SE Wales / Black Mountains · Paragliding site
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Blaenavon.
Managing club: South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: members only
Site briefing
Access to take-off is by foot only (a hard carry up). Lots of space to rig on top of the hill, with an easy gentle rounded take-off. Take-off E for ENE to East, or take-off A when the wind has more North in it. The take-off for Blaenavon is actually from the west side of the Coity Mountain. The hill is actually hollow as a labyrinth of coal mines lie below the hill!
Top landing area between (A) & (E) is vast, but the ground is rough and the front section slopes gently to the edge of the hill. Top landings should be carried out well away from pilots taking off. There is a fence that runs along the hill about 50mtrs behind take off. Slope landing by paragliders presents no real problems. The land between the hill and the road (B) is rough and broken and not recommended for hang glider bottom landing, however landings by paragliders are possible with care. Hang gliders should land on the other side of the road. The obvious flat section of land (C) drops away sharply into a bog, on the side furthest away from the hill. Hang gliders need to make an accurate approach in order to avoid the likely consequences of an overshoot, bent metal. The bog already contains the remains of one aircraft, a Halifax Bomber (22nd May 1944). This area is easiest when the wind is off to the North. If in doubt land on the rough open common (D) to the North of the flat area, just before the embankment. South East Wales sites often have very large, undefined take off and top landing areas, which may change position according to conditions. To avoid the potential for collision, pilots making a top landing should keep well away from gliders taking off, who may in some cases have limited visibility.
From Blaenavon or Brynmawr take the B4248, then by the cattle grid, turn into the parking area at the old mine access road. Park in the parking area at the gate. Please do not block the footpath or cycle path.
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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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