Please make sure you check the online site guide for any updates before flying
WNW - NNW |
Barton Fell |
Key Facts
| Status : | OK | ||
| IMPORTANT - Restrictions on use | HORSES: - STAY WELL AWAY FROM, AND DO NOT OVERFLY, ANY HORSES . WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH PILOTS CAUSING A DISTURBANCE TO PONY TREKKERS AND THE HORSES GRAZING IN THE PADDOCKS. THIS MUST BE AVOIDED if we are to retain this site. - We have agreed a NO FLYING AREA to the north of the ridge. SEE PHOTOGRAPH FOR BOUNDARIES. There is no minimum height or time constraints, it is a total exclusion until further notice. This annoying and regrettable situation has been forced on us. PARKING - At Roe Head. The car park is always busy and causing problems for locals. We suggest not using it, if you do ensure you do so responsibly. - At Map Ref NY 497 215 on the road verge between Helton and Scalegate. Approach the site from the East via Helton. This approach is also getting busy and issues are arising over roadside parking on the Helton road. Keep a low profile And DO NOT PLANT WIND SOCKS. See photos for more info. - If you do get involved in a dispute, be polite and report the matter to the Site Officer. LANDING: - Take care not to land in the cultivated or grazed fields below the ridge. (The ground directly between the ridge and the farm walls is fine.) |
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| Last Updated : | 30/07/2023 at 14:23 by Rick Livingstone | ||
| Wind : | WNW - NNW | Nil Wind : | N |
| Grid Ref : | NY463212 | Height (AMSL) : | 1860' / 567m |
| Site Code : | none | Top to Bottom : | 890' / 271m |
Location
NE Lakes - Ullswater
Details
A brilliant site. Barton Fell is the long ridge running down the SE side of Ullswater. The site has excellent slopes with the benefit of gentle ground over the back. Lots of potential for XC flights. No formal permission yet so be polite to any farmers. Good alternative to Clough Head if you don't mind a walk.
Site Officer
Chris Field : 07514746197
Access
Postcode for Sat Nav Systems
Getting There
Approach from the East via Askham and Helton and park unobtrusively on the fell road that runs SW from Helton in area of GR 497215 (see photo)
The original approach from Pooley Bridge (Roe Head) has caused problems. If you wish to use this approach you may find somewhere to park, if you are lucky! Please be considerate and do not cause any obstruction.
Getting to takeoff
For the Helton approach there are numerous options, this is the dry one. Take the very obvious track from GR 497315 heading NW for 0.9 miles. There is a new obvious signpost at the junction (GR 487225) (see photo)where you take a less obvious track WSW and follow it to the Cockpit (0.3 miles) and then continue on a good track WSW to cross Aik Beck. Head SSW up the obvious ridge, Launch anywhere suitable along the ridge.
The original approach from Pooley Bridge (Roe Head) has caused problems with the local community. If you wish to use this approach and in the unlikely event you find somewhere to park, navigate to the Cockpit and follow directions as above.
XC potential
Massive! Easy ground down wind leads to the M6 and then Tailbridge or the Howgills. Cross the Dales via Swaledale or Wensleydale to the Vale of York and then classic gliding terrain to the Humber and the British Record! Easy airspace until the Vale of York.
Permission to use site
None yet, but it is common land with many users; walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders with lots of potential for conflict. Please be considerate.
Briefing
Hazards
The hazards are obvious, there are no hidden traps.
Take Off
Sensible selection of a launch site eliminates any rotor issues.
Sea breeze is interesting. It can approach from either the NW or the SW. The SW SB makes launching difficult and potentially dangerous. The SW sea breeze can be observed as it approaches along the Lake which gives time to take appropriate action. The NW SB tends to reinforce the prevailing NW breeze which can be good ... or bad. If it feels too strong it is worth waiting to see if it settles. Occasionally both SBs arrive and meet in front of the launch forming an impressive convergence cloud.
Landing Areas
Take care not to land in the cultivated or grazed fields below the ridge. (The ground directly between the ridge and the farm walls is fine.)
Apart from the restrictions mentioned above there are no major concerns with landing. When top landing or bottom landing in the lee of the woods at Barton Park, be aware of the possibility of rotor.
One major advantage of parking on the Helton Rd is that it is possible to fly downwind to your car without overflying the pony trekking zone.
Flying
Soaring is excellent in the right conditions.
Thermals improve pm once the sun gets on the crags and scree.
XC potential
Massive! Easy ground down wind leads to the M6 and then Tailbridge or the Howgills. Cross the Dales via Swaledale or Wensleydale to the Vale of York and then classic gliding terrain to the Humber and the British Record! Easy airspace until the Vale of York.