Paragliding Milk Hill

Westbury, UK Height: 204 meters This site is frequently used and offers good thermal soaring opportunities. Occasionally, you can also enjoy some cross-country (XC) flying. The site is easily accessible, but it's important to ask locals about the rules. Note that there is no bottom landing below takeoff and no top landing in fields above takeoff. Region: Westbury, UK Site Record: 72.9 km Site Record: 108.6 km Flights: [Watch Flight Video 1]( ) [Watch Flight Video 2]( ) More Information: [Avon HG/PG Club](http://www.avonhgpg.co.uk/sites/sites.php) Grid Reference: ST 900 518 Site Code: 1.004 Wind Direction: W, WNW, NW, NNW Height ASL: 750 feet Height TTB: 300 feet Site Officer: Martin Harris (07887 581566) Pilot Rating: Suitable for any rated pilot. Permission: Open site. Note that the bottom landing is under threat if people soar a lot over the riding stables (as of 20/8/2015). Parking: Park in the westernmost car park. Leave a gap for gliders to be carried forward to takeoff. Rigging: Do not rig on any paths to avoid blocking the route to takeoff. Hang-gliders should not be rigged on the front of the hill; stay far enough back to give paraglider pilots room to take off and land. Keep all paths clear as this is a public place frequently used by elderly people and parents with children. Takeoff: Either side of the obelisk on the north-westerly takeoff. Paragliders should launch from well to the east of the obelisk when conditions permit. Never inflate a paraglider in front of a hang glider to avoid blowback accidents. Local Flying: Ensure you can stay up before taking off. No top-to-bottom flights are allowed. Do not fly south of the fence forming the southern boundary of the common area to avoid violating the danger area. Stay at least 600 feet above the riding stables when overflying this area. The site has great potential for flying out in front of the ridge, with pilots often flying out over the cement works. On good days, triangles of 100 km or more have been flown. XC Flying: If you intend to fly XC, make sure you have a map and know the position of the danger area. It is impossible to fly directly downwind from this site due to the danger area; you must first track west for 5 km. Details on airspace for XC around to the west can be found on the [Avon HG/PG Club website](http://www.avonhgpg.co.uk/sites/info_salisbury_plain.php). Tracking east, the danger area extends further north and must be avoided. The status of restrictions on Keevil can be accessed via the Telegram group. Top Landing: Do not land on the side of the hill, especially on the White Horse as it is a national monument. Land anywhere on the common area behind the parked cars. Be cautious of members of the public, especially those flying kites. This area can be very turbulent in fresh winds, especially if the winds are northerly. In such conditions, land back in the rough grass. Experienced paraglider pilots can land on the spur to the north of the horse’s nose. Avoid rabbit holes and carry back to takeoff via the public footpath. Do not land on the flat area behind the White Horse due to turbulence. Do not land in any of the farmer's fields on the top or side of the hill. Bottom Landing: Bottom landings are a last resort. No deliberate top-to-bottom flights are allowed. Be wary of livestock, especially when there are calves around. The field available for emergency landings is the large grass field south of the road with the wire gate in the northwestern corner. If it is full of livestock, use another field. Clear the area as soon as possible if you bottom land, as other pilots may need to land as well. De-rig by the gate or at the edge of the field. Do not walk back up the face of the hill; go out of the gate, along the road to the east, and walk up the footpath on the spur. Do not drive your car into this field to retrieve your glider; carry it out. If you end up in another field, find your way out via the gates. Directions: After leaving Westbury on the B3098 to Bratton, turn right up Newton Road. At the crossroads at the top of the hill, turn left and drive until the road reaches the large grass common area. Takeoff: Easy takeoff with a couple of benches and a trig point to avoid. Hang-gliders often park directly behind takeoff. Takeoff for paragliders and hang-gliders is into the northwest from the White Horse bowl. In a northwest or west wind, turn right and fly the White Horse side of the bowl. In a northwest wind, you may also turn left after departure and fly the long northwest-facing ridge to the west. Landing: Easy. Land back in the field behind takeoff. Hang-gliders always land in the large area by the car park. Watch out for kite fliers in this area. Bottom landing is only allowed in the emergency landing field opposite the farmhouse. Pack up by the gate. Park retrieve cars on the road by the gate and never in the field. Side land on the grassy spur in front of the White Horse hill carving if getting low. Never land on other hillsides as they are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). If in doubt, ask a local flier about the rules. Going There: Take the A350 to Westbury town and then the B3098 to Bratton Village. In the village, take the turn up the hill to the top car park area. Comments: The White Horse is an excellent XC site when the wind is west or west-northwest as thermals come off Westbury Town. You can fly east along the danger area and along the Pewsey Vale. Weather Hazards: In a west to northwest wind, out-of-phase wave gusts often occur at takeoff, but once airborne, it's okay. Flight Regulation: Do not land anywhere along the sides of the ridges except in front of the White Horse hill carving. Do not land in any bottom field except the emergency landing field. Do not enter the Salisbury Danger Area directly behind the site. There is a lot of military traffic around the site, so keep a good lookout if you get high. People to Contact: Contact the Avon HG/PG Club website 'SkyTribe' for details. Website: [Avon HG/PG Club](http://avonhgpg.co.uk)

