Thurstaston Flying Site Guide

Quick reference

Please read the general information about all sites in conjunction with this guide.

Site Description

A bank of mud cliffs stretching from Lower Heswall to Gubbins Green in West Kirby, on the west coast of the Wirral peninsula overlooking the river Dee. The main take off and landing area are in Thurstaston Country Park. The half-mile or so of cliffs from take-off to the boathouse at the western end are soarable in moderate to strong SSW to Westerly winds.

Parking

Public parking is available at the Thurstaston Country Park Visitors Centre.

CarryUp

Approximately 200 yards / metres across the area adjacent to the Visitors Centre / Rangers Office towards the cliff top overlooking the beach.

Takeoff and Top Landing

Top landing should only be attempted with caution. Land south and west of the pond by the Visitors Centre. Try to land as far back from launch as possible, making sure that you don't come down in the car park behind the hedge - it has been done! The top landing area is often crowded - especially with people flying kites.

Bottom Landing

On the beach: below take-off area if possible. Check state of tide before flying.

Notes

Top and bottom rotors occur at more than 20mph and the site becomes very turbulent in gusty conditions. At the western end of the site (past the boathouse) the cliffs become lower but are still soarable as far as Gubbins Green. There is little height difference between take-off and landing at this site; hence it demands a high level of skill from the pilot. Site Rules: . There must be a club member on the ground at all times while flying is in progress. . Always contact the Country Park Ranger to ask permission to fly. . Do not try and self-launch hang gliders in strong winds at this site. It hurts!

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