SE Wales / Black Mountains · Paragliding site
Live seven-day flying weather with launch direction, altitude and local site information for Pontlottyn.
Managing club: South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: open
Site briefing
The take off located on the steep north east face of Cefn y Brithdir, overlooking Pontlottyn. The take-off area is large and flat and the hill has a nice rounded front. No real obstructions, but be aware of the high voltage power lines running along the bottom of the hill in front of take-off.
The paragliding top landing area is large but be aware of being blown back onto the road and parked cars, also of gliders taking off ahead at the hill edge. It is possible to land a PG on the track to avoid a lengthy walk up – but this requires significant skill and experience. Hang gliders should aim to land in area HG1 towards the rear of the hill. Note the gentle slope towards the line of parked cars/road and take-off. Overshooting the landing area should be avoided but it is normally clearer towards the north end. Area HG2 is large and reasonably flat and slightly higher than the road and car park. If you overshoot it is a long way to the front down a shallow slope towards take-off. Be aware of cars on the road, pilots taking off, PG’s landing and pilots soaring low at the hill edge. Area HG3 on the shoulder is an option if you do not have enough height to be able to use H1 or H2. There is no safe overshoot option and you will need to land close to the road. It is worth taking note of the lay of the land on the way to take-off. If not staying up, head for the bottom landing (see map) in good time as there are no alternative fields on the way if you get low. The bottom landing field slopes uphill, so approach with plenty of airspeed. A “fly on the wall” type flare will be required on a hang glider.
A465 Take exit signposted A469 Bargoed / B4257 Rhymney. At the roundabout follow the A469 signposted to Pontlottyn, shortly after the turning for the B4257 on the left take the right turn signposted to Fochriw. Continue up the steep hill (Fochriw Road) for 0.7 miles, keep driving over the cattle grid to the top parking area. Drive up the track to takeoff, then park along the edge of the track ensuring enough space is left for gliders landing or being carried forward across the track.
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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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