Cleeve Hill



Annotated map.  Click on the blue and green areas for information.

IMPORTANT

  • MHGC Members Only Site
  • Pilot Rated flyers only due to hazardous takeoff and landings. No EP/CP flying.
  • Pilots responsible for selecting their own landing sites. No ‘official’ landing fields. All pilots shall be respectful of landowners, livestock & other users.
  • ‘Un-official’, suggested landing fields can be identified on the map.
  • SSSI – Respect all other users of the hill
  • Common is owned & maintained by Cleeve Common Trust. Please respect other hill users and wardens. 

SPECIAL NOTE

Cleeve Hill is predominantly used for Hike & Fly. It is best flown in light, smooth wind conditions due to shallow hill gradient. Some XC potential from both launch sites in thermic conditions.

Check NOTAM’s prior to visit. Airspace typically enforced during large horse racing events at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Notify all flights with Site officer – Greg Chilton via telegram within 1 week

GRID REF

Cleeve Hill SO989271  

WIND DIRECTION

NW - SWS (225° - 315°)

HEIGHT

280m & 330m

EXTENT OF SITE

Two Sites:

  • NW Takeoff next to Cleeve Hill Trig Point (see map)
  • W-WSW Takeoff overlooking cliffs (see map)

GRADE OF FLYER

  • Pilot rated due to low trees, shallow hill gradient & hazards. Efficient glide required to safely fly to bottom landing fields.
  • All pilots must be current members of the BHPA or a foreign equivalent that also has valid 3rd party insurance.

HAZARDS

  • Sharp cliff edge to W-WSW takeoff making glider inflation difficult.
  • Lots of low-level trees surrounding W-WSW takeoff creating turbulence
  • Long & efficient glide required to safely land in suggested ‘un-official’ bottom landing fields
  • Powerlines, road & livestock within the flying vicinity.

This area is a common (and SSSI) and lots of other activities take place – horse riders do go along the top and please be considerate towards them as horses do not like paragliders. If on the ground do not launch until they are clear and if in the air, try to stay away.

CAPACITY

With buoyant ridge lift 3-4 wings. XC potential on thermic days.
Site predominantly used for Hike & Fly.

ACCESS

Foot access only to both takeoffs.

PARKING

Parking close to both suggested bottom landing fields. Park respectfully.

TAKE OFF AREAS

See map for details.

LANDING AREAS

No official landing fields. Good pilot discretion required to select an appropriate landing. Pilots are responsible for choosing their own safe and suitable landing sites. All pilots must be respectful of landowners & livestock.

See map for suggested ‘un-official’ bottom landing areas.