Managing club: Lanarkshire and Lothian Soaring Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Broughton Heights
Take-off
Hang gliders: Walk / drive across field heading South, through gate and follow steep track on left, up hill to top of West facing bowl.
Here
Anywhere on top of bowl can be used to launch. There is a new track being built to under the windtalker which would offer a shorter carry to the spur.
Paragliders: Walk / drive across field heading South. Once through gate, follow steep track to left as per HG's or continue straight ahead for lower Nth West face. There is a new track being built to under the windtalker which would offer a shorter carry or kiting up to the spur.
XC Tips:
Airspace - class D over 4500ft, with 6000 ft ceiling to the North and 5,500 ft ceiling to the South. Good xc potential for both PG and HG. Current (2001) XC site record is 103km to Alnwick, set in March 1999 by Martin Pacitti (HG).
Very nice little round the corner hop (South) to Broughton village possible in light thermic/soaring conditions. Ideal sortie for new XC pilots?
Top Landing Notes:
Broughton is good for top landing,with ample flat areas but beware of the boundary fence at rear of launch. PGs should watch their penetration above the ridge.
Bottom Landing Notes:
Hang-gliders can normally land in the roadside field on the North East side of Lochurd farm - check with farmer if in doubt. Bottom landing in bowl is ok, but will result in a long walk-out.
Paragliders can land as per HG's, or in any non - crop fields around the farmhouse, but avoid livestock.
Access and parking
Drive through farmyard. Parking is in the Nth East corner of the farmyard, immediately before the field gate, but do not obstruct access. 4-wheel drive vehicles can ascend the hill in dry weather. Check with farmer for permission and ground conditions.
Link Here
Getting there: The site is accessed via Lochurd farm on the A701,
Link Here
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
Spine back ridge on North side of main bowl can produce rotor in Nth. Westerlies. PG's beware of this when heading for Lochurd farm. RAF often fly this area midweek.
Airspace: Scottish TMA 'D' over 5500ft. Check you have latest airspace details on your navigation device or an up to date chart.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.