Characteristics

This is a very popular site which may attract wave in favourable conditions. It may provide an alternative to Lords Seat when the wind is shifting in the northwesterly quarter. The ridge may be soared from Lord’s Seat to Lose Hill, although the easily soarable area close to take-off can be very small. The rigging area and take-off is north of the summit path, same 50 metres beyond the summit.

Top landing should not be made within 20m of the trig point. It can be difficult for hang gliders, and should be made behind the L-shaped wall. Do not go behind the second wall. If new to the site hang gliders should make dummy approaches first. Top landing for paragliders does not present a problem in light winds but is not safe in stronger conditions. The bottom landing in Edale Valley is a good clear field suitable for both paragliders and hang gliders. The final approach is over trees, a river, cables and buildings so if there is any doubt about reaching this landing field an early decision needs to be made to use the field below Peter Barn with the wiggle in the track. This field contains power lines. Note that the wind in the valley may be more westerly than on the ridge. Paragliders usually bottom-land in the upper section of the field immediately west of the road passing over the ridge through a cutting (Mam Nick): Beware of venturi in this area in stronger conditions!

Safety

This can be a very busy site in the air. There have been a number of collisions and/or near-misses at this site in recent years, any one of which could easily have resulted in fatalities. In light conditions, the easily soarable area of the bowl is too small for many pilots to soar at once. If you are flying and feel it is too busy to be safe, please go and land at Mam Nick. It is only a short walk back up. If you are waiting on takeoff and it is clearly congested, please do not add to the congestion until separation improves.

It’s not much fun scratching in busy conditions. Please make a careful consideration of traffic levels before launching. It could be that the pilot who finally tips capacity over the edge is YOU. It could be that the pilot who dies is YOU. Please everybody take care, keep a good lookout, refrain from launching into crowded conditions, and maintain good airmanship and lookout even when conditions are less crowded.

There is a need to beware of members of the public in the launch area. Not suitable for novice pilots in stronger conditions, especially paragliders who would encounter severe rotor if blown back behind the hill. Stay well away from the Mam Nick venturi in stronger conditions.

Restrictions

Experienced hang glider pilots only for top landing, not suitable for low airtime paragliders in stronger conditions.

Special Rules

Avoid walking directly up the hill from the path below and causing damage to the ditch (an archaeological feature).

Site Officer

Stuart Harvey