Hay Bluff
Grid Reference: SO 238 356 (Gospel Pass)
Grid Reference: SO 244 366 (Bluff NW)
Grid Reference: SO 245 368 (Bluff NNE)
OS Landranger: 161
Latitude: 52.013574 (52º 00.81447'N) (Gospel Pass)
longitude: -3.111700 (3º 06.70202'W) (Gospel Pass)
Latitude: 52.022646 (52º 01.35873'N) (Bluff NW)
longitude: -3.103181 (3º 06.19085'W) (Bluff NW)
Latitude: 52.024457 (52º 01.46743'N) (Bluff NNE)
longitude: -3.101768 (3º 06.10608'W) (Bluff NNE)
Site Ref: 7.005
Military Avoidance Area Site Datum: SO 240 360
Freephone: 0800 515544
Wind Direction: WNW - NNW (290º - 320º)
Best Direction: NW (315º)
Wind Direction: N - NE (000º - 045º)
Best Direction: NNE (022º)
Height ASL: 677m (2,200ft)
Top to Bottom: 200m (660ft)
Minimum Rating Hang Gliding: CP
Minimum Rating Paragliding: CP
This guide should be read in conjunction with the site map for Hay Bluff.
Return to Sites Guide Index
Road access:
From Hay on Wye along minor roads. From Hay on Wye along minor roads. The road from Abergavenny, via the Llanthony Valley, is a single track and should not be used.Parking:
Park in the main car park at the foot of the Bluff. Hang glider pilots may also park in the car park at Gospel Pass. Do not park on the roads or passing places.Take-off:
Gospel Pass NW Take-off (A). This take-off is for hang gliders only. In stronger winds it is possible to take-off from the mound (E) at the foot of the hill, and climb up onto the main ridge. In lighter winds, or for less experienced pilots it is recommended to carry up to the top of the hill, a hard carry up. The top take-off is steep but friendly.The Bluff NW Take-off (B). A long hard carry up. Hang gliders and paragliders should take-off from the area between the top of the main path up the hill and the trig point.
The Bluff NE Take-off (C). A long hard carry up. Hang gliders and paragliders should take-off from the obvious grassy saucer shaped area immediately adjacent to the trig point. No launching from below the top of the hill. Always use the agreed top take-off areas at the Bluff and at Gospel Pass or the lower take-off area at Gospel Pass.
Landing:
The top landing area is large but the ground is quite rough.Bottom landing is only permitted on rough ground (D) at the foot of the Bluff. Hang gliders need a careful approach as the ground slopes gently towards the road, and the gorse can all too easily catch the base bar, with unpleasant results.
Hang glider pilots may also land on the lower take-off (E) at Gospel Pass.
Flying:
A scenic site, friendly for both hang gliders and paragliders. In the right conditions it‘s possible to ridge hop all the way back to Crickhowell.Hazards:
Beware of sailplanes from the nearby club at Talgarth. Beware of rotor behind the NE cliffs, and rotor on the NW ridge in strong winds.Other rules:
This is a sensitive site. Please show consideration towards other users of the common, and help reduce pressure on car parks by sharing transport wherever possible.This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), please treat it with respect.
The site is closed Monday - Friday from the 1st - 31st May each year for lambing.
(ie. During May, the site may only be flown on Saturdays and Sundays)
Site status:
Members Only - This site may only be flown by members of the SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club. Please carry your Club membership card at all times, and be prepared it show it if asked.
|
|
|
|
|