Blease Fell
North Lakes - Blencathra
S-SSE+Nil Wind
Overview
An excellent site but be wary, it can be very demanding.
Blease Fell is a large grass covered mountain that rises up from the Glenderaterra Beck to the west and Threlkeld to the south.
The site is notorious for generating massive lift and there is the possibility of soaring the whole Blencathra range and jumping across the gap to Jenkin Hill and then onto Skiddaw.
The lift often extends well out in front of the hill and it is not uncommon to have to fly out past the A66 before finding sink.
Landing is in the recreation field adjacent to the car park south of the A66 or at the foot of the fell south-east of High Row Farm.
Important!
Except in an emergency, pilots must not land in any neighbouring fields. To do so will put the club's access to the landing field at risk of being taken away.
Local pilot rep: Chris Little 07307 864418
Access
Getting There
Top car park
Approach by exiting the A66 at Threlkeld and proceed up through the village taking the steep road north towards the Blencathra Centre. Park in the car park at the end of the road just above and beyond the centre.
Bottom car park
Turn off the A66 into Threlkeld Cricket Club car park.
It can be busy with walkers and you must Pay and Display.
Getting to takeoff
It is a steep carry up the path from the top car park until you clear the bracken line. The slope then eases and then leads to large areas to take off from.
Permission to use site
Various, as arranged by Chris Little.
Flying
Hazards
Extreme care must be taken on breezy days.
Always keep a check on your ground speed and push forward to avoid being blown back if the wind picks up (take particular care when flying along the back ridge) Blencathra is a long mountain ridge and there are no escape routes other than to push forward.
If the wind turns more markedly east or west take great care in the gulleys along the Blencathra massif and avoid these in windy conditions.
In certain conditions the sea breeze can arrive suddenly from the NW/Solway Firth ie "over the back" and flow down the hill.
When this happens it makes the site dangerous.
There are two sets of power lines in the field immediately south of the lower landing field. There are also power lines over the village between take off and the designated lower landing field.
Take Off
On a good day you can take off on the large broad grassy shoulder.
Be aware that this is only over half way up the hill so keep an eye on the wind strength after take off as you gain altitude.
Landing Areas
Lower main field
This is the preferred landing. It is a good flat field immediately adjacent to the car park to the SE of the A66. Access is via a stile.
It is shown by an 'L' to the east of Threlkeld village on the site map.
Check you know which is the main landing field before you take off.
Do not land in any neighbouring fields.
Upper/secondary field for occasional use only;
At the foot of Blease Fell.
It is the field SE of High Row Farm. It is shown by an 'L' on the site map.
It slopes, there’s hedges, dry stone walls, it’s not very big and there’s a footpath runs through the middle.
Inexperienced pilots should check it out on foot before you use it.
DO use this upper landing field:
If you’ve got too low and can’t make the lower landing field.
DO NOT use this upper landing field:
If it has ewes with lambs, or if it is in hay (very long grass); OTHERWISE it’s OK to land with stock in it.
Please, only use it occasionally; Not every time you fly Blease!
Don't abuse the goodwill that has enabled this.
Likewise, do not park on the road to make it more convenient!
Use the lower field if you can.
top landing at or behind take off is excellent on the large, broad, grassy shoulder.
Landing on the small track near the upper car park is demanding due to the performance of modern paragliders and the trees causing turbulence.
Do not assume that if other pilots are landing here it is safe to do so, use your own judgement and experience.
Flying
Probably the most demanding site in the North Lakes area.
The flying and the lift generated can be very intimidating.
Pilots must be very comfortable in strong thermals and be confident at landing in the designated fields.
If flying here for the first time, please get a site briefing from an experienced local or contact the local pilot rep. Chris Little 07307864418
Always keep a check on the wind speed and your ground speed when flying here. There are no escape routes if being blown backwards. Push forwards early if in doubt.
XC potential
Excellent potential both downwind and, in the right conditions, for achieving large 'triangle' flights.
Take great care to keep well forward of windy gap if traversing west towards Skiddaw.
Keep a check on your ground speed and push forward to avoid being blown back if the wind picks up (take particular care with this when flying along the back ridge)
