March 2020

A lot of storms and rain this month. Patrick Holmes was out on the 7 February and reports that they flew on Blencathra in the North Lakes "taking off from above Middle Tongue on the ridge between Blease Fell and Halls Fell top; we flew for an hour along the ridges of Blencathra. Richard Bungay was flying the GIN Gliders Camino and Patrick Holmes was flying the BGD CURE 2. Photos taken by Stuart Holmes."

February 2020

Malcom Grout reports "St Bee's again! Monday the 20th January saw a number of pilots at St Bee's in a reasonably stiff breeze. Both the main cliffs and dunes were soarable, although with the wind off to the south slightly it was not possible to progress south past the end of the dunes. We had been in touch with Dave Eva earlier to let him know it was too windy at Bewaldeth, so a big thanks for letting us know it was on at St Bee's. The pilot is Rob Grout, photograph Malc Grout." This is the south side of St Bees looking to the north

January 2020

In Winter, you have to be able to grab the opportunities when they come! Patrick Holmes was out in early December and reports "Taken during the lovely spell of sunny weather at the beginning of the month. A 10 minute fly down in zero wind at sunset from the top of Catbells, landing in Newlands Valley. The photo was taken with a chase cam attached by a length of line to a hang point near the trailing edge of the glider." Skiddaw is the high point in the centre of the photo, Derwent Water with Keswick in the background on the right and the Newlands Valley to the left.

December 2019

Just because winter is coming, it doesn't mean you can't fly! Malcom Grout reports that on 10 November "Rob, myself and Paul Clarke launched into a nice breeze from Yewbarrow at the head of the Wasdale valley. We made a tour of all the tops on the north side of the valley from Buckbarrow to Gt Gable returning to land at the foot of Yewbarrow. We enjoyed some nice convergence as the wind veered and a low save from tree top height above the landing field which just could not be ignored. A fine day out for the time of year." Scafell Pike is directly above the wing with Scafell on the right with the gap of Mickledore between the two peaks. Photographer Malc Grout. Pilot Rob Grout flying his Gin Explorer.

November 2019

Saturday 26th October started wet, but drying up late morning and clearing to sunshine with rapidly increasing wind. A short opportunity presented itself. The picture shows Malc Grout flying a Gin Atlas, launching from Bewaldeth on the way to Keswick. Photo by Gordie Oliver.

October 2019

On Tuesday 10th September, Air Ventures had a lady with motor neuron disease to fly tandem. The day was forecast to be reasonably unstable with wind increasing from light westerly to strong SW throughout the day. We launched from Bewaldeth into a good soarable thermic breeze early afternoon. It was possible to thermal high above Binsey and explore out front, although ground speed was limited in the increasing wind. We had a lovely flight landing after 50min due to increasing wind strength and our passenger getting a little chilly - making a perfect touch down with very effective landing assistants, Gordie Oliver, Rob Grout and student pilot Jess. The picture was taken by Rob Grout. Pilot Malcolm Grout, the Flyability wheelie chair borrowed from The Flight Park and Air Ventures Magnum 2 tandem.

September 2019

Monday 26 August was the annual Grasmere Sports Show with CSC participating. It was a gloriously hot day slightly spoilt by a SE wind making take off more challenging (normal take off is generally westerly). Although most pilots had a top to bottom flight, Andy Berzins managed a 3 hour flight before finally attempting a spot landing. If you're wondering why you can't see the target in the photo, that's because he was a long way away! Paul Winterbottom from the Pennine club won the competition with a perfect bulls eye landing. Photo by Ed Bewley

August 2019

Malcolm Grout took the picture and says "Just another day in Cumbria."! Rob Grout is returning from a tour of Ennerdale and Buttermere. The view is looking up Ennerdale to Pillar in the centre right

July 2019

This is where you fly if you sign up for the Coaching at the Lakes Charity Classic! On Saturday 22 June, the coaching group went to Jenkin Hill on the southern flanks of Skiddaw above Keswick and had an excellent days flying. The view is from Jenkin Hill looking SW towards the NW Fells. Causey Pike is directly under the wing. Photo by Ed Cleasby.

June 2019

On top of the Lake District! Malcolm Grout took this photo on 12 May showing Rob Grout flying his Gin Explorer and fancy new pod harness with the stunning Scafell group behind. Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain which is directly under the right hand wing tip of the glider. Deceptively in the photo, Scafell on the right is 47ft lower. Tremendous scenery to fly in!