m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | Limited - coastal site |
| Airspace | Class A at FL45 immediately to N / seaward |
| Non-member fee/day | none |
| PG Distance Record | 4.9 Km by Andrew Cartwright on 06/06/2004 |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
The ridge is 600 ft / 185m high, and almost 2 miles long. It faces WSW into Conwy Bay and is very soarable in most conditions. Wave flights have been made to several thousand feet, allowing out and return flights across the bay and back. The Great Orme is right in the NE corner of the RAF Valley AIAA.
Park only in the car park provided at the summit (parking fees apply). If you can park on the left as you enter the car park you will minimise the distance to carry.
Actually, a carry down from the car park to the rigging / launch area. Please walk around the private land to the take off area. Under no circumstances climb any of the walls or fences between the car park and take-off area.
Take Off and Top Landing - There are two T/O areas, the usual T/O is in the area of SH765829.
Follow the path towards the cliff top by the wall. At the corner of the walled area / field follow a path to
the left.
There is another T/O area which is very little used, when at the corner of the walled area / field turn
right to SH763831.
Top landing is tight, and rotor may exist behind the
wall. Lose height first then make your approach from the south. Be especially aware of the power lines that
run
down the face of the hill to the left of take-off. Please ask the locals for advice and consider your own
ability
before attempting to land on top. In strong winds, there is an obvious danger of being blown back over the
sea to
the east.
There is plenty of beach to land on at the south-west (West Beach) Llandudno end of the Great Orme when the
tide is
out, but at high tide
the landing area is much reduced, especially for hang-gliders. Check tidal information and landing options
before
you fly. Be wary of the large rocks close to the base of the hill.
Also, check the wind direction before committing to your landing approach as it is often different from that
on the
hill. There are numerous flags along the promenade next to the beach, to check the wind direction.
If new to the site or if an inexperienced pilot, seek a site briefing - in advance of your visit if possible
- from
Club members who know it well. Remember that the public have access to both take-off and landing areas.
Conditions are normally smooth when the wind is square onto the hill. However, extreme caution is advised if
this is
not the case,
especially if the wind is off to the south. The site can also be influenced by wave from Snowdonia.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | Os Maps SJ18752 28900 |
|---|---|
| what3words | husky.hours.strike |
| Wind direction(s) | S to SE and WSW |
| Take-off Altitude(s) | SSE face 1300'(396m), WSW face 1450' (441m) |
| Top to Bottom | SSE face 600' (182m), WSW face 750' (228m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | Fair |
| Airspace | Class A at FL85 above take-off reducing to FL65 3nm North. |
| Non-member fee/day | None, although see note below (parking). |
| PG Distance Record | 16/03/2010 Pete Cook 36.9km |
| HG Distance Record | 15/04/1989 Roland Eaves 80.5km |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
The site can become thermic and has 2 flyable faces; SSE and WSW. The SSE face culminates in a distinct bowl whilst the WSW face traverses a steep forestry plantation and disused quarry.
Most vehicles park beside the track running alongside the bottom landing field. Turn right into the farmyard immediately to the east of Moelfre Hall farm (Grid ref SJ187283) and pass through 2 gates ensuring you close them behind you. Park to the left of the track in the field after the second gate.
Note, the landowner charges a £5 fee for all vehicles parked on the site. Leave the fee in the collection box beside the first gate with your vehicle registration and club marked on the envelope. The fee applies to all clubs including MTB. Students with YX Paragliding should liaise directly with the school to ascertain payment arrangements.
Both faces are approached by a steep, rough track accessed through a gate at the top of the landing field. Only 4WD vehicles are permitted to use the track, otherwise it is an arduous walk up - even to the lower SSE launch with just a paraglider. At the top the track forks right to the SSE launch and parking area and left to the summit and WSW face.
The SSE launch has a parking area against the stone wall running up the hill on the east side. Please keep the launch area clear. The WSW launch and summit has very little parking space and it is expected vehicles would only be used to carry pilots up and would not be left at the summit.
SSE Face: Launch is straightforward but PG top landing requires care, particularly if the wind is not square on the hill due turbulence. Avoid drifting too far back from the face during approach due possible rotor from the gully. If in any doubt, go down. Top landing for HG's is extremely challenging and should be avoided. Avoid landing over the wall running up the hill on the east side of launch - we do not have permission to use that land.
