Coniston Old Man
South West Lakes - Coniston
ENE - SE + Nil Wind
Overview
This is a mega site that works well in light winds.
The best direction is an easterly.
The take-off above the quarry is a bit tricky but the bottom landing, near the fell gate car park, is huge.
Please be aware that flying low over the quarry should be avoided, there have been occasions where pilots have had serious collapses as a consequence of strong rocket thermals.
Height (AMSL): 1750' / 534m
Top to bottom: 850' / 259m
Site officer: Jacob Aubrey: 07505 265668
Important!
Land only on the open fell.
Cars cannot be left at the parking areas P1 or P2. All cars should be returned to the main car parking area by the fell gate.
Public telephone in Coniston village.
Mountain Rescue post is at the base of the steep hill (turn right) on re-entering the village of Coniston.
Access
Car park OS Grid Ref: SD288970
NB: During school holidays it may also be possible to park at John Ruskin School.
Getting There
From the A593 turn right (if approaching from the north) just past the petrol station over the small bridge. Follow the minor tarred road (very steep for a short section) to the fell gate. Access is currently denied to drive the quarry track.
Three options are available:
Leave any vehicles at the fell gate parking area. At the gate head towards the fell for 100m following the track then walk up the fell side to the right side of the quarry.
Drive the track for 800m until access to the quarry track is barred by a drop down barrier. Unload equipment and then return the vehicle to the main fell gate parking area.
As above, but if access has been agreed a 4WD can be driven to the quarry area. If the quarry is working then permission is generally given if asked.
Getting to takeoff
Head up the fell side to the right of the quarry from the track that runs north from the fell gate.
Walk to the quarry via the track which has a short, steep section at the start or walk directly to the spoil heaps on the left of the quarry.
Permission to use site
This is an un-negotiated mountain site that has been flown for several years without any problems.
Flying
Hazards
Beware of the sea breeze pulling the wind off to the south.
The summit should be avoided in fresh winds.
Do not attempt to top land except in very light winds; a rotor exists along the length of the summit ridge.
Paragliding
Take-offs can be made almost anywhere but the summit area (2635ft / 804m asl.) provides the cleanest launch points.
Hang Gliding
The only fact spoiling this site for HGs is the lack of permission for 4WD access via the quarry road.
Exercise care on the less than ideal take-off areas that are rocky and be wary of the site in fresh winds.
XC potential
Thermals abound and, on a half decent day, a large area of high mountains, both to the north and south, can be explored.
Downwind XC potential is limited but cross wind out and returns show great promise but are yet to be fully exploited.
