Characteristics

Although widely referred to as Cocking Tor, this site is more accurately described as Ravensnest Tor. Cocking Tor itself is located about 1km north of the current site. It is a rocky outcrop historically used by hang gliders but now overgrown and disused. This site guide exclusively refers to the launch area at Ravensnest Tor.

The site is a hazardous, tree-covered 300-foot rocky ridge which requires a committed launch. It is not usually suitable for ridge soaring and tends to be used by commited cross country pilots willing to take some risk due to the good XC potential. The take-off area is a rough mixture of grass, bracken and brambles, and immediately behind take off is a bench and a (barbed-wire topped) dry stone wall. It is recommended that pilots assess the true wind speed and direction from the area marked as Top Landing, as the airflow at launch is often gusty and actual wind hard to determine. Large trees immediately to the North of take-off create turbulence when the wind is to the North of NE, and trees below and to the East tend to upset airflow in other wind directions.  Ravensnest Tor does seem to be a good thermal trigger. Buzzards inhabit this area and can often be seen thermalling immediately in front of take-off. Waiting for clear signs of a thermal is the best way to launch and affords some certainty of gaining a safe height in the shortest possible time.

Bottom Landing

The residents and landowners occupying the bottom fields seem to treasure their privacy and there is no agreed bottom landing. Avoid horses. The lower fields offer sub-optimal landing options due to their limited size, the undulating terrain and the presence of large trees. This may not be immediately apparent from the top of the hill, so it is strongly advised that pilots investigate bottom landing options personally before deciding to fly.

Special rules

Visiting pilots must make contact with the site officer or another DSC representative before flying this site.

Site Officer

Ash Ghinn