Scottish Highlands. Live seven-day flying weather, launch directions and site information for Cairngorm.
Managing club: Highland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: restricted
Best Workable Not recorded
Cairngorm is a flying site in Scottish Highlands with a recorded launch elevation of 1,111 m. It works best in north-westerly winds.
The nearest site we have rated for each wind direction Cairngorm doesn't cover.
Short extracts from Highland Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club and ParaglidingEarth. Read the full guide before you fly.
The Cairngorms are home to five of the six highest mountains in Scotland and form the highest area of extended mountain plateau in the whole of the British Isles, stretching some 30km from Braemar in the east to Aviemore in the west and 25…
The plateau is reached easily from the Coire Cas carpark by following the main track up through the main ski runs.
Bottom landing is possible around either the main Coire Cas carpark, or in the ski centre overflow car park. If landing in the carpark, bear in mind that it has a slight, but deceptive, downhill gradient and very gravely surface.
Access-agreement site — coordination with the landowner/ATC is required before flying; contact the Highland club for current arrangements. There is currently no access to Cairngorm via the funicular.
The Cairngorms are definitely not a place to consider flying on anything other than a calm day and Cairngrom itself is best flown on a very light North Westerly or nil wind forecast.
Airspace restrictions are unlikely to be an issue for any pilot launching from Cairngorm unless flying as far as Kinloss/ Lossiemouth to the North, or Aberdeen in the East!
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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