Summit South Face: A straightforward launch in SE to S winds. Top landing is possible with care.
Summit West face: The West face is definitely not a site for inexperienced pilots. The lift band is surprisingly narrow and care is needed when several gliders are flying. Sink can be experienced above the quarry to the south and lower down the ridge. Launch is from the very top by the trig point and the barbed wire fence must be crossed almost as soon as airbourne. Top landing is possible with care but rotor can be experienced in anything but minimal wind conditions.
From all launch points both PG's and HG's should use the large bottom landing field marked on the map. The landing is easily reached by all gliders from both southerly launches, just ensure you have sufficient height to safely cross the line of trees on the northern boundary. Note the landing field slopes gently downhill from north to south so crosswind or uphill landings may be required. High performance HG's are advised to consider using the Llansilin Village landing field grid ref SJ208281 which should be reached if the hill is left at the height of the lower SSE launch.
If flying the West face there is a landing field available at Pantglas Isaf farm grid ref SJ173294 Land in the second field above (west) of the track leading to the farm.
This site can become strongly thermic but also benefits from restitutional lift on summer evenings providing for smooth and bouyant air. Turbulence can be experienced if the wind is not square on the slope.
The Gyrn site is frequently used by YX Paragliding school. Extra care should be taken if students are present.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Weather Links | Llangollen Holfuy Weather Station Llangollen launch web cam |
|---|---|
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ23765 40449 |
| what3words | worksheet.sprawls.graph |
| Wind direction(s) | NW - N |
| Take-off Height(s) | 1150ft ( 350m) |
| Top to Bottom | 900ft ( 274m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot + 10 Hours |
| XC Potential | Excellent |
| Airspace | Class A at FL65 above take-off and 4500ft (1380m) 1 mile north. Clear to S. |
| Non-member fee/day | £3.00 Pay here... |
| PG Distance Record | 09/07/2015 Matthew Cook 122.3Km |
| HG Distance Record | 21/08/2004 Carl Wallbank 205.6Km |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
A bowl shaped site three-quarters of a mile across offering excellent soaring and cross- country potential. Due to its size and location, thermals on this site can be accompanied by extreme turbulence. The sea breeze can easily reach as far as Llangollen in the summer, and when established in the Dee Valley it can shut the day down prematurely. Check with an experienced pilot before flying to make sure conditions are suitable.
Pilots, especially HG's, contacting wave should remember that Controlled Airspace starts at FL65. Also, when following thermals back (to southward), be wary of rotor if you have to land in any of the fields behind the ridge. Fly with extreme caution if the wind is off to the west, particularly when top landing. Strong winds off to the west can create significant turbulence.
Easy! From the car, carry northward around the pond across the field and follow the fence on the left to a gate. Go through this gate and close it behind you! PG's normally rig on the flat area directly behind take-off but the site map beside the gate should be referred to if the site is busy.
Take-off direction is obvious! When only a few are flying, paragliders may top land in the take-off field (beware the fences and the ponds), but the parking field - east of the parking area, is the main landing field and offers a larger and safer landing area. Leave the centre ridge of the field for hang-gliders landing. If the wind has shifted to the west, maintain speed all the way down to the ground.
Avoid flying low and landing behind the trees at the south side of the road - severe rotor can occur here.
An unofficial NE launch exists at the E of the main top landing field. Obtain a briefing from a local pilot before considering this launch as the hill drops steeply down to the River Dee and there is no formal bottom landing agreed.
Bottom landings should be in one of the designated landing fields marked on the map. Please do not land in any field containing cattle or sheep and do not overfly or land in fields occupied by horses. Caution power lines running north to south across the fields below launch.
Flying low in the main bowl and in front of the trees west of the main launch in NE winds can be hazardous due to down draughts and sink areas. The trees claim victims on a regular basis.
On good flying days, the site can become very busy with many visitors including the YX paragliding school, and additional marshalling controls may be applied.
Because sheep regularly graze in both take-off and top landing areas, the landowner has stipulated that dogs are not permitted on this site.
The transmitter towers to the west are an obvious risk.
