Managing club: North Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Gyrn Moelfre
Take-off
Getting to takeoff: Both faces are approached by a steep, rough track accessed through a gate at the top of the landing field.
Only 4WD
vehicles are permitted to use the track, otherwise it is an arduous walk up - even to the lower SSE launch
with just a paraglider. At the top the track forks right to the SSE launch and parking area and left to the
summit and WSW face.
The SSE launch has a parking area against the stone wall running up the hill on the east side.
Please
keep the launch area clear
. The WSW launch and summit has very little parking space and it is expected vehicles
would only be used to
carry pilots up and would not be left at the summit.
Take-off and Top Landing
SSE Face:
Launch is straightforward but PG top landing requires care, particularly if the wind is not
square on
the hill due turbulence. Avoid drifting too far back from the face during approach due possible rotor from
the gully.
If in any doubt, go down. Top landing for HG's is extremely challenging and should be avoided. Avoid landing
over the wall
running up the hill on the east side of launch - we do not have permission to use that land.
Summit South Face:
A straightforward launch in SE to S winds. Top landing is possible with care.
Summit West face:
The West face is definitely not a site for inexperienced pilots. The lift band is
surprisingly
narrow and care is needed when several gliders are flying. Sink can be experienced above the quarry to the
south and lower
down the ridge. Launch is from the very top by the trig point and the barbed wire fence must be crossed
almost as soon as
airbourne. Top landing is possible with care but rotor can be experienced in anything but minimal wind
conditions.
Landing
From all launch points both PG's and HG's should use the large bottom landing field marked on the map. The
landing
is easily reached by all gliders from both southerly launches, just ensure you have sufficient height to
safely cross the
line of trees on the northern boundary. Note the landing field slopes gently downhill from north to south so
crosswind
or uphill landings may be required. High performance HG's are advised to consider using the Llansilin
Village landing field
grid ref SJ208281
which should be reached if the hill is left at the height of
the lower SSE launch.
If flying the West face there is a landing field available at Pantglas Isaf farm
grid ref SJ173294
Land
in the second
field above (west) of the track leading to the farm.
Access and parking
Most vehicles park beside the track running alongside the bottom landing field. Turn right into the farmyard
immediately to the east of Moelfre Hall farm (Grid ref SJ187283) and pass through 2 gates ensuring you close
them behind you. Park to the left of the track in the field after the second gate.
Note, the landowner charges a
£5 fee for all vehicles parked on the site
. Leave the fee in the
collection box
beside the first gate with your vehicle registration and club marked on the envelope. The fee applies to all
clubs
including MTB. Students with YX Paragliding should liaise directly with the school to ascertain payment
arrangements.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
This site can become strongly thermic but also benefits from restitutional lift on summer evenings providing
for smooth and bouyant air. Turbulence can be experienced if the wind is not square on the slope.
The Gyrn site is frequently used by YX Paragliding school. Extra care should be taken if students are
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.