Take-off
Sensible selection of a launch site eliminates any rotor issues.
Lake District — North East Lakes - Ullswater · Paragliding site
Barton Fell paragliding site and weather forecast
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Barton Fell.
Altitude567 m
Launch directionsNW
Coordinates54.5831, -2.8324
AreaLake District — North East Lakes - Ullswater
Managing club: Cumbria Soaring Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Barton Fell
Landing
Take care not to land in the cultivated or grazed fields below the ridge. Apart from the restrictions mentioned above there are no major concerns with landing. One major advantage of parking on the Helton Rd is that it is possible to fly downwind to your car without overflying the pony trekking zone.
Access and parking
Car park OS grid ref: NY497214 Approach from the east via Askham and Helton and park unobtrusively on the fell road that runs SW from Helton in area of GR 497214 (see photo) Getting to takeoff For the Helton approach there are numerous options, this is the dry one. Take the very obvious track from GR 497315 heading NW for 0.9 miles. There is a signpost at the junction (GR 487225) (see photo)where you take a less obvious track WSW and follow it to the Cockpit (0.3 miles) and then continue on a good track WSW to cross Aik Beck. Head SSW up the obvious ridge, Launch anywhere suitable along the ridge. Permission to use site None yet, but it is common land with many users; walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders with lots of potential for conflict. Please be considerate.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
- The hazards are obvious, there are no hidden traps.
- Sea breeze is interesting. It can approach from either the NW or the SW.
- The SW sea breeze makes launching difficult and potentially dangerous.
- It can be observed as it approaches along the Lake which gives time to take appropriate action.
- The NW sea breeze tends to reinforce the prevailing wind which can be good ... or bad. If it feels too strong it is worth waiting to see if it settles.
- Occasionally both sea breezes arrive and meet in front of the launch forming an impressive convergence cloud.
- When top landing or bottom landing in the lee of the woods at Barton Park, be aware of the possibility of rotor.
Authoritative sources
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Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.
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