Milk Hill, located in the County of Wiltshire, UK, is a frequently used paragliding site known for its local soaring and potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The site features a southwest-facing bowl and a small ridge approximately 100 meters high, offering various takeoff options. It is an excellent spot for Club Pilots (CP) and more experienced pilots. Guests must obtain temporary membership and will receive a briefing before flying. The site is managed by the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club (TVHGC). Due to an agreement with the landowner, only members (Full, Reciprocal, or Guest) are allowed to fly here. Non-members must obtain Guest Membership status. Wind direction is predominantly southwest. The site is suitable for all levels of pilots, but it is regulated by English Nature, which prohibits unaccompanied flying. Violations can result in a £50 levy, split between Oxfam and English Nature. Additionally, pilots must adhere to a 10 mph speed limit on the track to preserve the road. The narrow triangular field below the road is closed from March 15th to September 30th due to butterfly conservation. Outside this period, pilots can land in it but should avoid the sensitive nest site near the gate. Parking is limited to five cars at the top car park on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking is available near the barn at the bottom of the hill. Access to the site is through a gate near the top car park, which must be securely closed to prevent livestock from escaping. Takeoff is at an elevation of approximately 260 meters (853 feet) AMSL, and can be done anywhere along the rim of the bowl. In southerly conditions, the slope to the north of the track to the top car park is preferred. There are three top landing areas, with the western and central areas being preferred due to their proximity to gates and year-round availability. The eastern area is in an arable field and is only available when the crop is not mature. Bottom landing is in the L-shaped field at the foot of the bowl. Hazards include rough air near the small trees at the back of the bowl and potential turbulence caused by the spur labeled Milk Hill on the map. The site can be turbulent in wind directions north of west. For XC flights, the best thermal trigger is the cow barn in the middle of the valley. Experienced pilots can use wave from Rybury to fly towards the white horse. Pilots should study their air maps carefully, especially regarding the Lyneham MATZ and other airspace restrictions. For more information, visit the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club's website: [TVHGC Milk Hill](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/milk-hill). Watch some flights at Milk Hill: - [Flight 1]( ) - [Flight 2]( ) - [Flight 3]( ) - [Flight 4]( ) - [Flight 5]( ) - [Flight 6]( ) - [Flight 7]( )