Beware of wind rotor behind tree lines along the ridge and south of the road. Hang-gliders should be aware of the risk of wind-shear between the road and the first third of the landing area.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ15229 45292 |
|---|---|
| what3words | reception.fixtures.workouts |
| Wind direction(s) | SE - S |
| Take-off Height(s) | 1560ft ( 475m) |
| Top to Bottom | 250ft ( 76m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot + at least 10 hours |
| XC Potential | Good, limited by airspace downwind and eastward. |
| Airspace | Just in Class A at 4500ft (1370m). Clear to S and W. |
| PG Distance Record | 40.0 Km by Noel Humphreys on 19/09/1999 |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
A small ridge facing S to SE, with the potential to reach a higher peak (Moel Morfydd - 550m) to the east. The site / general area can get very thermic and turbulent; and there is a risk of being blown back over the ridge line. If landing areas are overshot, the ground quickly falls away towards the Dee Valley. This is not a site for inexperienced flyers.
Park off the narrow road at the bend at map reference SJ148450. This is also one of the landing areas so park close to other vehicles. Do not attempt to drive vehicles up the ridge path.
From the bend by the car park, ascend directly to the nearest summit if the wind is south; or contour upward in a NE direction to the SE facing take-off areas south of the ridge path.
Take-off well away from the wire fence along the ridge-line. The absence of any significant flat area on the ridge summit precludes top landing though slope landing may be an option. There are reasonably level bottom landing areas below both the S and SE faces, including one adjacent to the car parking area. Avoid landing in the field to the west of the road.
Slope landing only
This site has a well-deserved reputation as a 'rough air' site.
The wind accelerates through the gully at the western foot of Moel Morfedd.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ12731 68337 |
|---|---|
| what3words | intruded.touchy.cookies |
| Wind direction(s) | NE - E |
| Take-off Height(s) | 1220ft ( 371m) |
| Top to Bottom | 500ft ( 152m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | CP |
| XC Potential | Good, but restricted airspace to E |
| Airspace | Class A at 3000ft (920m) 1 mile to E. Clear to W |
| Non-member fee/day | none |
| PG Distance Record | 11/04/2010 Steve Nash 46.3Km |
| HG Distance Record |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
Suitable for both hang gliders and paragliders, Penycloddiau East is a good thermal site with a small soarable NE face.
After leaving the A541 at Afonwen, follow the road (steep in places and muddy / icy in winter). Where the tarmac road turns right to the TV transmitter, carry straight on along the pot-holed track. Where the track turns sharply left, park on the left outside the gate at SJ121689 The area is actively farmed, so keep all tracks clear.
Not very steep but fairly long with a hang glider. The Club does not have vehicular access to the summit. From the car park, walk about two-thirds of a mile (and 300ft / 100m gain of height) in a southerly direction up the Offa's Dyke Path. Takeoff is on the left about 100 yds before the hill fort at the summit of the hill.
A straightforward take-off although the trees immediately in front are an obvious hazard for both launch and returning for top landing in scratchy conditions. The site is fairly small and can quickly become crowded, thus it is important to clearly define take off and top landing areas. Don't top land on the lee side of the N - S summit ridge line. Top landing for HGs has been described as challenging. Avoid landing in the big open field immediately left and below the takeoff area - we do not have permission to use this land.
In the field at map reference SJ130685. This field has a 1:7 downward slope in a N - NE direction, so approach low over the upwind field boundaries. The bottom landing areas become very boggy in winter. Try to land in the top of the field to avoid the gorse bushes! HG pilots may have to land cross wind. Follow the track back N to the second fence line and then left up the slope to return to take-off.
During weekdays, military aircraft frequently over-fly the area.
The site can be influenced by wave; important to note if pushing forward to the E due aispace limits.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ12660 67561 |
|---|---|
| what3words | recap.slip.regulate |
| Wind direction(s) | SW-W |
| Take-off Altitude(s) | 1220ft (371m) |
| Top to Bottom | 700ft (213m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | CP |
| XC Potential | Good to W and S, but restricted airspace downwind. |
| Airspace | Class A FL55 reducing to 3000ft 1 mile to E. Clear to W. |
| Non-member fee/day | none |
| PG Distance Record | 25/10/1997 Noel Humphreys 25.2km |
| HG Distance Record | None submitted |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
A spacious though little used site suitable for HG's and PG's, Penycloddiau West offers good thermic flying with occasional wave action. X/C downwind is limited with the coast being only 10 miles (16km) away. The site is frequently affected by NW sea breezes in summer. There are no bottom landing fields agreed and the fields at the bottom of the hill all have significant slope, so HG's should consider this a top landing site only. During weekdays fast jets may over-fly the area, also be alert for sailplanes on the ridge from the gliding field two miles WNW of takeoff.
