Open Site
The Blorenge
Grid Reference: SO 275 122
OS Landranger: 161
Latitude: 51º 48.2'N
longitude: 3º 03.1'W
Site Ref: 7.002
Liaison Site Datum: SO 280 129
Freephone: 0800 515544
Wind Direction: WNW - SE (290º - 135º)
Best Direction: NNE (22º)
Height ASL: 520m (1,700ft)
Top to Bottom: 480m (1,570ft)
Minimum Rating Hang Gliding: CP
Minimum Rating Paragliding: CP
This guide should be read in conjunction with the site map for The Blorenge.
Return to Sites Guide Index
Road access:
From Abergavenny on the B4269, or from Llanfoist or Blaenavon on the B4246.Parking:
Park only in the car parks, do not park on the roads, verges or passing places.Take-off:
Vehicular access to take-off is restricted to approved permit holders only. Access for all other pilots is by foot only (a long carry up).The SE take-off is shallow. The NE Bowl is a committed take-off, and can be turbulent. Hang gliders should use a nose man whenever possible. Hang gliders should always take-off from the very edge of the bowl, even in nil wind. The Northwest take-off is quite friendly.
Landing:
All top landings can be turbulent, land well back to avoid rotor. The SE top landing area (A) is difficult for hang gliders due to the angle of the slope. The NE top landing area (B) is rough ground, watch out for the craters towards the front. Paragliders slope landing in the NE Bowl should watch out for the trees. The NW top landing (C) is fairly smooth, but slopes gently towards take-off. Paragliders slope landing below the NW face should watch out for rocks hidden in the bracken.Paragliders can sometimes find the bottom landing field at Castle Meadows (D) difficult to reach. Once over the power lines there is no turning back if met by heavy sink. Paragliders in any doubt about making it safely to Castle Meadows should make an early decision to slope land on the side of the Blorenge. Field (E) is for hang glider and paraglider emergency use only, and must not be used for routine top to bottom flights.
Flying:
A committed site which can accommodate 30 plus gliders when conditions are good, but less than 5 gliders if conditions deteriorate. The site to go to in light winds. It also has tremendous potential for triangle and out and return flights.Hazards:
Beware of High voltage power lines in the valley, and rotor behind take-off.Other rules:
All enclosed fields on the mountain are strictly out of bounds. This is a site of Special Scientific Interest - please treat it with respect it deserves. Dogs are not permitted on the hill.Site status:
Open site - This site may be flown by all suitably insured hang glider & paraglider pilots.The Blorenge is owned by the SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club Ltd.
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