Rybury Hill is a frequently used site for paragliding, particularly favored for cross-country (XC) flights in a southwesterly to westerly wind. The site offers multiple takeoff options, but soaring is very limited. Due to overuse, it is restricted to members only. Rybury is known for its small but steep escarpment, making it a launch pad for cross-country pilots. It can be used for ridge soaring with good vertical separation, but it becomes challenging in light winds. Pilots should be cautious of flying too close or launching from the southerly face of the escarpment if the wind has any northerly component. The site is located in the UK, with a site record of 128.6 km. It is opposite Tan and Milk Hill and is more technical due to its smaller ridge and steeper slope. The ridge can get crowded quickly, making Milk Hill a better option for soaring. Rybury is more popular on XC days due to cleaner airflow and thermal sources. There is no bottom landing field at Rybury, making it suitable only for more experienced pilots (CP+25 hours). In emergencies, pilots can land in the field and use the bridleway to exit to the gate. You must not fly alone at this site. Check the sign on the gate before flying, as the farmer may have young livestock grazing. The site sometimes closes for lambing each April and May, reopening on June 1st. The site is limited to Full TVHGC members only. Reciprocal and Guest members are not allowed. The site is managed under an access agreement, allowing flying on only 20 days per year, excluding bank holiday weekends. Pilots must log their flights in the ‘Flying Diary’. Suitable for pilots with a CP Hill rating + 25 hours experience and completed slope landing tasks. Other options for less experienced pilots include Milk Hill and Sugar Hill. Watch out for strong thermals on sunny spring days. The club has experienced problems with overuse. The farmer is concerned about pilots flying unaccompanied. There is a £50 penalty payable to Oxfam via the farmer if you do. All vehicles must pay £1.50 at the toll box to use the track, even if you do not fly. Location: OS Grid Ref SU 084 637 Landranger 173, Pathfinder 1185. Parking is approximately 1 mile along the track, about 200 yards before the lower barns. Access is by walking westwards from the track through the gate and alongside the fence towards the hilltop. Takeoff is at an approximate elevation of 230m/755’ AMSL, anywhere at the top of the hill. Landing options include slope landing or top landing, but there is no longer a bottom landing field. Landing in the col at the top of the bowl may result in being blown back into dangerous rotor. It is generally safest to land on the shallow spur below Rybury hill fort. Avoid flying low and behind the ridge due to rotor in a westerly wind. Be cautious in a wind direction north of west, as the spur to the north is in the lee and landing there would be dangerous. For XC flights, study your air-map carefully. The best thermals break off from the top of Rybury enclosure. For more information, visit the [TVHGC Rybury Hill page](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/rybury-hill). Watch videos of Rybury Hill: [Video 1]( ) [Video 2]( ) [Video 3]( )

Tan Hill is a paragliding site with an approximate elevation of 265 meters. It is occasionally used for soaring with limited cross-country opportunities. No flight logs have been found for this location. Visitors must contact the local club before flying, as unaccompanied flying is not allowed. It is essential to follow local rules. Tan Hill is suitable for flying in a southeast wind direction but not if the wind is from the south or very thermic. Launching can be done either in front of or behind the fence in the field. Avoid landing on or near the spur to the left of the launch area towards Milk Hill. For more information, you can visit the [TVHGC website](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/tan-hill). There may be cattle in the field at the bottom, so avoid overflying or landing near them. If the cattle or young calves appear distressed, stop flying immediately. Check the sign on the gate or the website to see if it's okay to fly. The site sometimes closes for lambing during April and May, with reopening on June 1st. If the notice on the gates says closed, do not fly. Ensure others also adhere to this rule. The wind direction for Tan Hill is ESE-S, with a 0.75km ridge that is 90 meters high. For safety, pilots should be rated 'Pilot' or above, or be supervised by a coach. The farmer is particularly concerned about unaccompanied flying and potential casualties. Flying unaccompanied incurs a £50 penalty payable to Oxfam via the farmer. Your companion must be visible and close by. The Easterly bowl is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and must not be landed on or walked across to reach take-off. The farmer is also concerned about damage to fences, so use gates or stiles and do not climb fences. All vehicles must pay £1.50 at the toll box to use the track, even if you do not fly. The OS Grid Reference for Tan Hill is SU 085 646. Parking is available just before the barn. Access to the take-off is sensitive due to the SSSI. Enter through the gate by the barn, turn left, walk around the bottom of the field beside the fence until you reach a stile, and then head up the hill. Take-off can be done anywhere along the top of the ridge, but not in the easterly bowl (the SSSI). Top landing is allowed either in front of or behind the top fence. Use the footpath gate to return to take-off and do not climb fences. Slope landing can be challenging due to undulations and obstacles. The bottom landing area is in the field beyond the fence at the bottom of the slope. In the right conditions, it is possible to ridge soar to Milk Hill. However, there is no landing from the time you cross the first fence until you cross the fence that bounds the west side of the southern take-off area at Milk Hill. Do not land in the SSSI or the spur below it, as it is used by ground-nesting birds. Tan Hill can be dangerous when the wind is light, with strong punchy thermals near the ground. In thermic conditions, only fly if you can reach a safe height to recover from a collapse. Strong winds can produce rotor from the hill in front. Avoid landing in the east corner of the field due to potential rotor from the 'spine back' and be aware of possible rotor at the west end. For cross-country flying, study your air-map carefully. A rough guide is to fly towards and climb to base before Silbury Hill, then fly towards Marlborough and follow the A345 towards Swindon. When the wind is southerly, the entire Tan/Milk bowl can be flown. Do not land where prohibited and beware of rotor from the ridge south of Milk Hill.