As with Penycloddiau East, alternatively at the car park at the old quarry on the south side of Penycloddiau. SJ139688
As for Penycloddiau East but continue to the old hill fort and then bear right to the takeoff area. If carrying up from the old quarry car park take the upper (main) path and carry for about 1.4km, though a gate and then left to the launch area.
Takeoff for PG's is straightforward as is top landing, but it can be difficult to get down if the hill is working well as the conventional PG top landing area is on the slope. HG pilots will need to land well back behind takeoff, on top of the hill.
No bottom landing fields are currently agreed and pilots should be aware that all fields at the base of the hill have significant slope. The former HG bottom landing field has proximate power lines (as depicted on the map). There are slope landing opportunities around the launch area.
Due to the slope Penycloddiau West typically requires a stiff breeze to work well.
During weekdays, military aircraft frequently over-fly the area.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ16914 52793 |
|---|---|
| what3words | acclaimed.tasty.opened |
| Wind direction(s) | WSW - WNW |
| Takeoff Height(s) | 1400ft ( 426m) |
| Top to Bottom | 300ft ( 91m) |
| Restrictions on Use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | Fair. Limiting airspace downwind |
| Airspace | Class A at 4500ft rising to FL55 to W, then clears quickly. See notes regarding EGNR RMZ procedures! |
| Non-member fee/day | None |
| PG Distance Record | 75.7 Km by Noel Humphreys on 02/08/2003 |
| HG Distance Record | 224.0 Km by Carl Wallbank on 09/05/2003 |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
Locally known as Fron Heulog, Moel yr Accre is the most southerly hill of the Clwydian range. Suitable for both paragliding and hang gliding, the ridge is 1km long with a saddle joining the two peaks. This can cause a venturi, so exercise caution traversing in strong conditions.
Moel yr Accre offers good soaring as the face is quite steep: it's actually a very gentle bowl. Best wind direction is WNW, but the site can work anything from SW through to NW albeit with less soarable ridge. In the summer a sea breeze convergence can occur on or near the site, particularly when the wind is off to the south. The site occasionally benefits from wave.
Park at grid reference SJ174532. Park in the field next to / north of the gate for Brenhille Bach farm. Park either side of the gate, but leave access clear for the farmer and other fliers. Be sure to close the gate.
Quite steep and quite long for hang gliders. Walk straight up the hill from the car, bearing generally to the left to reach the stile at the top fence and follow the track to launch.
Take-offs and top landings as depicted on the site map. Beware the fence and wall behind take-off: it is quite close to the hill edge. The lower take-off is useful when it's too strong at the top launch, but hill is nonetheless flyable. Follow the track down to the right and through a gate to the foot of the gorse-line beneath the summit but caution the barbed wire fence running along the top of the field.
Plenty of bottom landing areas, but beware - most of them slope. Landings may also be made in the field beneath the lower take-off but the western edge of this field can be lifty in SW conditions.
EGNR (Hawarden) RMZ procedures: Moel Famau lies on the edge of the Hawarden RMZ (Radio Mandatory zone). Notify Hawarden ATC by telephone (01244 522012) or text (07786 208291) stating 'Llandegla active (dd/mm/yyyy) from (time)' if there is any chance of leaving the site to the east, such as XC. An acknowledgement must be received from ATC prior to commencement of activities. Pilots will not normally need to notify ATC of cessation of activities.
The wind turbine 1.5km SW is s useful indicator of direction, strength and wave phase.
