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Paragliding Combe Gibbet
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Description
Combe Gibbet is a highly frequented paragliding site in the South of England, known for its excellent soaring conditions and potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The site features a 1 km ridge that offers good soaring opportunities and is open from 2nd February to the end of August. It is closed from 1st September to 31st January due to pheasant shooting. Always check the notice on the gates before flying, and if it says closed, do not fly.
This site is restricted to members only, but a week-long membership is available. It is suitable for pilots of all experience levels. The wind direction is primarily from the northwest to north.
Takeoff is at an elevation of approximately 270m (886 feet) AMSL. Hang gliders take off from the lip of the hill in front of the Gibbet, while paragliders take off 100m to the west. The ridge provides ample room for top landing for both hang gliders and paragliders. The bottom landing field is also available and is a grass strip with a small barn at the end.
For XC flying, Combe Gibbet is exceptional due to the colder northerly airflow and the terrain. Thermals usually stream off the hill in three places: directly in front of the Gibbet, to the west where gorse and thorn bushes are growing, and further west where the takeoff field meets old woodland.
When flying XC, it is better to follow the spurs that run either side of the valley rather than flying over the villages of Combe and Faccombe. In a northerly or north-westerly wind, head towards the east side of Andover. Reliable thermal sources include the woods south of Hurstborne Tarrant, a pig farm near Whitchurch, and areas around the junction of the A34 and A303. Aim for Butser Hill, sticking to high ground for better thermals.
Parking is available on the track either before or after the Gibbet, ensuring space is left for emergency vehicles. Access is through the gate next to the west side of the Gibbet; do not climb the fence.
For more information, visit the Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club website: http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/
Check out these videos for a visual experience:
- [YouTube Video 1](
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- [Vimeo Video](https://vimeo.com/161216255)
- [YouTube Video 2](
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- [YouTube Video 3](
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For detailed site rules and membership information, visit: [Thames Valley HGC - Combe Gibbet](http://www.tvhgc.co.uk/index.php/tvhgcsites/combe-gibbet)
