North Yorkshire Moors · Paragliding site
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Model Ridge.
Managing club: North Yorks Sailwing Club · Access: members only
Site briefing
Possible anywhere along ridge, but to assist with a safe mix of flying and encourage predictable behaviour hang gliders launch from western end, paragliders towards eastern end. It is a busy site; remember to check above and behind before launch, with assistance if necessary.
Bottom: To be avoided except in an emergency. If you think there is a likelihood that you will bottom land, then DO NOT FLY. Slope landings are difficult and can be hazardous in summer due to the increasing amount of high bracken, an abundance of brambles and tree saplings that have increased in recent years. Be warned, the brambles can pose a real risk of damage to you and your equipment. They extend right up to the top of the ridge. Please Note:- Large numbers of Tree saplings have been planted at the base of the hill, these have posts attached and should be avoided. If in doubt, ask a club coach to point them out. Landing Field. If forced to bottom land, choose a field which is free of crops, hay and livestock. Always remain polite and friendly towards landowners. Retrieval is possible along a path which runs diagonally across the NW face of Cringle Moor near some shale outcrops. If unable to top land it may still be possible to land at the bottom of Cringle Moor near the scout hut (especially on a hang glider) where car access is possible for retrieval. It is possible to bottom-land between the farmland and the hillside (hang gliders do not often attempt it now) but beware - the bracken is about 5 feet deep and can take some time to get back to the top! Top: Top landings are safe over a wide area of the moor. Expect dead air if landing well back, so keep plenty of speed on. The strip between the hang gliding rigging area across to coppice is the designated landing area. Keep your landings to this strip if more than one or two other pilots are present. All launching and flying pilots will then know where to expect any overshoots.
Turn off the Carlton to Chop Gate road, into the LordStones cafe car park. Always try and use the overflow car parks if they are open, or park in the layby on the road away from the cafe. Note that the car park entrance can be barred and locked in the evening so park beside the road if there is a possibility of a long XC flight.
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Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.
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