Golden Ball is a paragliding site located in the County of Wiltshire, UK. The site offers a grassy takeoff area with an elevation of approximately 260 meters (765 feet) AMSL. It is primarily used for cross-country (XC) flights, especially during the summer months. The site is sensitive and requires pilots to be full members of the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club (TVHGC) to fly. Guest memberships are available for visiting pilots. The site is available year-round but may be closed due to farm activities, so it's essential to check before planning your flight. The wind direction is primarily from the southeast to south, and the site features a south-facing escarpment. Parking is available at the Golden Ball/Knap Hill public car park. Be cautious of car thieves in the area. Access to the takeoff area is on foot via designated footpaths from the car park. There are no designated top, slope, or bottom landing areas. Pilots should avoid landing beyond the fence east of the launch area. If an emergency landing is necessary beyond the fence, pilots must walk back to the takeoff position and not take off from beyond the fence. The site is close to Lyneham airspace, so pilots should carefully study their air maps and check NOTAMs for any reactivation of airspace or ATZ. Common XC routes include flying towards Marlborough and navigating around the airspace near Uffington Castle and the Vale of the White Horse. For more information, visit the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club website: [TVHGC](http://tvhgc.co.uk) or [Golden Ball Site Details](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/golden-ball). Watch videos of flights at Golden Ball: [Video 1]( ) [Video 2]( )

The site has an elevation of 236 meters and is rated as rarely used. There is limited information available, suggesting it may offer restricted local soaring opportunities. The slope is relatively flat, which might not be ideal for more dynamic paragliding experiences. The wind direction for this site is from the north. For more details, you can visit the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club's website: http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/. The grid reference for the location is SU 205 767, with a northing of 20500 and an easting of 76700.

Milk Hill in Wiltshire, UK, is a popular paragliding site with an elevation ranging from 200 to 261 meters. It offers excellent soaring conditions and the potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The hill is shallow and works best with stronger winds from the south-southeast to southwest directions. It is suitable for pilots from CP level upwards. Visiting pilots must apply for guest membership and will receive a briefing. The site is regulated by English Nature, and unaccompanied flying is prohibited. Pilots must always have a companion within sight to avoid penalties. The site is located at OS Grid Ref SU 100 637, Landranger 173, Pathfinder 1185. Directions and parking are the same as for Milk Hill. Access is via a path around the back of the bowl and through a gate onto the south-facing escarpment. Pilots must stay at least 20 meters away from the fence line to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Takeoff is permitted anywhere along the slope to the west of the eastern boundary, marked by a Natural England signpost. Landing should be within the designated boundary and at least 20 meters away from the top fence line. The bottom landing area is along the south-facing track to the right of takeoff, before the farm buildings. The site can be hazardous in strong wind conditions, and pilots should be cautious of turbulence from the fields in front of the hill. XC pilots have many options with the temporary deactivation of Lyneham class D CTR/CTA airspace and ATZ, but they should check NOTAMs for any changes. For more information, visit the [TVHGC Milk Hill page](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/milk-hill-white-horse) and [Flightlog](http://www.flightlog.org/fl.html?l=1&a=22&country_id=222&start_id=1919). Watch videos of Milk Hill paragliding: - [Video 1]( ) - [Video 2]( ) - [Video 3]( ) - [Video 4]( ) - [Video 5](https://vimeo.com/73988176) - [Video 6](https://vimeo.com/46219682)

