Managing club: South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Garth Hill
Take-off
Take-offs on Garth Hill offers spectacular views over Cardiff, the Severn Estuary and across to the North Somerset coastline.
There are two take-off areas, South East and East. Access to both is by foot only, a long hard carry up. Beware of rotor behind the East take-off. If the wind is off the hill, expect turbulence from the South East side in particular. The wind is often split as if it comes up from Cardiff and in these situations should be considered a thermic site for launching off on.
Looking back at Garth hill. The South East side is most prominent in this photo. Photo courtesy of Tom Petith.
Landing
Top landing
The top landing area is quite large and fairly flat. But the steep slope and vegetation on the front of the hill makes paraglider slope landings difficult. You should beware of potential turbulence when deciding where to land. Be careful of walkers, livestock on the top and some of the monuments on the top. If livestock is on the top then stay well away from them and never fly low over livestock.
Bottom landing
DO NOT LAND IN THE FIELD AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL ON THE SOUTH EAST SIDE (which is clearly marked on the map).
Although this has been tolerated previously the field is under new ownership and to be stocked. The owners specifically request that nobody lands in this field and you will cause considerable upset and problems if you do this. You must use the official bottom landing which has been negotiated by the club.
The official bottom landing field is on the East side, and can be difficult to reach if winds are off to the North. This is especially true for paragliders. Beware of low power cables running through the middle of the undulating official bottom landing field, and along the road. It is recommended you visit the bottom landing field prior if this is your first time at the site. Do not pass gliders over the hedge. Carry gliders out via the farm track. The owner lives in the adjacent farm.
Access and parking
Aim towards Pentyrch and approach the hill from the south-west side to avoid traffic on the narrow road on the west.
Turn right onto the narrow road that runs along the base of the hill, and park in the lay-by at the east end (just before the road starts to go downhill again). It is often easier to approach from the west (Pen-y-garn end) – and not the very steep narrow approach via Gwaelod-y-Garth. This road is subject to subsidence, and is sometimes completely inaccessible from Gwaelod-y-Garth too. Carry up the SE side of the hill (quite steep).
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
Beware of walkers and cows on top of the hill.
The bottom landing field is tricky, and well worth a preflight visit.
Be especially careful when taking off if the wind is blowing slightly off (to the west of south) as you could be gusted backwards over the east cliff edge of the hill in these instances. You need to ensure there is plenty of distance between your take off and the eastern cliff side if you are intending to take off when the wind is more south or SSW. You must never take-off with a cliff directly downwind of your take-off point if you could be gusted backwards down it and if you are unsure and do not have the required skills then do not take-off.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.