Managing club: North Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Great Orme
Take-off
Getting to takeoff: Actually, a carry down from the car park to the rigging / launch area. Please walk around the private land to
the
take off area. Under no circumstances climb any of the walls or fences between the car park and take-off
area.
Take Off and Top Landing - There are two T/O areas, the usual T/O is in the area of SH765829.
Follow the path towards the cliff top by the wall. At the corner of the walled area / field follow a path to
the left.
There is another T/O area which is very little used, when at the corner of the walled area / field turn
right to SH763831.
Top landing is tight, and rotor may exist behind the
wall. Lose height first then make your approach from the south. Be especially aware of the power lines that
run
down the face of the hill to the left of take-off. Please ask the locals for advice and consider your own
ability
before attempting to land on top. In strong winds, there is an obvious danger of being blown back over the
sea to
the east.
Landing
There is plenty of beach to land on at the south-west (West Beach) Llandudno end of the Great Orme when the
tide is
out, but at high tide
the landing area is much reduced, especially for hang-gliders. Check tidal information and landing options
before
you fly. Be wary of the large rocks close to the base of the hill.
Also, check the wind direction before committing to your landing approach as it is often different from that
on the
hill. There are numerous flags along the promenade next to the beach, to check the wind direction.
Access and parking
Park only in the car park provided at the summit (parking fees apply). If you can park on the left as you
enter the
car park you will minimise the distance to carry.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
If new to the site or if an inexperienced pilot, seek a site briefing - in advance of your visit if possible
from
Club members who know it well. Remember that the public have access to both take-off and landing areas.
Conditions are normally smooth when the wind is square onto the hill. However, extreme caution is advised if
this is
not the case,
especially if the wind is off to the south. The site can also be influenced by wave from Snowdonia.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.