On a weak soaring day the site is quite busy with only four gliders flying. Hang gliders bottom landing: beware of the long walk out via the road route, or be prepared to carry back up the face of the hill. Local residents request that pilots should not overfly houses at low level when going over the back.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ16914 52793 |
|---|---|
| what3words | quits.satellite.slices |
| Wind direction(s) | NNW - NNE |
| Takeoff Height(s) | 1790ft ( 545m) |
| Top to Bottom | 520ft ( 158m) |
| Restrictions on Usage | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | Difficult - knife edge ridge |
| Airspace | 4500' overhead but steps up to the S. |
| Non-member fee/day | None |
| PG Distance Record | None submitted |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
A useful northerly site when sea breeze takes the wind off the west facing Clwydian Range sites. Often has less wind than Llangollen, so is useful when Llangollen is blown out but overall the site needs a stiff breeze to work well due to the shallower slope.
Park where convenient beside the Ponderosa Cafe.
Tiring carry up. Walk up the path following the spine of the hill on the unenclosed land .
Straightforward takeoff anywhere below the ridge crest. Plenty of room to slope land.
Bottom landings are on the flat ground to the west of the Horseshoe Pass Rd opposite the cafe. Be aware on busy days this is a popular spot for car parking and can be frequented by walkers and sight- seers.
Winds on the summit are usually very much stronger than in the car park or even half way up. Getting blown back would be very dangerous because of the knife edge ridge.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ16914 52793 |
|---|---|
| what3words | arch.unafraid.wasps |
| Wind direction(s) | WSW - WNW |
| Takeoff Height(s) | 1460ft ( 444m) |
| Top to Bottom | 1200ft ( 365m) |
| Restrictions on Usage | Strictly permit holders only at all times |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | Fair. Limiting airspace downwind |
| Airspace | Class A at 4500ft (1380m). Clear 3 miles to W. See notes regarding EGNR RMZ procedures! |
| Paraglider Distance Record | 20.2 Km by Noel Humphreys on 16/07/1998 |
| HG Distance Record | 64.8 Km by Bob Little on 14/07/2002 |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
Midway along the Clwydian range, the site is a series of bowls and ridges leading to the Jubilee Tower at the summit - the highest point in the Clwydian range at 1800ft / 550m ASL. An interesting site, though it can become turbulent.
Park in either of the two car parks at the top of the pass. Parking fees are charged (approx £1.50/day)
Moderately difficult. Take the upper footpath from the north car park towards the summit. It's a steady climb with a gain of height of about 350ft / 105m from car park to take-off area. Only the fitter HG pilots will carry up in one go!
Moderately easy. T/O is across a popular walking track with a blind corner so look carefully before launch. When top landing, take care not to fly behind the fence running N/S along the ridge. A lower T/L is possible on the small prominatory immediately below and in front of launch. Caution rotor if the wind is anything but due W.
The designated bottom landing field is a trapezoid shaped field 1.5 miles glide from take-off and pilots
should assess conditions
and glider performance before committing. Grid Reference SJ143593.
Bottom landings may also be made in the 'stump' field below and to the left take-off. This
field is limited in size and slopes away towards power lines beyond the stump in the middle of the
field, so approach this field as low as possible over the gate in the corner nearest to take-off. Landings
can sometimes be made in the small un-enclosed field in front the Southern car park. This must only be
attempted with extreme caution due to venturi winds, rotor behind the tree line and heavy public presence.
EGNR (Hawarden) RMZ procedures: Moel Famau lies on the edge of the Hawarden RMZ (Radio Mandatory zone). Notify Hawarden ATC by telephone (01244 522012) or text (07786 208291) stating 'Moel Famau active (dd/mm/yyyy) from (time)' if there is any chance of leaving the site to the east, such as XC. An acknowledgement must be received from ATC prior to commencement of activities. Pilots will not normally need to notify ATC of cessation of activities.
Due to the proximity of the coast, this site is often affected by a sea breeze during the summer.
The altitude and nature of the site means conditions can be markedly different from those observed in the Vale below. Benign flying conditions can quickly become blown out.
This site is strictly controlled by the Denbighshire County Council. Anyone wishing to fly must purchase an annual permit (permits expire at the end of April). Either call at the Countryside Office to obtain a permit, or apply by post. Send a cheque for £8.00, payable to Denbighshire County Council; a photocopy of both sides of your BHPA membership card and BHPA insurance statement; two current passport photos (one only for a renewal), and a 7"x10" self addressed envelope to: Howard Sutcliffe, Denbighshire Countryside Service, Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Road, Loggerheads, MOLD CH7 5LH Tel: 01352 810614.
