Logo

Cumbria Soaring Club

Please make sure you check the online site guide for any updates before flying

W - WNW

Troutbeck

Key Facts

Status : OK
IMPORTANT - Restrictions on use Experienced pilots only. Telephone the occupier at The Howe before flying. Strictly no dogs. Do not block the track and close all gates. Use stile onto the fell. If you think you may go down check with the occupier at Long Green Head first.

While there are no lambing restrictions on the fell the usual courtesy to avoid fields with livestock is essential for preserving our good relations with the farming community in this valley.
Last Updated : 01/01/2021 at 09:02 by John Westall
Wind : W - WNW Nil Wind : N
Grid Ref : NY423032 Height (AMSL) : 1280' / 390m
Site Code : 17.076 Top to Bottom : 850' / 259m

Location

Central Lakes - N of Windermere (Town)

Details

An excellent and impressive ridge site overlooking the Troutbeck Valley. The ridge runs north / south and rises to some of the higher fells of the Lakeland area.

Site Officer

John Westall : 07884 037144

Access

Postcode for Sat Nav Systems

LA23 1JR

Broadgate Farm. This postcode centre is a considerable distance from the flying site as there are no other delivery points in the area. If approaching from the east, the farm is on the road from Ings. Use with caution if approaching from any other direction.

Getting There

Approach from the A591. Turn right at Ings (going west) and follow a minor road for about 5 km to a left hand bend with a good unsurfaced road leading off to the right. Cars can be left at the start of the track and pilots should double up as there is very limited parking at the end of the track.
Do not go past the gate marked on the map, just north of the reservoir. The track is in poor condition and parking is very restricted. Don't park adjacent to the reservoir as water company employees frequently park there. There are some parking places 50 ft beyond

Getting to takeoff

From Dubbs Reservoir follow the track until it joins the Garburn Track on the right as it rises from the valley below. At this point climb the stile to the right and gain the hillside above to a take off point 50m above. Once past Dubbs Reservoir, the track deteriorates significantly and is really only suitable for 4 x 4 vehicles.

XC potential

Brilliant XC potential; Wether Fell is 45km downwind and can be used as a staging point for exploring areas of the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.

Permission to use site

Howe Farm and Long Green Head

Briefing

Hazards

Depending on conditions it can vary from excellent with good thermals to downright rough. Turbulence increases as the wind goes north of NNW or above 16mph. It can be rough in the valley in even moderate winds. Only use the valley bottom landing as a last resort. Top landing is a little awkward and a reasonably flat spot should be sought out from the air before attempting; there are lots of small hillocks. Bottom landing is down the road from the cars by the small reservoir; inspect this area first before flying. It is recommended that a windsock is placed by the reservoir.

Take Off

The SW take off is fairly shallow and short and only useful if the wind goes off the hill to the south (common - due to sea breeze sweeping up Windermere).

Landing Areas

The landing area just to the north of the reservoir is excellent but take care in strong winds as you might experience rotor. The valley landing is emergency only and should be avoided

Flying

The site is fine in light winds but stronger conditions can lead to turbulence. The farmer is not keen on paragliders. Please limit any 'scratching' if possible.

XC potential

Brilliant XC potential; Wether Fell is 45km downwind and can be used as a staging point for exploring areas of the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.

Troutbeck Map