About this flying site
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Dorset / Wiltshire · Paragliding site
Barton on Sea paragliding site and weather forecast
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Barton on Sea.
Altitude8 m
Launch directionsS
Coordinates50.7352, -1.6623
AreaDorset / Wiltshire
Managing club: Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Site briefing
Planning information for Barton on Sea
Take-off
The take-off is between First Marine Ave. and Second Marine Ave and is located at ///talked.retaliate.bath (within the red bounded area on the first map) Avoid stepping on the edge of the cliff to minimize the risk of erosion. Always keep a look out for members of the public when launching. Allow any pedestrians to get well clear before attempting to inflate your wing. Do not attempt to fly if the launch area or bottom landing is busy and restricting your landing options. Finding the correct spot to launch amongst the rotor is the key to a successful launch here, listening to an experienced pilot can save you hours of fruitless struggle.
Landing
Top landing: Must be in the designated areas (within the red bounded areas on the maps). For your safety & to help avoid encountering rotor ensure that you do not fly or land any further back than 12 metres from the cliff edge & approach as low as practical. Caution should be exercised in stronger winds, especially when directly on the cliff. In this instance it is advised to land on the beach as the rotor is pronounced. Winds with a westerly or easterly component are more forgiving. Set up your approach to avoid any members of the public and be prepared to drop your wing quickly to avoid being dragged back toward the road. Clear the landing area immediately. Be prepared to take several attempts at landing in case your position isn't correct or if pedestrians appear where you have chosen to land. Bottom landing: Don’t scratch too low – turn out early, to land on the lower track or beach well clear of the public and beach huts, even if it means a longer walk back. Only fly in front of the shops, café and houses to continue a flight along the
Access and parking
From the A337 Lymington to Christchurch Road look out for signs to Barton on Sea. Go down First Marine Drive and turn left at the bottom. The take-off/top-landing is between First Marine Ave. and Second Marine Ave. An alternative landing area is opposite Sea Road and ‘The Cliff House’ restaurant/pub – however, due to recent cliff erosion and a fence, it is not ideal as a take-off and is very rarely used. ONLY ONE TAKE-OFF TO BE ACTIVE AT ANY ONE TIME. There is plenty of free parking roadside along the front, however pay and
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
- The general public use the cliff and beach area. It is our responsibility to fly with their safety as our priority. The take-off area is in rotor. You will be launching in rotor and it can be very difficult to inflate your wing. You might need assistance to reach the cliff edge on breezy days. The secondary take-off is very rarely used but can be easier in WSW winds but negotiating the fence is difficult. The wind can increase without warning. Land immediately if you notice the wind speed picking up as getting blown back here is dangerous. White caps on the waves are a good indicator and for safety it is advisable to land on the beach. Barton is a steep cliff that generates severe turbulence and rotor in a zone behind the edge that will lead to deflation and loss of control of the wing and possible injury to the pilot and members of the public. The area in which the wing remains in clean laminar air is limited to a narrow zone close to the cliff edge. The turbulent zone will vary with wind strength and direction. The turbulence is invisible and not fully predictable. If the wind has picked up or gone a long way off the ideal SSW direction, then it is advisable to bottom land and walk up. A little effort walking back up is always better than a long stay in hospital. DO NOT underestimate the rotor hazard on this site. Cliff erosion is particularly evident at this site, be aware that you may encounter pipes and other items sticking out of the cliff face. The debris caused by the collapse of the cliff between Barton to Chewton Bunny Gap is treacherous due to large areas of quicksand, if you land in that area, it is advisable NOT to walk/climb on the collapsed cliff.
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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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