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Parapente Dorchester Maiden Castle

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Description

Maiden Castle is an ancient hill fort located in Dorset, UK. The site is occasionally used for paragliding, particularly favored for its strong wind soaring conditions. On good thermal days, pilots can even fly to the coast. Before flying, it is advisable to contact Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club members for a briefing. The site is managed by English Heritage and farmed by Mr. John Hoskins. The wind direction is best from the North (0°), but it can also accommodate NNE to NNW (330° to 30°) winds. The height above mean sea level (AMSL) is 370 feet (115 meters), with a negligible top-to-bottom height difference. Maiden Castle is a popular walking area, so it has high exposure to the public. The site is relatively small, but it remains flyable even when larger North-facing sites are blown out. The Wessex club made it an official site in 2006 to ensure controlled use with the farmer. However, there have been issues with overuse, such as pilots landing in crops and scaring sheep. Please observe the rules to maintain access to the site. Directions: From the A35 Dorchester Bypass, take the A354 toward Dorchester. Turn left onto Maiden Castle Road and drive straight for approximately 1.5 miles until you see the earthworks ahead. Parking: Park in the free public car park. Access: Walk up the path from the left-hand corner of the car park. Follow the path through a small gate at the top left-hand corner of the field and bear left. The main take-off area is on the first rampart. Hazards: Be cautious of dog mess in the landing field. Strong venturi can develop near the ramparts, so be aware of changes in the weather. There is a barbed wire fence directly in front of take-off, so take care. Launching in strong conditions could result in being dragged over the ramparts. Launching: Launch from the first rampart. On lighter days, avoid flying down onto the barbed wire fence or into the cropped field in front of take-off. If the wind is light, it is possible to launch from higher ramparts. Landing: It may be possible to land back on take-off. The top of the fort is flat and can provide an emergency top landing. The only official landing field is the one directly above the car park. Site Rules: 1. No more than four wings in the air at any one time. 2. No more than four pilots at take-off when sheep are present. 3. The only bottom landing is in the field above the car park. Do not land in the field in front of take-off except in emergencies. 4. Be polite to aero modellers. 5. Do not damage the castle or fences. XC flying is not common from this site, but good thermal development can provide height gains and the possibility of connecting with the sea breeze front. Maiden Castle is an excellent site for fun flying or keeping current over the winter months. For more detailed information, you can refer to the [Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club site guide](http://www.wessexhgpg.org.uk/Sites/Siteguide/MaidenCastle.pdf). Watch a video of the site [here](

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