Sugar Hill is a paragliding site located in Swindon, Wiltshire, UK. It features a shallow hill with some soaring opportunities, though it is occasionally used due to its thermic conditions which can be turbulent. The site is open all year round and is suitable for all levels of pilots. However, only five paragliders can be in the air at any one time. The wind direction is predominantly southwest, with a 1km ridge that is 35m high. The site is owned by the Bland family, and it is important to be courteous and ensure zero impact to maintain good relations. To get there, follow the directions for Liddington, continue past it to the crossroads, and turn right. You will find two car parks on either side of the road. Be cautious as car thieves have been known to operate in this area. Access to the site is along a marked footpath. Take-off is approximately at an elevation of 205m/673’ AMSL, near the track by the fence at the top of the ridge. Landing can be done on the slope or in an uncropped field in front. The site is thermic, with small and bumpy thermals forming due to the rising ground in front of the ridge. For cross-country flights, thermals tend to lift from the field in front or break off from the woods behind the take-off area. Following the high ground of the chalk escarpment northeastwards can lead to reliable thermal sources like Uffington Castle. Be mindful of the Brize Norton airspace near the Thames and stay south of it for easier navigation after Oxford. For more details, visit: [TVHGC Sugar Hill](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/sugar-hill).

Westbury, UK is a frequently used paragliding site known for good thermal soaring conditions and occasional cross-country (XC) flights. The site is easily accessible and offers a rewarding experience, but it is essential to follow local rules and guidelines. Notably, there is no bottom landing below takeoff and no top landing in fields above takeoff. Always consult with locals for specific regulations. The site has two notable records: 72.9 km and 108.6 km, showcasing its potential for long-distance flights. For safety, pilots are requested to maintain at least 300 feet clearance from the ground near the southern end of the NW ridge to avoid spooking horses in the area. The horses are in a partially wooded field and can be startled by low-flying pilots, potentially causing harm. The site is open to any rated pilot and offers convenient parking in the westernmost car park. From there, walk to the flattish takeoff area. Rigging should be done on the hill fort, just in front of or to the west of the long barrow. Takeoff is also in front of the barrow on the northerly side. Paragliders should ensure proper inflation before leaving the flattish takeoff area to avoid accidents. Local flying should be confined to the designated area, avoiding the southern boundary fence to prevent entering a danger zone. The site allows for flights over the cement works, with potential for 100 km triangles on good days. Pilots should stay at least 300 feet above the riding stables at the western end of the NW ridge. For XC flying, pilots must be aware of the danger area and plan their route accordingly. Direct downwind flights are not possible due to the danger area; pilots must first track west for three miles or take a more challenging eastward route. Restrictions on Keevil may be lifted on a day-to-day basis, allowing for scoring flights. Detailed information is available on the Avon HG and PG Club website. Top landings for hang gliders should be made to the east of the long barrow, while paragliders can land anywhere on top, avoiding areas with sheep and turbulence behind the barrow. Bottom landings are best done on the slope's side, avoiding cropped fields and set-aside strips. Hang gliders should plan for emergency landing fields if necessary. Directions to the site: From Westbury, take the B3098 to Bratton, turn right up Newton Road, and at the crossroads, turn left until reaching the large grass common area. Takeoff at Bratton Camp is on a large grass area with a north slope, suitable for beginners. Hang gliders often take off from the White Horse side due to proximity to the car park. Landing can be done anywhere on the Camp, with a large field area available. Be cautious of rotor near the cars due to the ancient fort's earthworks. Hang gliders may land behind the site next to the car park. Weather hazards include gusty and difficult takeoff conditions when the wind is west to northwest due to out-of-phase wave from the Welsh mountains. Rotor can form over the back of the slope near the car park. Flight regulations require adherence to site rules, including not landing in any fields except the main car park field and the bottom emergency field. The Salisbury Plain Military Danger Area lies directly behind the site, so XC flights must follow accepted departure routes. For more information, visit the Avon HG and PG Club website: http://www.avonhgpg.co.uk/ Watch videos of flights at Westbury: - [Video 1]( ) - [Video 2]( ) - [Video 3]( ) For an extensive site guide and photographs, visit WingsOverWestbury: http://www.wingsoverwestbury.co.uk

