Helmet sticker, and BHPA Pilot Rated (or foreign equivalent)

 

Worcestershire Beacon SO769451

 

WSW - WNW ( 240° - 300°) best W

 

425m (1395′ ) 803′ TTB

 

Around 4.5 miles along the ridge to the south.  Flying north below 2000' AGL is severely limited - see map.

 

The Malverns are in an intense military low flying area. If flying midweek then pilots must notify Military Air Traffic, see the CANP section on the Safety page.

 

The Malverns Hills are a "Spineback" ridge so beware of flying your glider in strong winds; getting blown back could be fatal. NEVER GO OVER THE BACK AT LESS THAN 500 ft ABOVE TAKEOFF, IN ANY WIND, DUE TO ROTOR.

 

On days with unstable air strong lee side thermals develop early and pull in air from the windward side. The thermals on the windwards side can then be broken and the air can be very rough. This can also lead to sinking on the windward side necessitating quick slope landings. On days with strong winds, which can lead to climbs drifting over the back low, there can be an early connection with a lee side thermal. The turbulence experienced can be extremely violent and beyond the best active flyer. Later in the day these effects are not so noticeable.

 

Many of the paths are bridle-ways so pilot must be extra vigilant so as to not to spook horses.

 

There are old park benches in the long grass between the three playing fields that make up the bottom landing area.

 

6 - 8 on a ridge soaring day will feel crowded.

 

Via West Malvern Rd or Beacon Rd. Take path (See map)

 

West of England Quarry pay & display car park WR14 4DG. Beacon Rd pay & display car park. WR14 4EH

 

The area south of the Beacon trig station just blow to hill crest.

 

2023 UPDATE – The previous landing field (Hockey Pitches, see Map) is considered no longer safe to land in due to the height of the surrounding trees. It is possible to land in the field shown in green on the map, but be aware it is along a ridge and can be tricky to get into due to turbulent air on the back of the hill. The whole area is very sensitive, and so it is important not to land in any field that is marked in red (except in an emergency). Pack up on footpaths and make as little “foot print” as possible.

Please note: The group of fields marked in red are farmed by a farmer who has made it clear we are NOT welcome to land there, even if there is no livestock or crop.