Please make sure you check the online site guide for any updates before flying
W - NW |
Clough Head |
Key Facts
| Status : | OK | ||
| IMPORTANT - Restrictions on use | BOTTOM LANDING FIELDS & FEES - THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL: It is £2 per pilot for landing in the Hill Top Farm fields (for which fields see photo 1 and map; leave £s on windowsill at the farm see photo 2). - If you intend to use a field, please pay BEFORE you fly - otherwise TOO MANY PILOTS FORGET and this causes difficult issues for the club. - We have permission to land in the right hand field closest to the road (looking from the hill) PROVIDED it is free of sheep or long grass (hay). IF AT ALL UNCERTAIN ask which field at Hill Top Farm. Then, if possible, put a windsock in the nominated field and message the info on the TELEGRAM GROUP/s (to save further disturbing Mr & Mrs Bell). - DURING LAMBING OR HAY-MAKING YOU MAY FIND ALL THE LANDING FIELDS ARE CLOSED. If so then land on the fellside or don't fly - the best rock free fellside landing is north of Threlkeld Knotts next to the track (see map and landing notes). - DO NOT land in any other valley fields anywhere near the CLOUGH site - except in emergency. PARKING: - If the fields are not too wet, on request at Hilltop Farm and payment of a further £1, you may be allowed to park in the landing field. - Do not obstruct the main road or any tracks, gates or entrances. - Locals have specifically requested that we are careful where we park - this is a busy area and there have been serious problems with inconsiderate parking. |
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| Last Updated : | 02/06/2023 at 11:50 by Rick Livingstone | ||
| Wind : | W - NW | Nil Wind : | Y |
| Grid Ref : | NY328231 | Height (AMSL) : | 1470' / 448m |
| Site Code : | 17.06 | Top to Bottom : | 1017' / 310m |
Location
N Lakes - 5 kms ESE of Keswick
Details
A large impressive site which is good in light wind or thermic conditions. The site gives easy access to the chain of high ridges running south towards Helvellyn.
Site Officer
Rick Livingstone : 07761187016
Access
Postcode for Sat Nav Systems
CA12 4TS
Bram Cragg.The postcode centre is about 2km south of the parking area along the B5322
Getting There
From Penrith or Keswick, take the A66(T) and turn off onto the B5322 at Threlkeld. If travelling from the Ambleside / Grasmere direction take the A591 north and turn off onto the B5322 at St. John's in the Vale. The access track to the fellside begins at grid reference NY 316 231 (signposted 'Old Coach Road'). There is limited parking at the start of the track - do not block. The usual practice is to drive up the track passing through two gates (shut after use) to the open fell. The car parking area is 80m / 250' higher in a flat quarry (hidden from view)on the right of the steep and loose track (maintained by the Allerdale Council). The track is in poor condition so the alternative is to park on the main road and walk up.
Getting to takeoff
Make for a suitable take off area on Threlkeld Knots that rise above the quarry to the SE. The path is vague to start with but you will soon find a more definite track that can be followed to the take off area. In light wind / nil wind conditions it may be necessary to go right to the summit of Clough Head itself. This is a stiff 1180'/360m of ascent from the quarry.
XC potential
The site gives excellent XC potential with routes to the south along the Helvellyn Range and on towards Ambleside and Kendal and routes over the high fells heading south east towards the Howgills and the Yorkshire Dales. In nil wind or light wind conditions the site offers the potential for some great triangle flights.
See notes on site status
Permission to use site
Hill Top Farm main access and three other local farms.
Briefing
Hazards
Consider the wind speed due to compression over the shallow summit slopes. Keep well forward and crab north if getting blown back. Pilots should be reasonably experienced to cope with certain conditions found at and around the site, especially during the spring months. Beware of scratching too close to the cliffs in thermic conditions or if the wind has a little south in it. St John's in the Vale valley has a lot of RAF activity, so it is advised to CANP this site before flying.
Take Off
The take off area is grassy and covers a large area. Its a matter of picking the best area given the previaling wind direction. Recommended practise is to make a few beats in the Threkeld Knotts area before making for the Wanthwaite Crags area. The scoop to the south of take off can be a bit sinky so its best to get a bit of height before making the traverse. You can usually get good lift over Wanthwaite but be aware that this area is pretty unforgiving. If the wind is south of west you may need to be careful here.
Landing Areas
See landing instructions in the restrictions section.
A windsock is very useful in the bottom landing field - not least to show other pilots the correct field for the day. It can be lifty over the landing fields: prepare to be patient - the fields are separated by dry stone walls which are very unforgiving.
Care when top & especially side landing on the fellside due to hidden rocks - the best rock free place is north of Threlkeld Knotts next to the track (see map).
In fresh winds there can be a significant venturi effect to the north of Threlkeld Knotts, so if landing here be ready to keep forward.
Flying
The site gives excellent XC potential with routes to the south along the Helvellyn Range and on towards Ambleside and Kendal and routes over the high fells heading south east towards the Howgills and the Yorkshire Dales. In nil wind or light wind conditions the site offers the potential for some great triangle flights. The site is often considered an 'afternoon site' after the sun has warmed up the cliffs. Although the sea breeze can occasionally reach Clough Head, it doesn't present any particular hazard, but (as usual) kills the thermals. Avoid any ground skimming over the lower slopes especially during the lambing period (Feb - May). Clough Head is a valued hang gliding site which poses few problems but there are limited landing opportunities between Helvellyn and Seat Sandal (forest and water). Do not get too low.
XC potential
The site gives excellent XC potential with routes to the south along the Helvellyn Range and on towards Ambleside and Kendal and routes over the high fells heading south east towards the Howgills and the Yorkshire Dales. In nil wind or light wind conditions the site offers the potential for some great triangle flights.
See notes on site status