Grasmere (Silver How)
Central Lakes - Grasmere
E - SE
Overview
An easily reached site, for E wind soaring, and finding thermals early in the day. It can take SE wind but the lift-band is smaller.
This site is low and useful for stronger wind days.
For the main cliff to be soarable, on an En-B wing, aim for a base wind of 10mph+ at take-off height (1,200ft).
You can glide all the way to the Sports Field by flying around the village, consistently over safe green fields the whole way.
There is a scree-filled gully that splits the main cliff (turn left from takeoff). This is a reliable thermal trigger. When working, a height of 3,000ft will normally give you enough glide to turn downwind, and fly over the back to the Langdale Pikes.
IMPORTANT!
Military jets use the main Grasmere valley almost daily Mon - Fri.
Silver How MUST have a NOTAM in to fly before 1800h Mon - Fri.
The risk of low-flying jets is reduced on weekends.
Local site rep: Paul Abbott 07840 059561
Access
Car Park OS grid ref: NY340071
Getting There
The A591 takes you to Grasmere from both the north and south Lakes.
Getting to takeoff
The fastest route to launch is up the front gully from Pavement End.
The easiest route starts at Allan Bank, a National Trust property, and bends around to Score Crag, then up through a juniper forest.
You must climb above the bracken, to the summit of Silver How itself, and then walk down slightly to find a suitable grassy slope into wind.
Permission to use site
Permission to land negotiated with Grasmere Sports Committee Ltd.
Flying
Hazards
Military jets use the main Grasmere valley almost daily, Mon - Fri, transiting from Windermere north to Thirlmere / Walla Crag.
They normally fly along the middle of Grasmere valley at 500ft AGL near the A591. If you are uncomfortable with this risk, then fly here at WEEKENDS ONLY. Always CANP this site if flying Mon - Fri before 1800h.
The site can become thermic particularly over areas of scree. Beware of the steep cliffs, rocks and bracken on launch.
The site can be affected by sea breeze that causes the wind to become rougher and more southerly.
Take Off
A positive launch is necessary, from the grassy shelf below summit.
Landing
The main landing field is Grasmere Sports Field.
The ridge heading south towards Loughrigg is top-landable, and a good “bomb out” option if you do not find a thermal.
Flying
If you cannot maintain above 1,000ft, head for landing.
DO NOT FLY OVER GRASMERE VILLAGE unless you have tonnes of height and certainly more than 500ft if you are gliding into wind.
However if you cannot gain height on the main cliff, consider your landing. The ridge running down to Loughrigg is top-landable, and the best "bomb out" option. Alternatively you can glide down to the Sports Field, 1.7km away. There are other green fields as emergency options.
XC Potential
To fly over the back, you will want lots of height, as the topography here is complex, with deep gulleys and crags running over to Langdale.
