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Paragliding Charmouth

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Condors Members only, no reciprocals. XC possible - eg eastbound to The Hive A challenging site that requires ideal conditions for safe flying. The cliff and take-off areas are subject to frequent changes due to constant erosion, making decision-making and local advice crucial. Members only Only members are allowed to fly here due to a written agreement with Charmouth Parish Council. A list of car numbers must be provided to the Beach Superintendent. The site is closed during the School Summer Holidays from mid-July to the end of August. Directions Located on the south coast between Axminster and Bridport. Drive into Charmouth from the A38 and follow signs to the beach. Park in the first car park on the left. Walk across the wooden footbridge to reach the landing area. Be mindful of car park closing times as the gates get locked. Owners Charmouth Council Guidelines Not suitable for inexperienced pilots or those with rusty ground handling skills. Historically dominated by hang gliders, the site now primarily accommodates paragliding due to the lack of a take-off into the wind. Takeoff The main challenge. Easier take-off occurs when the wind is off to the west, but this makes picking up lift on a fast downwind glide more difficult. Inflate your glider on the beach or bottom landing area, assess the wind direction, and ground handle across or up the slope until take-off is possible. Wind direction and speed will determine the most favorable spot. A higher take-off spot exists up the hill, accessed via the coast path, which has been diverted through fields due to erosion. This launch is on a small spur three-quarters up the cliff and accommodates only one glider. Lay out across the footpath to avoid rotor, and be mindful of walkers. Bottom Landing Land on the beach or the grass area at the base of the slope, which is bounded by a river. A footpath crosses the middle of the landing area, so exercise common sense and wait for it to clear if there are people around. Kites and models are flown on the green and low cliffs. Be aware of wind funneling into the landing area and the river bends behind it. Top Landing: None XC Potential Good ridge runs to the east, with some completed to the west by hang gliders. Ridge Run The scenic ridge run to Golden Cap and back is a key attraction. Hazards include the long transition east over low cliffs to Golden Cap. Gain height at Golden Cap to return. Only one path leads up from the beach between Charmouth and Golden Cap, via the steps at St Gabriel's Mouth. Landing out results in a long walk back. Hazards Exercise caution in strengthening wind conditions. The cliff is spine-backed, and several pilots have been sucked over the back. Stay well out in strong winds and avoid flying directly onto the back cliffs at Stonebarrow. Local pilots recommend gaining height on the front cliffs and crossing to the back from the eastern end. Be aware of rotor from the front cliffs and a dead zone if you get low trying to cross the main slip. Several pilots have been stranded in trees, often requiring ropes or a helicopter for extraction. Study the area well from the air before attempting any crossing and observe where local pilots are flying. For more information, visit: [Condors Paragliding Club](https://www.dscondors.co.uk/cms/node/276) Watch videos of the site: [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/44300898) [YouTube](

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