Managing club: Lanarkshire and Lothian Soaring Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Tinto (South)
Take-off
Hang-gliders: Follow the vehicle track up the hill, cross the fence at the stile and continue to the rigging area. If the wind is stronger, you can take off from the first 'bump' adjacent to the quarry.
Paragliders:
Preferably walk up the track which starts just below the quarry. Go through the gate and then take the track to a small parking area near the crest of the ridge. Cross the stile and follow the edge of the trees to the east. Once on the open hillside there is a large area to choose a suitable launch point depending on conditions. This track is suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles only at owners risk. Alternatively c
limb the hill immediately to the east of the trees above the lower parking area.
Please don't walk up the centre of the hill to keep disturbance of grazing sheep to a minimum.
Launch anywhere that suits
above 400 metres 1300 feet
.
XC Tips:
Can be limited by airspace to the north but plenty of options flying south. Make sure you have latest airspace data available on your navigation device or up to date CAA chart. A common route is to fly along the ridge from take off to the main hill 'the Dimple', where good lift can be found on the scree slopes. The gradient reduces between launch and the main hill so allow sufficient height to get across.
Top Landing Notes:
Greenhill is good for top landing. Paragliders: don't fly behind the wall when coming in to top land.
Bottom Landing Notes:
Hang-gliders: Normally land in the
usual large flat field across the road from Sornfallow Farm.
Hang Glider landing field link
Paragliders: Land in the large field between Sornfallow Farm and the track.
Link here
. Take care as the field slopes away from the normal landing direction. There are usually sheep in this field this does not cause a problem other than droppings.
Access and parking
There is a
small car park
on the right about 500m up the track. Alternatively park in the quarry at the top of the track. Camper vans must use the small car park.
Getting there: From the M74 Junction 11 or 12 (Happendon Services) take the A70 heading east then first right onto the B7055 after passing through Rigside. Follow road for approx. 5km to junction with the white house on the right and track on the left.
Edinburgh -
80 minutes, 40 miles
Glasgow - 50 minutes, 40 miles
Perth - 90 minutes, 80 miles
Stirling - 60 minutes, 50 miles
Dumfries - 60 minutes, 50 miles
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
Obvious hazards are the coniferous trees east of the quarry and a few fences. Paragliders: there is a narrow gap, 'Howgate Mouth' between the quarry and Howgate Hill to the west where there is the possibility of getting 'hoovered' through in stronger winds (keep well out from the hill if this is likely). If ground handling at the top of Greenhill, be aware of the wall. Also beware of being hoovered into Martingill Cleuch between Green Hill and Tinto if heading to Tinto summit.
Airspace: TMA CLASS 'D' above 5500ft
Check you have latest airspace data on your navigation device or access to the latest CAA chart for the area.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.