Troutbeck
Central Lakes - N of Windermere Town
W - NW
Important!
Experienced pilots only.
Strictly no dogs.
Do not block the track and close all gates.
Beware of a new tree plantation North of the wall below take-off.
The landing area just to the north of Dubbs reservoir is excellent but take care in strong winds as you might experience rotor. The valley landing is emergency only and should be avoided. If you think you may land in the valley check with the occupier at Long Green Head first.
While there are no lambing restrictions on the fell the usual courtesy to avoid fields with livestock is essential for preserving our good relations with the farming community in this valley.
Access
Car park OS grid ref: NY422017
Getting There
Approach from the A591. Turn right at Ings (going west) and follow a minor road for about 5 km to a left hand bend with a good unsurfaced road leading off to the right. Cars can be left at the start of the track and pilots should double up as there is very limited parking at the end of the track.
Do not go past the gate marked on the map, just north of the reservoir. The track is in poor condition and parking is very restricted. Don't park adjacent to the reservoir as water company employees frequently park there. There are some parking places 50 ft beyond
Getting to takeoff
From Dubbs Reservoir follow the track until it joins the Garburn Track on the right as it rises from the valley below. At this point climb the stile to the right and gain the hillside above to a take off point 50m above. Once past Dubbs Reservoir, the track deteriorates significantly and is really only suitable for 4 x 4 vehicles.
Permission to use site
Howe Farm and Long Green Head
Flying
Hazards
Depending on conditions it can vary from excellent with good thermals to downright rough. Turbulence increases as the wind goes north of NNW or above 16mph. It can be rough in the valley in even moderate winds. Only use the valley bottom landing as a last resort.
Slope landing North of the wall should be exercised with caution due to a new tree plantation. A pilot skewer is not ideal for anyone.
Top landing is a little awkward and a reasonably flat spot should be sought out from the air before attempting; there are lots of small hillocks.
Bottom landing is down the road from the cars by the small reservoir; inspect this area first before flying. It is recommended that a windsock is placed by the reservoir.
Take Off
The SW take off is fairly shallow and short and only useful if the wind goes off the hill to the south (common - due to sea breeze sweeping up Windermere).
Landing Areas
Slope landing North of the wall should be exercised with caution due to a new tree plantation. A pilot skewer is not ideal for anyone.
The landing area just to the north of the reservoir is excellent but take care in strong winds as you might experience rotor. The valley landing is emergency only and should be avoided
Flying
The site is fine in light winds but stronger conditions can lead to turbulence. The farmer is not keen on paragliders. Please limit any 'scratching' if possible.
XC potential
Brilliant XC potential; Wether Fell is 45km downwind and can be used as a staging point for exploring areas of the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.
