Dorset / Wiltshire · Paragliding site
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Bulbarrow.
Managing club: Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Site briefing
The area immediately below the gate (///depth.dented.unity) may be used but be aware that it is close to the bridleway. Alternatively, the top landing field can be used. Access is through the gate immediately on the left after entering the site. This field is closed if it contains a crop (including long grass) or sheep in the lambing season (spring). You need to clear a barbed-wire fence, so this takeoff is not suitable in light winds.
Top landing: (See above) The large field between the top of the sloping hill side and the road. Bottom landing: No Bottom Landing Negotiated!
From Blandford – Follow the Blandford by-pass toward Shaftesbury (A350). About 1 mile northwest of Blandford turn left (west) at the traffic lights onto the A357 toward Sherborne. In Shillingstone (2.3 miles), drive through the village until you see the war memorial on the right-hand side and then take the (slightly concealed) next left signposted Okeford Fitzpaine /Ibberton (Poplar Hill - 3.2 miles from traffic lights - 0.2 miles past petrol station). Follow the road into Okeford Fitzpaine and, at the triangular junction, turn left into Higher Street (signposted Bulbarrow). Follow for 1.4 miles and, just before a couple of cottages on the junction, turn left toward Bulbarrow / Ansty. Follow the road for 2.25 miles to the junction just past the Bulbarrow viewpoint. Turn right at the junction and immediately fork right again - signposted to Mappowder and Stoke Wake. Follow this road for 0.6 miles and, 100m past the turning off to the right for Woolland, entrance to the site is through the gate on your left (///melts.national.unstated). ... alternatively: at the A350 (from Poole) roundabout on the Blandford by- pass follow the signs toward Tesco. Continue down the Bournemouth Road through Blandford St.Mary passing the Hall & Woodhouse brewery on your right. At the T-Junction (opposite the impressive entrance to Bryanston School) turn left. Within 150m, bare right into Fair Mile Road – signposted to Winterborne Stickland (not 90° into New Road). Follow this road to Winterborne Stickland - 3.75 miles - turning sharp right toward Turnworth / Okeford Fitzpaine. After 0.7 miles turn left toward Bulbarrow and after a further 3 miles (at the Bulbarrow viewpoint) fork right - signposted to Mappowder and Stoke Wake. Follow this road for 0.6 miles and, 100m past the turning off to the right for Woolland, entrance to the site is through the gate on your left (///melts.national.unstated) Most other routes – will bring you past Bulbarrow viewpoint, and then follow the last part of the previous directions. There is room for 3 or 4 cars by the Wessex Ridgeway bridleway signpost on the left. Please park close to the fence. Do not park in front of the metal gate as horse riders and members of the public also use it. If 3 cars are already parked, please reverse back up the hill to park on the triangle of rough ground on the junction near the masts (///after.scorch.seducing). Do not obstruct the obvious track across this area that is sometimes used for tractors with trailers…
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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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