Managing club: South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: members only
Site briefing
Planning information for Hay Bluff
Take-off
Gospel Pass NW Take-off (A). This take-off is for hang gliders only. In stronger winds, it is possible to take-off from the mound (E) at the foot of the hill and climb up onto the main ridge. In lighter winds, or for less experienced pilots it is recommended to carry up to the top of the hill, a hard carry up. The top take-off is steep but friendly.
The Bluff NW Take-off (B). A long hard carry up. Hang gliders and paragliders should take-off from the area between the top of the main path up the hill and the trig point.
The Bluff NE Take-off (C). A long hard carry up. Hang gliders and paragliders should take-off from the obvious grassy saucer shaped area immediately adjacent to the trig point.
No launching from below the top of the hill. Always use the agreed top take-off areas at the Bluff and at Gospel Pass or the lower take-off area at Gospel Pass. Paragliders may experience dead air and rotor just behind take offs, making it a tricky site in strong winds.
Update 2018 – Lord Hereford’s Knob has been officially negotiated as a take-off ONLY for pilots who have flown XC TO there (the land just to the west of Gospel Pass). It is not an option for initial take-off.
Landing
The top landing area is large but the ground is quite rough. Always top land away from gliders taking off. Bottom landing is only permitted on rough ground (D) at the foot of the Bluff. Do not land in the car park! Hang gliders need a careful approach as the ground slopes gently towards the road and the gorse can all too easily catch the base bar, with unpleasant results. Hang glider pilots may also land on the lower take-off (E) at Gospel Pass.
Alistair Andrews (local pilot and previous X-Pyr pilot) enjoying some smooth airat the end of the day. Photo courtesy of Steven Mackintosh.
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.
Looking west towards the Central Beacons from the Black Mountains. Photo courtesy of Steven Mackintosh.
Access and parking
From Hay-on-Wye along minor roads. The road from Abergavenny, via the Llanthony Valley, is a single track and should not be used.
Parking 1 North
Latitude: N52.029184
Longitude: W003.109184
Parking 2 South
Latitude: N52.008740
Longitude: W003.114387
Park in the main car park at the foot of the Bluff. Hang glider pilots may also park in the car park at Gospel Pass. Do not park on the roads or passing places.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
Beware of sailplanes from the nearby club at Talgarth. Beware of rotor behind the NE cliffs and rotor on the NW ridge in strong winds.
A view of Lord Hereford’s Knob. Photo courtesy of Steven Mackintosh.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.