Parapente Witchie Knowe

Witchie Knowe is an occasionally used, small soaring site in the UK with an easy walk up (or down) and potential for cross-country (XC) flights. It offers multiple takeoff options for different wind directions and requires moderate dynamic wind to maintain lift, though it performs well in thermic conditions. Location Info: - Grid Reference: NT 369258 - OS Landranger: 73; Peebles, Galashiels, and Selkirk - Latitude: 55.52190 - Longitude: -2.99950 Wind: - Direction: SE, S, SSW (130 - 220 degrees) - Best Direction: S, SE Height: - Above Sea Level (ASL): 1476ft, 450m Road Access: - From A708 Selkirk to St Marys Loch, after approximately 8.5 miles, turn SE over Yarrow Water at Yarrow village and follow uphill towards Ettrick Valley. Park at the cattle grid before the road goes downhill. - Alternatively, take the turning 0.5 miles to the west of Ettrick bridge (B7009). Witchie Knowe takeoffs are to the east and west of this point. Parking: - Grid Reference: NT 369258 - Park off-road near the cattle grid. Do not block moorland tracks. Take-Off: - Grid Reference (SW): NT 375256 - Grid Reference (S): NT 371256 - Grid Reference (SE): NT 360254 - Takeoff will depend on wind direction. Landing: - Either top land or land at the south takeoff. Flying: - This is a small soaring site with good potential for XC. It requires moderate dynamic wind to maintain lift but is good in thermic conditions. Be cautious of the 'funnel' effect when crossing the road if conditions are strong. Hazards: - Check NOTAM and CANP, especially if flying mid-week, as this area is used for low-flying exercises by military fast jets. Notes: - Do not use the site during lambing season (late March to late May). - Park sensibly and do not block any gateways or tracks. - This is a sensitive site; please follow the rules to maintain access. - Do not fly between 15:00 and 17:00 hours. - Do not overfly the area in front of the hill marked in red on the site map. - Shooting or gun-dog training takes place in the bowl SW and SE of Witchie Knowe and Old Kirkhope. Check with Wingbeat for known dates, but these activities can occur at any time except Sunday. Do not fly when these activities are occurring. For more information, visit: [Wingbeat Paragliding - Witchie Knowe](http://www.wingbeat-paragliding.co.uk/index.php/sites/witchie-knowe)