Paragliding Cacra

Cacra Bank is a paragliding site located in the Scottish Borders, UK. It is occasionally used and offers soaring opportunities. Contact: Wingbeat Paragliding Club [Wingbeat Paragliding Club - Cacra Bank](http://www.wingbeat-paragliding.co.uk/index.php/sites/cacra-bank) Site Status: Open Location Info: - Grid Reference: NT 317173 - OS Landranger: 79; Hawick & Eskdale - Latitude: 55.44500 - Longitude: -3.07960 Wind: - Direction: SSW - SE; 170 - 210 degrees - Best Direction: S, SSE Height: - ASL: 1546ft, 417m - Top to Bottom: 792ft, 451m Road Access: From the B7009 / 709 Selkirk to Eskdalemuir road via Ettrick Bridge to Tushielaw Inn. After approximately 15.5 miles, take the B711 road east for about 1 mile to the base of Cacra Hill. Alternatively, approach from the A7 west of Hawick via the B711 to Roberton. Parking: - Grid Reference: NT 318163 Park by the hill track just before the bridge and cattle grid. Walking access is through the gate; follow the obvious track up the hill to a second gate onto open moorland. Continue up the grassy slope to find a suitable take-off area. Take-Off: - Grid Reference: NT 317174 or NT 322171 Multiple take-off options depending on wind direction and strength. Landing: - Grid Reference: NT 317164 Obvious bottom landing areas at the SW base of Cacra Hill close to the parking area. Be cautious of wind funneling through the valley. Flying: This site has excellent XC potential, particularly towards the northeast down the Ettrick Valley to Selkirk and beyond, or north towards Peebles. It is best flown in light to moderate wind or thermic conditions when thermals are released well in front of the hill. The gulley below the upper terrace acts as a thermal trigger. In a NW wind, the north face can be flyable but may be turbulent. Hazards: - Check NOTAM and CANP, especially if flying mid-week, as the area is used for low-flying exercises by military fast jets. - Wind may funnel through the valley, so allow plenty of space for landing. - No mobile phone coverage in the valley. Notes: - Do not land in fields with livestock or grass being grown for hay or silage. - Avoid using the site during lambing season (late March to late May). - Park sensibly and do not block access tracks or gates. - Do not take vehicles up the track.