Lowca
West Coast - North of Whitehaven
W - WNW
Overview
A pleasant change from the inland sites.
It doesn't appear too inspiring but actually works well.
Can often be flown when inland sites are blown out.
The large terraces at Lowca were landscaped specifically for hang gliding when it was handed back to the local council as the mines closed. Unique in the UK we think.
Suitable for training & novice CPs as long as they don't stray from the site and they respect windy days.
It's a good site to scrub up your CP skills if you're rusty!
Height (AMSL): 195' / 60m
Top to bottom: 195' / 60m
Site officer: Tom Blakely 07962402223
Important!
If any horses become disturbed by your flying, please leave that area immediately and inform the club's local site rep.
This is usually only a short term problem with new horses but the club needs to know.
Local pilot rep: David Ashcroft 07752 750869
Access
car park OS grid ref: NX979216
Getting there
Approach from the A595 to the village of Lowca.
The road to the site starts at the war memorial and goes West past the rugby pitch.
It is very rough with big puddles.
Please drive slowly.
Note that the post office shown on the map is now closed.
Getting to take off
20m walk
Flying
Hazards
Suitable for novice CPs as long as they don't stray from the site and they respect windy days.
Beware the railway, don't fly low over it, or land, or walk along the tracks.
Beware barbed wire fences behind and in front of take off.
Remember the bottom landing is off to the south, if you are getting low, slope land or make for the beach early!
Don't fly too far north in marginal conditions, no beach just slabs/boulders.
If going north, take care flying past the wind turbines.
Please park hang gliders away from takeoff/landing areas at all times
Take Off
Take off is smooth and grassy, some places need ground handling skills to cross the lip of the top terrace.
There is no seperate take off for hang gliders.
Landing Areas
The bottom landing is to the south on the beach.
There is usually sufficient space to land above high water mark.
Top landings are back at take off. If it is windy enough to be blown back then consider landing down on the beach.
Flying
A friendly site frequently used for training.
XC potential
A ridge run north to Harrington is possible when conditions are good, a breeze with a bit of north helps (WNW).
Flights south to Whitehaven, and even St Bees, have been achieved by the experienced and/or brave pilot, it does involve some difficult transitions and watery glides!
