Peak District · Paragliding site

Cats Tor paragliding site and weather forecast

Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Cats Tor.

Altitude507 m
Launch directionsSW, W, NW
Coordinates53.2807, -2.0090
AreaPeak District

Managing club: Derbyshire Soaring Club · Access: members only

Site briefing

Planning information for Cats Tor

Take-off

SJ 994 759 1640 feet / 500m Landings : 1. Pym Chair SJ 994 766, 1510 feet / 460m. 2. By car park SJ 995 768, 1510feet / 460m.

Access and parking

Park in the car park north of the ridge, 150 yds. along the road to Kettleshulme. If flying XC do not leave your car overnight without informing Buxton Police. (01298 72100) Access Cats Tor can be reached by a minor road running from the Errwood Reservoir to the A5002, or from the A537 by a road passing the Lamaload Reservoir. From the car park walk up to the highest point of the ridge as shown on the map, Do Not take-off from the low ridge close to the road (different owner) . If landing below Pym Chair walk to the exit, Do Not climb the fence by the road. If landing by the car park, exit via the gap in the fence in the corner of the car park, or by the stile in the far right corner.

Local guidance

Hazards and cautions

  • Becomes rough if the wind is too far off to the south. There is often turbulence at low level between Cats Tor and Shining Tor. Beware of rotor behind the wall on your top landing approach. The fields in front of take-off slope away very steeply. Paraglider pilots who go down here should note that there is a very high wall (about l0ft. high) running along the base of the ridge. If you are going down break right to land on the plateau below Pym Chair. Beware Manchester CTA, which at 3000′ above sea level gives not much more than 1000′ clear above take off.
  • When going down to the bottom landing fields, keep a good look out for model aircraft which may be using the lower part of the ridge.
  • Airspace: Manchester CTA at 3000′ QNH

Authoritative sources

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Paragliding sites near Cats Tor

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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