SE Wales Sites Guide - Cwmbran Fairwater

Cwmbran Fairwater

Grid Reference: ST 262 954
OS Landranger: 171
Latitude: 51.652527 (51º 39.15158'N)
longitude: -3.068151 (3º 04.08903'W)

Site Ref: 7.165
Liaison Site Datum: ST 262 954
Freephone: 0800 515544

Wind Direction: ESE - SSE (122º - 157º)
Best Direction: SE (135º)

Height ASL: 457m (1,500ft)
Top to Bottom: 130m (425ft)

Minimum Rating Hang Gliding: Pilot
Minimum Rating Paragliding: Pilot

This guide should be read in conjunction with the site map for Cwmbran Fairwater.
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Road access:

From Crumlin or Pontypool on the A472. At Hafodyryns take the minor road which leads to the back of the common, and a track. Vehicular access via the track is by permission of the Trustees of the Llanover Estate. Be warned the ground can become very boggy in places during the wet months. The alternative foot access is by public footpath up the front of the hill. The footpath starts in Ty Canol Way, Cwmbran.

Parking:

If using the footpath, please park sensibly in Ty Canol Way.

Take-off:

A minimal carry if using the track, a long carry up if using the footpath. Easy take-off with a wide lift band.

Landing:

The top landing area (E) is expansive but the front section slopes gently to the edge. Land well back to avoid an overshoot.

There is no bottom landing for hang gliders. Paragliders should bottom land on the open hillside (F) before the power lines. This can be turbulent especially in strong winds. Don‘t land in the enclosed fields.

Flying:

In the right conditions this can be a very pleasant site. The lift band can be very wide, allowing excursions right out over Cwmbran town. Paragliders should beware of flying close to the hill below ridge level because of the steep rough ground, and the turbulence behind the trees.

Hazards:

Beware of power lines and pylons. Severe rotor to the south of Llanderfel Farm in winds over 15mph, coupled with a sharp ridge and a forest, can prove a lethal combination

Other rules:

This is a sensitive site. Please park sensibly on residential roads, and respect the rights of other users of the common.

Site status:

Members Only - This site may only be flown by members of the SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club, and by members of the Welsh Free Flight Federation.

This site is flown with the kind permission of the Trustees of the Llanover Estate.

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