Great Langdale
Central Lakes - West of Ambleside
SSE - SW + Nil Wind
Overview
A rugged mountain site overlooking the beautiful Langdale valley set amongst the peaks of the Langdale Pikes.
Height (AMSL) :1706' / 520m
Top to Bottom :1410' / 430m
Site officer: Jacob Aubrey 07505265668
Important!
Landing anywhere you like in the valley is NOT an option.
Without a negotiated landing field there should be NO flying.
Some of the farmers will be very unhappy if you land in their fields.
We do have very good landing options - please take the 10 mins to ask the relevant (and very friendly) farmers / landowners.
While there are no specific restrictions during lambing (March, April, May) it is paramount to call in at Millbeck Farm (NY293065) to agree which fields are to be used for landing.
Access
Car park OS grid ref: NY295064
Getting There
From Ambleside, take the A593 to Skelwith Bridge. Turn right onto the B5343 through Chapel Stile and on to Langdale.
Getting to takeoff
From the parking areas in the Langdale Valley near to the New Hotel (NY 296065), make for Thorn Crag via the Stickle Ghyll footpath or the path running between Pike Howe and Dungeon Ghyll. Either route is steep and sustained. At Thorn Crag a decision can be made, according to the wind direction and strength, to take off here, in front of Stickle Tarn or to the left of Gimmer Crag.
Permission to use site
Anyone flying from the summits around the head of Great Langdale should call at Middle Fell Farm (NY 285061) or Millbeck Farm (NY 293065).
They will generously advise on a suitable landing field,
Flying
Hazards
This is a big site set amongst some of the bigger hills of the Lake District.
This site is not considered 'friendly' for low airtime pilots.
Be careful of a sea breeze that can set in and bring with it a rapid change in wind direction and turbulence.
Some of the available landing fields have difficult to see telephone / power lines across them. Take extreme care on any landing approach.
Paragliding
This is a big site and if there is any appreciable wind in the valley then it is more than likely that it will be blown out at take off.
Best in very light or nil wind conditions when the (large) thermals can form over the vast areas of scree and fellside.
If tracking along the valley to the east then be aware of the restrictions on landing fields in the valley.
If in doubt land well up on the fell side and walk down.
Hang Gliding
An almost impossible carry up.
XC potential
Excellent potential but the terrain is wild and demanding.
There is the potential for a very long walk out if you have to land out.
