About this flying site
Quite a nice site to fly when conditions are soarable. Wave is not uncommon, and good height gains are possible even in winter. Can be a good alternative to Pandy. Watch out for subsidence cracks near take-off.
SE Wales / Black Mountains · Paragliding site
Ebbw Vale paragliding site and weather forecast
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Ebbw Vale.
Altitude442 m
Launch directionsE
Coordinates51.7465, -3.2036
AreaSE Wales / Black Mountains
Managing club: South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Ebbw Vale
Take-off
Access to take off is by foot by walking from the road onto Manmoel Common. The take-off is actually on the hill 0f Cefn Manmoel which forms part of the common. The take-off area is large and flat with a nice rounded front to the hill. Take care not to stumble in the subsidence cracks near take off as these can be obscured by ground cover. There are also several ridges running parallel across the side of the hill that should be observed.
Landing
The top landing area is large, flat and free from any real obstructions although beware of the two water connection pipes that stick up in the air about 1 metre. There is also a large flat shoulder to the north of take-off. This can be turbulent if the wind is off to the south. There is no suitable bottom landing field. Paraglider pilots can slope land on the front of the hill but should be aware of the rough nature of the ground. South East Wales sites often have very large, undefined take off and top landing areas, which may change position according to conditions. To avoid the potential for collision, pilots making a top landing should keep well away from gliders taking off, who may in some cases have limited visibility.
Access and parking
The site can easily be accessed from either the South (preferrable) or North onto Man Moel Common via the Manmoel Road. If coming from the North it is probably better to approach from the steep road which comes up from Cwm (see description below). Take-off is actually on the hill Cefn Manmoel. Via Cwm – From the A465 “Heads of the Valleys” road take the A4046 to Ebbw Vale. Continue south on the A4046 driving just past the village of Cwm on your right hand side. At the next round about take the 3rd exit and enter the south side of Cwm. Then take the first turning on the left up a steep hill, this is marked with a sign post showing cycle route 466. Follow the hill to the top and take a right turn onto Manmoel road at the T-junction. Continue on Manmoel road towards the hill. Eventually you will pass over a cattle grid, drive for another 100-200 m. Parking is along the side of the road. Do not drive onto the common.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
- Watch out for subsidence cracks near take off and ridges running parallel across the sides of the hill. Water pipes sticking up about 1 metre on the top of the hill.
- Beware of the wind turbines on the back of the hill, especially if going XC – there will be significant turbulence down wind of them.
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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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