Ellerside
South Lakes - South of Windermere
W
The site is closed April, May & June due to nesting peregrines
Overview
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!
Height (AMSL): 490' / 149m
Top to Bottom: 460' / 140
Site officer: Jacob Aubrey 07505265668
Important!
The site is closed April May June due to nesting peregrines.
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.
Private telephone at Stribers and Speel Bank. Public telephone at Haverthwaite.
Thanks for your support
Local pilot rep: James Whitmore 07540423740
Access
Car park OS grid ref: SD361809
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).
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.
Flying
Hazards
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.
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.
Paragliding
Only occasionally flown but with good reports.
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.
