Take-off
East take off Southeast take off Height (AMSL): 1750' / 534m Top to bottom: 850' / 259m Site officer: Jacob Aubrey: 07505 265668
Lake District — South West Lakes - Coniston · Paragliding site
Coniston Old Man paragliding site and weather forecast
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Coniston Old Man.
Altitude722 m
Launch directionsNE, E, SE
Coordinates54.3682, -3.1212
AreaLake District — South West Lakes - Coniston
Managing club: Cumbria Soaring Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Coniston Old Man
Access and parking
Car park OS Grid Ref: SD288970 NB: During school holidays it may also be possible to park at John Ruskin School . From the A593 turn right (if approaching from the north) just past the petrol station over the small bridge. Follow the minor tarred road (very steep for a short section) to the fell gate. Access is currently denied to drive the quarry track. Three options are available: Leave any vehicles at the fell gate parking area. At the gate head towards the fell for 100m following the track then walk up the fell side to the right side of the quarry. Drive the track for 800m until access to the quarry track is barred by a drop down barrier. Unload equipment and then return the vehicle to the main fell gate parking area. As above, but if access has been agreed a 4WD can be driven to the quarry area. If the quarry is working then permission is generally given if asked. Getting to takeoff Head up the fell side to the right of the quarry from the track that runs north from the fell gate. Walk to the quarry via the track which has a short, steep section at the start or walk directly to the spoil heaps on the left of the quarry. Permission to use site This is an un-negotiated mountain site that has been flown for several years without any problems.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
- Beware of the sea breeze pulling the wind off to the south.
- The summit should be avoided in fresh winds.
- Do not attempt to top land except in very light winds; a rotor exists along the length of the summit ridge.
- Paragliding
- Take-offs can be made almost anywhere but the summit area (2635ft / 804m asl.) provides the cleanest launch points.
- Hang Gliding
- The only fact spoiling this site for HGs is the lack of permission for 4WD access via the quarry road.
- Exercise care on the less than ideal take-off areas that are rocky and be wary of the site in fresh winds.
Authoritative sources
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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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