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Cumbria Soaring Club

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Ellerside

Key Facts

Status : OK
IMPORTANT - Restrictions on use This site closes for nesting peregrines around April / July period.

All members please be aware that the landing areas at Frizz's Piece is closed for landings until further notice.

We do not have permission to use the 'out of bounds' area of the hillside. There is to be no landing or taking off in this area. The permitted take off is to the immediate west of Speel Bank Farm.

Thanks for your support
Last Updated : 05/07/2023 at 13:38 by Rick Livingstone
Wind : W Nil Wind : N
Grid Ref : SD354805 Height (AMSL) : 490' / 149m
Site Code : 17.063 Top to Bottom : 460' / 140m

Location

S Lakes - S of Windermere

Details

A superb site that deserves to be flown more often (very rarely flown by hang-gliders nowadays). A long, tree-covered ridge which gives a different character from other sites in the district. Tremendous views over the estuary and the western Lakes. Excellent bottom landing in fields in front of Stribers but beware of the power lines!

Site Officer

John Westall : 07884 037144

Access

Postcode for Sat Nav Systems

LA11 7SP

Over Ridge. This is shown on both 1:25000 and 1:50000 OS maps. This is on the road to Speel Bank Farm and is 750m to the east. Keep following the road and you will get to Speel Bank

Getting There

For hang-gliders; approach from the back of the hill by taking the minor road to Speel Bank farm (ask permission.) For paragliders; either ask at Stribers for a parking spot and then walk to take off via the footpath running up the front of the hillside OR use the hang-glider approach via Speel Bank Farm.

Getting to takeoff

Park just beyond Speel Bank farm and inside the first field (do not block the track and ask at farm first.) The farmer will advise if it is OK to land in the same field. If bottom landing and you need to get back up hill then, follow road steeply up N end of hill, then follow the CCW, this takes you back to near Speel Bank OR access take off via the footpath running up the front of the hill (starting at SD 352808). Alternative parking is available at Stribers (ask first for permission).

XC potential

Good XC potential with flights possible to the Yorksire Dales, the Vale of York and beyond (allowing for Airspace Restrictions). Sea breeze is the main problem.

Permission to use site

Stribers Farm (at base of hill on road junction)OR for the 'back of hill approach' ask at Speel Bank farm.

Briefing

Additional Safety Notes

The site has few vices and is generally smooth with a generous lift band. Keep clear of the trees and beware of the power lines crossing the hill north of main take off and main pylons further north again. Private telephone at Stribers and Speel Bank. Public phones at Haverthwaite.

Paragliding

Only occasionally flown but with good reports. Be careful in strong winds as there is a danger of being blown backwards. Can be rough low over the trees if the wind is off to the south. Sea breeze can pull the wind off to the south. Landing fields to the south are some distance away. The ground is boggy and covered in trees out in front of the hill. Top landings on a paraglider are generally OK.

Hang Gliding

Can be rough low over the trees if the wind is off to the south.Top landings can be difficult on a hang-glider(do not go too far back). Avoid clumps of trees and/or possible rotor. Sea breeze can pull the wind off to the south.

XC potential

Good XC potential with flights possible to the Yorksire Dales, the Vale of York and beyond (allowing for Airspace Restrictions). Sea breeze is the main problem.

Ellerside Map