Oliver's Castle is a rarely used, very sensitive site designated for cross-country (XC) flying only. It is restricted to members of the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club (TVHGC) and requires prior contact with the club before flying. The site does not support soaring and is strictly for toplanding. Local Club: [Thames Valley HGC](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/) Wind Direction: North Grid Reference: SU 001 647 Northing: 100 Easting: 64700 Important guidelines: - Do not land in crops or attempt to soar the ridge. - This site is for experienced pilots only, requiring a minimum of 100 hours airtime on hang gliders or 50 hours on paragliders. - The site is currently open only to TVHGC members and temporarily closed to Avon and Wessex members. The site is under scrutiny due to issues with pilots landing in crops, making slope landings, and interfering with model fliers. These activities have caused problems with the landowner and English Nature, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) home to rare orchids. For more details, please refer to the [TVHGC website](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/).

Liddington Castle is a frequently used paragliding site located in the County of Wiltshire, UK. The site offers a low height difference, making it suitable for soaring, especially on thermal days with medium to strong N-NW winds, which can provide excellent cross-country (XC) opportunities. There are multiple takeoff options available. The site can handle slightly stronger winds from the northwest compared to Combe. It is open all year round, except when sheep are present in the castle enclosure and the rear gate is closed to prevent them from wandering. The site record is 145.9 km, achieved from a flat field near Swindon. For more visual information, you can check out these videos: - [Video 1]( ) - [Video 2]( ) The local club managing this site is the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club (TVHGC). More details can be found on their [website](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/). **Wind Direction and Details:** - Suitable for NW and SW winds. - The ridge is approximately 0.75 km long and 75 m high. **Restrictions:** - Suitable for all levels of pilots. **Sensitivity:** - Erosion of the hill fort by cattle has led to the installation of a fence by English Heritage. If sheep are in the enclosure and the rear gate is closed, flying is not permitted. Notices may be posted at the bottom, but checking in person is recommended. Closures are usually brief. **Location:** - OS Grid Ref: SU 208 798 - From M4 Junction 15, take the A346 south towards Marlborough. Turn left past a garage sign-posted Hinton Parva and follow the road for approximately 1/2 mile. Liddington Hill will be on your right. **Parking:** - Park on the road near the steel gate, ensuring the gate remains clear for farm vehicle access. **Access:** - Climb over the hinged end of the steel gate (not the wooden stile or fencing). **Take Off:** - Approximate elevation is 250m/820’ AMSL. - Take off anywhere along the new fence around the hill fort. **Landing:** - Land before the road. Hang gliders should note the limited and sloping landing area at the bottom. **Hazards:** - Turbulence from the pit in the middle of the west end of the field. - The bottom landing area slopes towards the road, with a risk of overshooting due to lift near the fence. - Flying the SW slope is challenging due to its small area, requiring caution. **XC:** - The site is quite thermic, especially over the farm buildings to the east of the ridge. It is recommended as an alternative to Combe when the wind is at least 10 km/h. Generally, follow the M4 until J14 at Hungerford, then fly towards Combe Gibbet and follow the usual route to the coast. For more information, visit the [local club's website](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/liddington-castle).

This paragliding site in the UK has an elevation of 282 meters. It is rarely used but offers soaring opportunities, with the potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The best wind direction for this site is East-Southeast (ESE). The site record for the longest flight is 48.2 km.