Managing club: Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Site briefing
Planning information for Bell Hill
Take-off
Launch in front of the windsock or anywhere south along the ridge. Be sure you are far enough down the hill that you will not get dragged into parked cars or the fence if you fluff the launch. On busy days ensure the air is clear above you before pulling up your wing. Please ensure hang-gliders have plenty of room to launch when present. It is possible to launch directly into the bowl on light days or when the wind is more northerly. It is advisable not to use this launch on busy days to avoid the risk of collision. A Blackthorn hedge has been planted full length of the top of the hill directly behind our boundary by the Pig farmer. This apparently to comply with pig breeding disease prevention regulations requiring a double fence. As the hedge grows it is likely to present another hazard in the event of being blown back.
Landing
Top landing: The Club has not been able to establish an agreement for top landing since ownership changed in 2012. Therefore, landing in the top field is a personal decision and any consequences are matters between the individual and landowner. It is possible to land back on the launch area. Please watch out for gliders launching who should be giving way to you on your landing approach. Slope landing is usually straight forward here. However, you must ensure that you know your into wind beat. (see note above re- blackthorn hedge)
Bottom landing: No official bottom landing fields are available. If bottom landing is necessary the field directly below launch is most suitable for paragliders if not in crop (///slept.shops.ditching). If cropped there are alternate fields usually as grass out toward the farm in front but may be difficult to reach on a Paraglider. The fields below and South of the hill may provide a landing option but be aware of rotor from trees on approach. For hang-gliders: the fields (///massing.jelly.pokes, ///paces.threaded.gifted) have power lines along the edge of the road, so it is better to leave fairly early to get to the bottom fields beyond the road. The close in bottom field slopes more than it looks from above and can be very muddy and cropped so is best avoided, other than as a last resort. Avoid fields containing livestock. Please use gates to exit fields. Try to avoid landing in the horse paddocks in front of the bowl and to the north. You are unlikely to be chastised if you do but still avoid if you can.
Access and parking
Travelling from either Stuminster Newton or Blandford drive into Shillingstone on the A357. From Blandford look out for the war memorial on your right, now take the next left turn signed for Okeford Fitzpaine. If travelling from Sturminster this turn will be the first right hand turn after entering the village. Drive to Okeford Fitzpaine, pass the church set back on the left until you reach a ‘Y’ and ‘T’ junction. Take the left side of the ‘Y’ and turn left at the ‘T’ and drive out of Okeford Fitzpaine. Shortly after leaving the village you will pass a left-hand turn that leads up to Okeford Hill, go straight ahead. You will now see the ridge to your left. Take the next left turn signed for Bulbarrow and Ansty. You should now be climbing uphill. You will pass a chalk pit on your left (see parking). Just before the crest of the hill on the left is the locked gate with stile leading up across Bell Hill. Several other routes will bring you in from the South or via the Winterbornes. Most routes will lead you past the Bulbarrow view point. From the view point drive North along the front of the ridge. Keep going past a left-hand turn. As the road starts to drop off down the hill side you will see the entrance gate on your right.
If ground conditions are suitable and your vehicle and you are capable drive to the top of the track. Park off the track along the fence line (///tailwind.gent.laser). On busy days park nose or tail to the fence so that more vehicles can be accommodated. If ground conditions are not suitable for driving up the track, use the lower car parking area which is located on the left of the track as you enter the site (///orange.radiated.after). Alternatively, park on the road side on the Bullbarrow side of the entrance gate and well off the road (on the west side, ///altitude.birthdays.fleet) Tractors towing attachments often use this road so do not obstruct it. If the road side is busy we have permission to park in the chalk pit at the foot of Bell Hill (///yelled.additives.dock). Wessex HGPGC do not own the pit, Mr Yeatman has kindly agreed to its use as an overflow car park only, not for general parking. It’s a hard walk up from here which is another good reason to use the road side parking first. The chalk pit is also quite slippery in places when wet but is fairly flat. Ensure the gate is closed at all times.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
Probably the biggest hazard on this site is other pilots. On a good summer’s day, particularly when the wind is light, and everyone is trying to fly in thermic cycles. Things can get crowded and a little manic. Please ensure that you know the collision avoidance rules, and use them. There are times when some politeness and plain etiquette come into play. If you feel uncomfortable in a crowded sky, land. The ridge shallows to the West above the entrance gate and further west power lines run down the hill. It is possible to become pinned in increased venturi in this area. If the wind is off to the north, the take-off and landing areas can be turbulent. Don’t get caught out by patches of sink and dumped in the scrub or trees if scratching in the bowl. Please avoid the temptation to land close to the lower car park (at the bottom of the track) due to it being in rotor from the tree line behind it (NW). With care it is possible to land on the rising ground on the other side of the track - the higher up the slope the better.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.