Take-off
Generally the take off areas are west of the ridge line fence, between the fence and the heather beds. Take offs at the top of the fell are more reassuringly further from the fence than those lower down.
Swinside paragliding site and weather forecast
Lake District — North West Lakes - North of Crummock. Live seven-day flying weather, launch directions and site information for Swinside.
Altitude347 m
Launch directionsSW, W, NW
Coordinates54.6104, -3.2827
AreaLake District — North West Lakes - North of Crummock
Managing club: Cumbria Soaring Club · Access: open
Flying profile
Best Workable Not recorded
Swinside is a hill site in Lake District — North West Lakes - North of Crummock with a recorded launch elevation of 347 m. It is recorded as workable in south-westerly, westerly and north-westerly winds. Pilots fly it for ridge soaring and thermal, using foot launch.
- Terrain
- hill
- Lift
- ridge soaring and thermal
- Launch
- foot launch
- Cross-country
- Not recorded
When the wind is wrong for Swinside
The nearest site we have rated for each wind direction Swinside doesn't cover.
Site briefing highlights
Short extracts from Cumbria Soaring Club. Read the full guide before you fly.
Landing
We have permission to land in the following areas: In the field at the start of Access Route 1, provided we do not unduly disturb any stock. At the foot of the fell above Route 2 parking.
Access and parking
Car park OS grid ref: NY175252 From Keswick take the B5292 off the A66 and head for Whinlatter Pass. About 1 km after the top of the pass turn left onto a narrow single-track road sign-posted 'Hopebeck'.
Hazards and cautions
- Take care in freshening winds, if you get blown back you will almost certainly be in rotor and there are limited escape options if this happens.
- Beware turbulence if you are losing height and might drop behind/downwind of
- Dodd
- Inexperienced pilots should take care if slope landing on the steep heathery fellside.
Check current site guidance
Paragliding sites near Swinside
Buttermere Moss8 km away · Cumbria Soaring Club · 481 mUllock Pike9 km away · Cumbria Soaring Club · 271 m · W, NW launchBewaldeth12 km away · Cumbria Soaring Club · 254 m · SW launchClough Head16 km away · Cumbria Soaring Club · 480 m · W, NW launchSouther Fell19 km away · Cumbria Soaring Club · 472 m · E, SE launchCarrock Fell20 km away · Cumbria Soaring Club · 395 m · E launch
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.
More paragliding sites in the UK · Read the paragliding weather guide