Parapente Black Knowe

Black Knowe Head is a rarely used paragliding site, primarily for soaring. It is not particularly popular or interesting. For road access, take the B7009 from Selkirk to Eskdalemuir via Ettrick Bridge. Black Knowe Head is about 12 miles west of Selkirk and 3 miles east of the Tushielaw Inn, approximately 1/2 mile west of Gilmanscleugh Farm. Parking is available along the track at the base of the hill. The entrance is through the gate on the bend off the B7009. Ensure you do not obstruct the track or gateway. The grid reference for parking is NT327210. For take-off, walk directly up the nose or face of the hill from the track, depending on wind direction. This large hill offers multiple take-off options. The grid reference for take-off is NT 328216. The preferred bottom landing is at the base of the hill close to the track on the hill side of the B7009. If you need to land across the road, avoid fields with livestock. Be cautious of possible rotor if landing behind tree plantations. The grid reference for landing is NT 329211. Flying at Black Knowe Head offers the possibility of soaring west along the ridge in dynamic lift or going cross-country (XC) into the Yarrow or Tweed Valleys and beyond. It is also possible to fly XC down the Ettrick Valley to Selkirk. This site has been used for competitions in the past. Hazards include rapidly over-developing clouds in unstable weather conditions, which can make the bottom landing area challenging for low airtime pilots due to the release of multiple thermals. In such conditions, do not land close to tree plantations; instead, land on the hill side of the track or in fields across the B7009. Please seek permission before using this site by checking with Wingbeat using the contact details on their website. Do not land in any fields with livestock or grass being grown for hay or silage. Avoid using the site during lambing season, which runs from late March to late May. Park sensibly and do not block any gateways or tracks. For more information, visit: [Wingbeat Paragliding - Black Knowe Head](http://www.wingbeat-paragliding.co.uk/index.php/sites/black-knowe-head).