Paragliding Selkirk Fastheugh Hill

Fastheugh is a rarely used paragliding site, offering good soaring conditions with winds from the north, as well as NNW and NW directions. For more details, visit: [Fastheugh Paragliding Site](http://www.wingbeat-paragliding.co.uk/index.php/sites/fastheugh) **Site Status:** Open **Location Info:** - Grid Reference: NT 394277 - OS Landranger: 73; Peebles, Galashiels, and Selkirk - Latitude: 55.42230 - Longitude: -3.18580 **Wind:** - Direction: N - NNW; 340 - 360 degrees - Best Direction: N **Height:** - ASL: 1644ft, 500m - Top to Bottom: 989ft, 300m **Road Access:** From the A708 Selkirk to Moffat road, approximately 4.5 miles west of Selkirk and just west of the village of Yarrowford. Take the single track road at the end of the long straight after heading west through Yarrowford and continue across the bailey bridge over the Yarrow Water towards Fastheugh Farm. **Parking:** - Grid Reference: NT 395292 - Park in Black Andrew Wood off the road to Fastheugh Farm, south of the A708 near Yarrowford. Do not block access as the road may be used by heavy timber lorries or forest machinery. **Take-Off:** - Grid Reference: NT 394277 - Approach via forest tracks in Black Andrew Wood and through the gate onto open moorland below Newark Hill, then continue on Duchess's Drive to Fastheugh Hill. Alternatively, walk up past Fastheugh Farm and follow the obvious track through the field and gate onto open moorland. Continue to follow the track SW under Fastheugh until it joins Duchess's Drive, then turn NE to the top of Fastheugh Hill. There are numerous take-off points. **Landing:** - Grid Reference: NT 392288 - The bottom landing field is at the base of the hill in front of Fastheugh Farm, with numerous options in the Yarrow or Ettrick Valleys. Avoid fields with livestock or crops, hay, or silage. Note that the landing field slopes down, which has caught people out in the past. **Flying:** - Excellent in a northerly wind, though it can handle a slight W element. A good thermic and dynamic site. The small bowl between Fastheugh and Newark Hills can be flown in NW winds but may be turbulent and only accommodates one glider. **Hazards:** - Check NOTAM and CANP, especially if flying mid-week, as this area is used for low-flying exercises by military fast jets. - The bottom landing field slopes downwards when landing into a northerly wind; beware of the burn running through the middle of the field. - In the evening, the sea breeze may make the site unflyable. If this happens, head to Bridgend. **Notes:** - This is an actively managed grouse moor. Respect nesting sites, do not allow dogs to run free, and be aware of the shooting season. - Do not land in fields with stock 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 any forest tracks.