Mount Caburn paragliding site and weather forecast

When the wind is wrong for Mount Caburn

The nearest site we have rated for each wind direction Mount Caburn doesn't cover.

Site briefing highlights

Short extracts from Southern Hang Gliding Club and ParaglidingEarth. Read the full guide before you fly.

Hazards and cautions

• Other users — the site is popular with the public. Aeromodellers occasionally use it (relations are generally good); if modellers are flying, have a polite word to ensure zero collision risk. (Their flying is controlled by the A.N.O. (Air Navigation Order) – the same law that regulates our activity.)
• Geographical — the earthworks encircling take-off can catch out anyone who sits down or goes prone too early, or who gets dragged back. A wooded quarry to the south-east limits use in easterlies. There is a concreted wood-and-metal bench at the top, a fence out of sight but not far behind launch, and a fence along the top of the western ridge (beware being dragged back into it in wind). A river forms part of the southern border of the landing field and an electrified main railway line the rest; the landing field is beyond tall trees, so cross them safely or use the agreed emergency zones — do not barge through the treetops. The landing zone has steep-sided drainage ditches that have broken several pilots' ankles (better to land crosswind or even downwind than risk them); wooden-poled power lines cross its western end; there is a swamp at the north-west corner; cattle are usually in both take-off and landing areas; and the field is waterlogged for most of the winter.
• Airflow: The wind can often be as strong in the landing field as at take-off. Severe rotor can occur behind the western ridge — do not fly behind the fence line without ample height to glide clear; if you find yourself pinned, drifting left to behind the main hill is preferable. A south-westerly tends to accelerate around the south and east sides of Caburn — beware being blown into the wooded quarry, or back over the trees and buildings on landing. A south or south-easterly can make it difficult to cross the trees to the landing area, so keep good height or turn back and slope-land. Wind with an easterly component can generate severe turbulence from the wooded quarry. The wind direction is frequently different at the top and the bottom landing field — check carefully before a final approach; if you cannot determine it, the safest option is to get close to the trees then turn due south to land, keeping clear of the river. When easterlies are present, convergence can occur over the landing field with consequent 180° wind shifts.
• Exact launch
• Launch GPS
• 50.86153, 0.05097
• Members also see the gate / padlock code (where a site has one), the Safety Officer’s contact, and the downloadable guide (PDF).

Check current site guidance

• Southern Hang Gliding Club — site guide
• Southern Hang Gliding Club — club home
• ParaglidingEarth site record

Paragliding sites near Mount Caburn