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.

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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

About this flying site

This site is open to Peak Soaring Association and associated club members - guests are welcome however we ask that you are a BHPA member and first contact the club. The site guide provides essential safety information and describes requirements set down by the land owners to ensure continued access.

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

Check current site guidance

Explore nearby

Paragliding sites near Cats Tor

Shining Tor3 km awayThe Roaches13 km awayHigh Edge10 km awayEdge Top11 km awayDale Head13 km awayHigh Wheeldon15 km away

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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