About this flying site
Sailplanes also share the ridge. They often make approaches over the landing field as do the tug aeroplanes
Dunstable paragliding site and weather forecast
Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire. Live seven-day flying weather, launch directions and site information for Dunstable.
Altitude192 m
Launch directionsW
Coordinates51.8734, -0.5382
AreaDunstable Downs, Bedfordshire
Managing club: Dunstable Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club (DHPC) · Access: members only
Flying profile
Best Workable Not recorded
Dunstable is a hill site in Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire with a recorded launch elevation of 192 m. It works best in westerly winds, and can also work in south-westerly winds. Pilots fly it for ridge soaring and thermal, using foot launch.
- Terrain
- hill
- Lift
- ridge soaring and thermal
- Launch
- foot launch
- Cross-country
- Not recorded
When the wind is wrong for Dunstable
The nearest site we have rated for each wind direction Dunstable doesn't cover.
Uffington White Horsenortherly wind, 78 km away · Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club · 229 m · N launchSharpenhoenorth-easterly wind, 11 km away · Dunstable Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 147 m · NE launchChinnornorth-westerly wind, 31 km away · Dunstable Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · 235 m · NW launch
Site briefing highlights
Short extracts from Dunstable Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club (DHPC) and ParaglidingEarth. Read the full guide before you fly.
Landing
Plenty of top and slope landing opportunities as well as the bottom landing field. Do not land in the London Gliding Club field unless in an emergency.
Access and parking
Must be BHPA and DHPC member — helmet stickers are checked. Class D airspace — do NOT assume it is open; CRSA max 1500ft AMSL unless signed in at London Gliding Club (then up to 3500ft in Dunstable Gliding Area 1).
Flight rules
This site is in class D airspace. It is illegal to fly here unless you are a member of the Dunstable HG & PG Club and have signed the paperwork having had a brief from a club coach.
Hazards and cautions
- Class D airspace — strict altitude limits
- London Gliding Club winch lines below (no flying over below 2000ft AGL)
- XC needs a NE track to avoid airspace — restricted in W/NW winds
Check current site guidance
Paragliding sites near Dunstable
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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