Barton Fell
North East Lakes - Ullswater
WNW - NNW
Overview
A brilliant site.
Barton Fell is the long ridge running down the SE side of Ullswater.
The site has excellent slopes with the benefit of gentle ground over the back.
Lots of potential for XC flights.
No formal permission yet so please be polite to any farmers.
Good alternative to Clough Head if you don't mind a walk.
Important!
Please stay well away from, and do not overfly, any horses.
We have agreed a 'no flying' total exclusion zone to the N of the ridge. See photo for boundaries.
If horses are seen to be disturbed we will lose this site.
Take care not to land in the cultivated or grazed fields below the ridge.
The ground directly between the ridge and the farm walls is fine.
Local Pilot Rep: Chris Field 07514 746197
Access
Car park OS grid ref: NY497214
Getting There
Approach from the east via Askham and Helton and park unobtrusively on the fell road that runs SW from Helton in area of GR 497214 (see photo)
Getting to takeoff
For the Helton approach there are numerous options, this is the dry one. Take the very obvious track from GR 497315 heading NW for 0.9 miles.
There is a signpost at the junction (GR 487225) (see photo)where you take a less obvious track WSW and follow it to the Cockpit (0.3 miles) and then continue on a good track WSW to cross Aik Beck.
Head SSW up the obvious ridge,
Launch anywhere suitable along the ridge.
Permission to use site
None yet, but it is common land with many users; walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders with lots of potential for conflict. Please be considerate.
Flying
Hazards
The hazards are obvious, there are no hidden traps.
Sea breeze is interesting. It can approach from either the NW or the SW.
The SW sea breeze makes launching difficult and potentially dangerous.
It can be observed as it approaches along the Lake which gives time to take appropriate action.
The NW sea breeze tends to reinforce the prevailing wind which can be good ... or bad. If it feels too strong it is worth waiting to see if it settles.
Occasionally both sea breezes arrive and meet in front of the launch forming an impressive convergence cloud.
When top landing or bottom landing in the lee of the woods at Barton Park, be aware of the possibility of rotor.
Take Off
Sensible selection of a launch site eliminates any rotor issues.
Landing Areas
Take care not to land in the cultivated or grazed fields below the ridge.
Apart from the restrictions mentioned above there are no major concerns with landing.
One major advantage of parking on the Helton Rd is that it is possible to fly downwind to your car without overflying the pony trekking zone.
Flying
Soaring is excellent in the right conditions.
Thermals improve pm once the sun gets on the crags and scree.
XC potential
Massive! Easy ground down wind leads to the M6 and then Tailbridge or the Howgills.
Cross the Dales via Swaledale or Wensleydale to the Vale of York and then classic gliding terrain to the Humber.
Easy airspace until the Vale of York.
