Managing club: Devon and Somerset Condors HGPG · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for North Hill
Take-off
A relativly easy take off for PG and HG. True wind direction can be hard to judge as the shape of the hill may be making it feel more on than it actually is and this effect is more marked as the wind moves towards NE.
This site is usually only flown during the winter months, October - late March, as the Bristol Channel exerts a considerable influence on the wind direction during the warmer months.
The take off is small and good communication is essential if both PG and HG pilots are taking off. As the take off is lower than the main ridge the wind may seem lighter than it actually is. Take care to properly assess the wind speed before attempting to launch.
Landing
Top landing: HG - Around the car park in the V in the road near Bratton Ball, West of take-off.
PG - There is now a sizeable stand of birch trees immediately to the West of the take off area making a very careful assessment of the wind necessary if you intend to land in the vicinity of take off.
It may be possible to land further to the west in clearings in the vegetation but assess carefully first.
Bottom landing: There is little or no bottom landing to the West of launch. If getting low ensure you can reach one of the bottom landing options
The PG bottom landing is at Greenaleigh Farm, immediately below take-off,
what3words -
///bluntly.puddings.darkest
.
This is also the emergency HG bottom landing. All the fields slope towards the sea. To retrieve, go half way down North Hill to sharp right hand bend with stone cross. Turn left there into track to Greenaleigh Farm.
A second bottom landing option is the narrow grass triangle just to the NW of Minehead Harbour. Retrieve is straight forward from where the road ends past the harbour.
///tomato.champions.snippets
Possibly the best bottom landing option is on Minehead Beach in front of Butlins holiday camp. The beach may be narrow on high tides and will be crowded in the Summer requiring good spot landing skills
///pitching.succeed.perfected
Access and parking
Drive along the High Street in Minehead and follow signs for North Hill. At the top of the hill, on the right, is a campsite. Soon after, on the right, take the concrete track and turn left to the car park
what3words -
///messy.suave.daffodils
Carry down the path from the car park to the large cleared area which is take off
///goodbyes.cropping.explain
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
If top landing, never fly South of the road, as you will probably be blown over back of hill into rotor.
Beware of steep wind gradient as launch is low on the hill
The hill is spine backed. Do not get sucked over the back low
Limited bottom landing options further along the ridge
True wind direction may be hard to judge especially if off to the East
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.