Mercury, also known as Wether Down, is a paragliding site located in Hampshire, UK. It offers a ridge of approximately 1.25 kilometers, facing east, with a bowl at the southern end and shallowing to the north. This site is known for its local soaring conditions and is regularly used by members of the Sky Surfing Club (SSC). Note that pilots must be members of the SSC or a club with a reciprocal agreement; visitors and guests are not permitted.
The site has a height of 225 meters above sea level, with a top-to-bottom height of 300 feet. The best wind direction for flying is from 045 to 100 degrees, with 90 degrees being optimal. The site record is 7.5 kilometers in an easterly direction.
Access to the site is from the A3(M), turning west to Clanfield, then following signs to East Meon. Parking is available through the last gate beyond the radio masts, in the top field to the left of the gate. Occasionally, parking may be changed to the yard area adjacent to the barns alongside the radio masts.
Hang gliders may rig near their cars, ensuring they do not obstruct access, and then carry their equipment to the launch area. Paragliders should rig at the shoulder of the hill near the take-off area, staying 200 meters clear of the southern fence to allow hang gliders sufficient take-off clearance.
Take-off for hang gliders is from alongside the southern fence, while paragliders must launch a minimum of 200 meters from the southern fence. The main bottom landing fields are B1 and B2, located immediately below the take-off area. Pilots should check the availability of these fields before flying. In an emergency, hang gliders can use field BE, but it is likely too far for paragliders, who may need to slope land at the front of the take-off hill.
There are several hazards to be aware of, including power lines in the top field and potential turbulence in strong winds due to the tree line below the ridge and the funnel effect in the bowl. The site can only handle a slight southerly wind component.
Rules for flying at Mercury include obtaining daily permission from Lower Farm and South Farm, paying a site fee of £1 per pilot, and adhering to soaring-only conditions when no bottom landing is available. The bottom landing fields are subject to arable farming and may only be used when cut or ploughed with the farmer's express permission. The site is usually closed during the shooting season from October to February.
There is an agreement between the Meon Valley Soaring Association and the Sky Surfing Club to minimize conflicts with aeromodellers. A designated corridor of priority airspace for models is marked by two white markers on fence posts and the northern boundary of the field. Hang gliders and paragliders must not fly in this region, except for clean, clear passes at a height of not less than 150 feet above take-off.
For cross-country (XC) flights, Mercury is challenging due to airspace restrictions and mixed traffic. Pilots should have a GPS and proximity alarm. Thermals often come up far out front, so expect to push forwards. The site is suitable for first XCs, but pilots must be cautious of the airspace and the lower spur that needs to be crossed.
For more information, visit the Sky Surfing Club's site guide: [Sky Surfing Club - Mercury](http://skysurfingclub.co.uk/sites-guide/mercury/).
Watch videos of flights at Mercury:
- [Video 1](
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- [Video 2](
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