About this flying site
initialy imported from International Leonardo
Ballard Down paragliding site and weather forecast
Dorset (Purbeck). Live seven-day flying weather, launch directions and site information for Ballard Down.
Altitude53 m
Launch directionsSE, S
Coordinates50.6299, -1.9453
AreaDorset (Purbeck)
Managing club: Wessex Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club (WHGPC) · Access: membership
Flying profile
Best Workable Not recorded
Ballard Down is a flying site in Dorset (Purbeck) with a recorded launch elevation of 53 m. It works best in south-easterly and southerly winds.
Recent forecast scores
Day scores for Ballard Down from Magic Skyweed's latest forecast runs (17 Sept, 17:28 UTC), on our 0–100 flying scale. The live forecast scores every hour against your own glider and limits.
- Tue 22 Sept66/100 Goodlow confidence
- Wed 23 Sept66/100 Goodlow confidence
When the wind is wrong for Ballard Down
The nearest site we have rated for each wind direction Ballard Down doesn't cover.
Monksdownnortherly wind, 41 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 258 m · N launchPortland Eastnorth-easterly wind, 35 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 113 m · NE launchHambledon Hilleasterly wind, 37 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 150 m · E launchKimmeridgesouth-westerly wind, 11 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 153 m · SW launchPortland Westwesterly wind, 36 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 91 m · W launchBell Hillnorth-westerly wind, 36 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 253 m · NW launch
Site briefing highlights
Short extracts from Wessex Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club (WHGPC) and ParaglidingEarth. Read the full guide before you fly.
Access and parking
Purbeck coastal/downland site near Swanage. BHPA membership + club site-guide rules required.
Hazards and cautions
- Coast and cliffs nearby
- Busy with walkers (South West Coast Path)
- Gradient in strong wind
Check current site guidance
Paragliding sites near Ballard Down
St Aldhelms9 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 49 mKimmeridge11 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 153 m · SW launchBoscombe cliffs13 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 31 m · S launchBarton on Sea23 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 8 m · S launchRingstead28 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 118 m · SW launchWhite Horse33 km away · Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 143 m · S launch
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.
More paragliding sites in the UK · Read the paragliding weather guide