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Description
Located in Piedrahita, Spain, this paragliding site offers a launch altitude of 1,625 meters (5,281 feet) above sea level with a top-to-bottom height of 500 meters (1,625 feet). The site is oriented towards the south and west, making it ideal for days with southerly winds.
Access to the launch site is challenging as it is not official and is reached via forestry roads. From the village of Lastra del Cano, take the forestry track in front of the bar. After 400 meters, you will encounter a gate that may be closed by fire watchtower personnel. The main south-facing takeoff is approximately 4 kilometers along this track. There is also a west-facing launch below the watchtower, but it is often restricted due to the presence of nesting Black Vultures.
This site is renowned for its excellent cross-country (XC) potential. It has a history of hosting significant national distance-to-goal flights and has seen European records set on three occasions. The takeoff area is a grassy slope in a large clearing within a pine forest, offering stunning views of the Gredos mountains and the river Tormes below. The scent of wild lavender and thyme adds to the experience.
For optimal flying conditions, an early start is recommended as the wind can become too strong by midday. Evening flights are also possible if you have a reliable retrieval service. The site is known for its smooth ridge lift in the evenings, occasionally enhanced by wave lift from the Gredos mountains.
Landing fields are abundant along the main N-110 highway, making it easy to land safely. Evening flights often aim to get as close to Piedrahita as possible along this road. The fields in front of the hill are generally smaller but manageable for paragliders.
Weather hazards include strong anabatic winds on southerly wind days, which can make conditions challenging if not started early. Flying is restricted until August due to nesting Black Vultures.
For more information, you can contact Steve Ham at www.flypiedrahita.com.
Tourism in the area includes visits to Barco de Ávila and the Gredos mountains.
For additional details, visit: [Fly Piedrahita](http://www.flypiedrahita.com/flypiedrahita/flyingTakeOffs) and [Zonas de Vuelo](http://www.zonasdevuelo.com/zonasvuelo.html?fz=174).
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