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.
Cats Tor paragliding site and weather forecast
Peak District. Live seven-day flying weather, launch directions and 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
Flying profile
Best Workable Not recorded
Cats Tor is a flying site in Peak District with a recorded launch elevation of 507 m. It works best in south-westerly, westerly and north-westerly winds.
When the wind is wrong for Cats Tor
The nearest site we have rated for each wind direction Cats Tor doesn't cover.
Chelmortonnortherly wind, 13 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 431 m · N launchHigh Edgenorth-easterly or easterly wind, 10 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 427 m · NE, E launchBunster Hillsouth-easterly wind, 28 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 311 m · SE, S, SW launchEyam Edgesoutherly wind, 21 km away · Derbyshire Soaring Club · 365 m · S, SW launch
Site briefing highlights
Short extracts from Derbyshire Soaring Club and ParaglidingEarth. Read the full guide before you fly.
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.
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
Check current site guidance
Paragliding sites near Cats Tor
Shining Tor3 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 533 m · W launchHigh Edge10 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 427 m · NE, E launchEdge Top11 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 387 m · SW launchThe Roaches13 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 442 m · SW, W launchChelmorton13 km away · Peak Soaring Association · 431 m · N launchLords Seat15 km away · Derbyshire Soaring Club · 491 m · N launch
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.
More paragliding sites in the UK · Read the paragliding weather guide