Flying Sites

Site Behaviour

A lot of hard work has gone into negotiating our sites, so please follow our instructions to the letter. Some Club Sites have restrictions imposed by the landowner, so read the accompanying notes carefully.

Observe the Country Code regarding litter etc. Although many of our sites may look isolated and deserted, this is a closely-knit community and people will be watching you even if you cannot see them. So be extra careful, do not climb walls or fences even if it means a longer walk. Use the gates, and be sure to close them after use, even if you are coming back in five minutes - this is more than enough time for livestock to get out.

Of course, there are many hills and mountains in North Wales that do not feature in our Site Guide. Should you decide to have a go at flying any of them, at least make sure you have the prior approval of the landowner concerned.

Inconsiderate use and parking of vehicles causes a lot of trouble at our sites. The following rules regarding them must be observed:

1. Do not under any circumstances drive or park more than 15 yards off the road or track.
2. Do not park or leave your car such that it obstructs any gate or lane where it may impede the passage of a tractor.
3. Do not drive on any track unless you are sure it is marked as a vehicular right of way on the Ordnance Survey Map.

Directions to Club Sites

The OS Map Number and Grid Reference for each Club Site is the first item given in the 'At a glance' site data box on the pages for each site. We leave it to you to navigate your way to the parking area for your chosen site.

Weather Forecasts

Wendy Windblows: This service has 28 weather stations set up in popular hang gliding and paragliding areas around the British Isles. The Moel Accre station is next to one of our flying sites. By calling the nearest 'Wendy' station(s) to where you wish to fly, you can get a current weather picture for the area and a report of how the weather has changed at 30 minute intervals over the last 90 minutes. Thus the weather trends for the day can be determined. You have to register and pay a modest annual fee to use the 'Wendy Windblows'. For details and how to subscribe see Wendy Windblows .

The Met Office Itouch Weathercall premium rate service gives a recorded forecast for the North Wales region on 09068 232 785. Actual wind strength and direction is given for RAF Valley, Anglesey.

You can also get an up-to-the-minute weather report for Liverpool Airport or RAF Valley from the CAA/Met Office DIALMET service, by dialling 09063 800 400, then at the instruction, keying in *342 for Liverpool or *444 for Valley.

Useful sources of weather information on the Web are available on the links page.

Soaring - the Rules of the Ridge

Naturally, there are going to be times when the air is crowded with other flyers, we therefore expect every flyer to be familiar with the flying rules issued by the BHPA.

1. Look Around - never remain looking in one direction for more than two or three seconds. Always be aware of the position and movement of other gliders. Look before you turn.
2. Break Right - in an imminent 'head on' collision situation, alter your course to your right.

Give Way to Gliders

1. on your right.
2. that are turning.
3. that are below you.

Keep 100 Feet Apart

- when converging from any direction:

1. slow your closing speed.
2. turn away.

Medical Aid

Should an accident occur, the nearest hospitals that have casualty units open every day can be found at LLANDUDNO, BANGOR, BODELWYDDAN, CHESTER, WREXHAM and SHREWSBURY. If an injury is serious, call an ambulance rather than go looking for a hospital. IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 999

And Finally... We wish you safe and happy flying in North Wales. Please co-operate with us, and 'We'll keep a welcome on the hillside'.

This Site Guide was updated from a previous edition by NWHGPC member Jerry Hazzard, with the assistance of many other Club Members. It is accurate to the best of the editor's knowledge at the time of publication, but corrections and suggestions for its improvement would be welcomed. Contact Jerry or via the Club Secretary.