Failure to comply with this requirement will jeopardise the use of all sites in the area controlled by the Denbighshire County Council. This site is also used model aircraft fliers: please liaise with them with regard to take-off and landing areas.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Map Location | Os Maps SJ237404 |
|---|---|
| what3words | rezoning.drilled.laminated |
| Wind direction(s) | NE |
| Takeoff Altitude(s) | 800ft (243m) |
| Top to Bottom | 800ft (243m) |
| Restrictions on use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | Limited- coastal site |
| Airspace | None, but within Valley AAIA |
| Non-member fee/day | none |
| PG Distance Record | None submitted |
Site distance records are provisional. If you know of longer flights, please e-mail the webmaster: webmaster@nwhgpc.org.uk
Penmaenbach is a large headland overlooking the Conwy Eastuary to the east side of the Menai Straights. It offers a half-mile long soarable ridge facing NE and if the wind is right, a 'jump across' to the adjacent north facing ridge of Mynydd y Drel (Conwy Mountain). This ridge is about one mile long, running towards the town of Conwy.
The parking area is at the head of the Sychnant Pass (grid ref SH750770). The parking area is quite small and the take off area must be approached on foot. Do dot attempt to take vehicles up the track towards launch.
As depicted on the site map, about 3/4 of a mile distant and a 300' (100m) gain of height. Keep to the track.
The take off area is at map ref SH750770 as depicted on the site map. Top landing is possible for PG's (but not HG's) on the open area behind launch, but serious rotor can be experienced. Do not land behind the wall.
Bottom landing is on the beach in the general area of map ref SH55785. Do not leave it too late to break away from the hill for bottom landing as there is a dual carriageway, rail lines and a caravan park to cross over. Obviously the landing area is restricted at high tide. If flying the north side of Conwy Mountain the landing options become even more limited.
The dangers of the sea, dual carriageway and railway should be obvious.
Orographic cloud can quickly form on the headland.
If the wind is from the north it is also possible to 'go over the back' to Foel Lus and further west to Bangor.
There is frequent low level military activity on weekdays.
Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.
| Weather Link | Dee Sailing Club weather station |
|---|---|
| Map Location | OS Maps SJ16914 52793 |
| what3words | faded.cling.continues |
| Wind direction(s) | SW |
| Takeoff Height(s) | 60ft (18m) |
| Top to Bottom | 60ft (18m) |
| Restrictions on use | None |
| Min. Pilot Rating | Club Pilot |
| XC Potential | None - restricted airspace downwind |
| Airspace | Liverpool CTR at SFC-2500' begins approx. half mile east of take-off. Class D at 2000ft above and to westward. |
| Non-member fee/day | none |
A bank of mud cliffs stretching from Lower Heswall to Gubbins Green in West Kirby, on the west coast of the Wirral peninsula overlooking the Dee estuary. The main take-off and landing areas are in Thurstaston Country Park, a public recreation area which can be busy at weekends and Bank Holidays. The half-mile or so of cliffs from take-off to the boathouse at the western end are soarable in moderate to strong SW winds.
Pay-and-Display Public parking is available with ticket machines at the car park.
Approximately 200 yards / metres across the area adjacent to the Visitors Centre / Rangers Office towards the cliff top overlooking the beach.
Take-off for paragliders is from the cliff top overlooking the beach. Hang-gliders may also take-off here, but may prefer to launch from the field to the left (SE). Top landing should only be attempted with caution. Land south and west of the pond by the Visitors Centre. Try to land as far back from launch as possible but exercise caution due rotor in the lee of the cliff edge. Make sure you don't come down in the car park behind the hedge - it has been done! The top landing area is often crowded - people frequently fly drones and kites.
On the beach: below take-off area if possible. Check state of tide before flying.
Top and bottom rotors occur at more than 20mph and the site becomes very turbulent in gusty conditions. At the western end of the site (past the boathouse) the cliffs become lower but are still soarable as far as Gubbins Green.
There is little height difference between take-off and landing height and the lift band is very narrow; hence it demands a high level of skill from the pilot.
Thurstaston frequently suffers from wave and benign flying conditions can become blown-out very quickly. Pay careful attention to sea-state and other indicators.
* This is so that horse riders on the beach can be aware that flying is taking place. In any case, do not launch near or overfly horses.
