Managing club: South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: members only
Site briefing
Planning information for Garway Hill
Take-off
The main NW take-off (A) is to the North West of the trig point and identified as the grass path and a small grass clearing within the braken.
A second take-off area (B) is on the shoulder of the hill to the SW as the hill brow bends around to the South.
A further take-off is available lower down on the SW side which can be used in stronger wind conditions.
Due to the level of braken on the hill there is a limitation to the number of gliders than can be laid out.
Lord of the Manor: James De Labilliere
Commoners: Garway Commoners represented by Parish Council
Bottom Landing:
Tenant Farmer: Rob Watkins
Landing
Top landing is recommend. The hill to the South of Take-off B on the map provides as slightly lower slope with the greatest clearing of bracken.
Two bottom landing fields have been negotiated for use. Both fields are owned by the same famer from Great Corras farm as marked on the map. Given a choice we recommend using the field marked as X on the map, this landing field provides greater potential for finding lift and is flatter. Field Y slopes away to the South West and is 40m higher than X. Please exit both bottom landing fields at the gates near the bottom of the footpath marked as the route back to take-off.
Please note there is limited phone signal in the bottom landing fields.
DO NOT – pilots are strictly prohibited from attempting to land within the Deer Park of Kentchurch Court. This area is very sensitive and is used by the Kentchurch Estate for shooting all year round including rifle target practice. It also is enclosed by high deer fence.
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 easiest approach is from the East, turn off the B4521 at Broad Oak and follow signs to Garway, proceed through Garway Village and take the first right, signposted Garway Hill. Continue on this road for 1.8 miles at 51.920580, -2.804650 take the left hand turn up the track opposite postbox and wooden footpath sign. Proceed up the track, the turning area and parking is at the end.
Parking 1: Garway Hill
Parking 2: Track start
Parking 3: The Moon at Garway
Garway Hill Parking is shared with other users of the common and limited to around 10 cars. Because of the limited parking and the remote location of the site for returning to after an XC, car sharing is recommended.
There are two suitable alternatives for parking. (1) At the turn off up the track the road verges are sufficiently wide to park 4 or 5 cars, again this parking option is also used by walkers and local residents. (2) In Garway village there is parking at The Moon of Garway pub GR
Latitude: N51.91905
Longitude: W002.809116
Latitude: N51.92057
Longitude: W002.804509
Latitude: N51.900400
Longitude: W002.779013
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
The woodland to the SW below launch causes some turbulence in stronger wind, with an area of rota directly behind the trees. There are also some obvious smaller trees on the slope just below launch which reduce the ridge soaring capacity of the hill.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.