Paragliding Harting Down

Harting is a paragliding site located in the UK, with a height of 220 meters. It is regularly used but not officially recognized, making it suitable for soaring and small cross-country (XC) flights. Note that Harting is strictly for members only, and no reciprocal arrangements are allowed. Always check with the farmer to confirm the availability of bottom landing fields. The site is part of the South Downs and is owned by the National Trust. The club has a formal license to fly here. The area features a steep northerly ridge with three main bowls, making it a reasonable thermal site, though it can be affected by sea breezes on light wind days. The ridge run extends up to 8 km, reaching Cocking and beyond. The wind direction ranges from 340 to 040 degrees, with the best direction being 010 degrees. The site is suitable for club pilots in both hang gliding and paragliding, with specific requirements for paragliding pilots. Access to the site involves traveling north on the A3(M), turning off at the first signpost to Petersfield, and following the B2146 east to South Harting. Parking is available in the open tarmac area, with a daily fee payable through the 'Ringo' system. Rigging should be done in the designated area behind the take-off zone. Launches should proceed one at a time for both hang gliders and paragliders. Bottom landing fields are located immediately below and to the right of the take-off area. Top landing is on the ridge immediately behind the take-off, avoiding footpaths and bushes. Hazards include rough launches in strong winds, turbulence from the reverse slope behind top landing, and power lines in most bottom landing fields. Slope landing is not advised due to the proximity of trees and turbulence. Rules for the site include checking bottom landing field availability with Marden Farm, obtaining permission to fly if sheep are grazing, and not obstructing footpaths. The site has a capacity of six gliders in reasonable ridge lift and reverts to soaring only when no bottom landing is available. BHPA and SSC membership cards must be carried at all times. Harting is a good location for a first XC flight from an SSC site, with thermals coming up all over the hill. Typical XC routes include heading south to Bosham and the South Coast, with potential climbs near the A27 and Selsey. For more adventurous pilots, connecting with the sea breeze can allow flights down the coast to Brighton and beyond. For more information, visit the club's site guide: [Sky Surfing Club - Harting](http://skysurfingclub.co.uk/sites-guide/harting/) Watch videos of flights at Harting: -