Derbyshire Soaring Club

Characteristics

Stanage has excellent cross-country potential and in the right conditions provides excellent soaring along a long, scenic ridge.

It is, however, far from straightforward and demands a healthy respect.

Caution: It is not advisable to fly Stanage outside the indicated wind range due to turbulence along the cliff. The rocky outcrop is unforgiving of mistakes. The main paraglider takeoff is small, rocky and committing, needing good launch technique. The bottom landing is small. The slope is littered with boulders, which are hidden by bracken in the summer, making slope landing a poor option. It is strongly advised to get a briefing from a coach when flying here for the first time.

The Met Office provides weather forecasts for “High Neb”, which is at the northern end of Stanage Edge.

Take-offs

1: Overstones (main hang glider takeoff): This launch is VERY shallow and needs a fast, committed takeoff: it is then challenging to contour the slope and fly west onto the main rock face at Hook’s Carr. Pilots are asked to refrain from launching unless they are confident they can stay up or reach one of the official landing sites; the fields immediately below this launch area are sensitive and not to be used for normal landings. Paraglider pilots should provide space for hang gliders that are top landing. A good area for top landing although expect strong wind.

Do not overfly Overstones Farm and Callow Bank lower than 200 feet AGL.

2: Hook’s Carr (main paraglider takeoff): The takeoff is confined and surrounded by rocks and busy paths. Do not obstruct the paths and be mindful of members of the public when ground handling and taking off. The wind speed window is narrow and the takeoff requires good ground handling and launch technique.

In stronger wind, it is better to launch from just below the cliff approximately 150 m to the south in a grassy area. However, do not use this area if there is signage or other evidence of nesting birds.

Top landing at launch is possible for experienced paraglider pilots or VERY experienced hang glider pilots.

Alternative: It is also possible to launch from a grassy area north of the trees, above the causeway and just before it climbs through the edge (SK 235 848). However, you must be confident of staying up and consider your landing options carefully.

Bottom landings

A: Hooks Carr (normal): Grassy area on the NE side of the road junction adjacent to the parking.Take careful note of the wind direction before choosing your approach; the wind is usually light here.

B: Carhead (emergency): In an overshoot situation approaching the normal landing, fly over the cars and the road to land on the tufted grass beyond. Land as far to the east as possible to avoid the tussocks, close to the access gate onto the road. PLEASE USE THE GATE.

C: Hollin Bank (emergency): A large sloping area of grass and bracken south of the plantation. If you find yourself low near the plantation this is a better option than trying to reach Hooks Carr. Check the wind direction and be ready for thermals coming from the gully below.

D: Northern end (emergency): If it becomes impossible to cross back over the trees to the south, there is an emergency landing on the east side of the road, which is a square field bounded by stone walls, with gate access to the road. Most other areas are ecologically sensitive or littered with boulders.

Safety

Stanage is a potentially dangerous site due to the cliffs, numerous boulders on the slopes, and rough air in thermic conditions. Be aware of vicious rotor behind the entire length of the edge and expect a strong wind gradient. There have been some very serious accidents here in recent years.

Provide additional clearance from the cliffs to ensure the safety of rock climbers. Bear in mind that a collision or close pass could cause a serious fall.

When crossing the plantation do so with plenty of height and expect to encounter rough air.

Avoid flying close to the rocks and be prepared to head to the bottom landing early enough to reach it.

Special Rules

These guidelines have been agreed with the Peak District National Park Authority by DSC on your behalf. Stanage is our most environmentally sensitive flying site, meriting classification by Nature England as a protected area. Please respect the wildlife, the heritage and the landscape.

Site Officer

Ben Abell