DESCRIPTION

If ground conditions are suitable and your vehicle and you are capable drive to the top of the track. Park off the track along the fence line. On busy days by parking nose or tail to the fence more vehicles can be accommodated than parking side on. Alternatively, park on the road side on the Bullbarrow side of the entrance gate and well off the road (on the west side) Tractors towing attachments often use this road so do not obstruct it. If the road side is busy we have permission to park in the chalk pit at the foot of Bell Hill. Wessex HGPGC do not own the pit, Mr Yeatman has kindly agreed to its use as an overflow car park only, not for general parking. It’s a hard walk up from here which is another good reason to use the road side parking first. The chalk pit is also quite slippery in places when wet but is fairly flat. Ensure the gate is closed at all times. Access Travelling from either Stuminster Newton or Blandford drive into Shillingstone on the A357. From Blandford look out for the war memorial on your right, now take the next left turn signed for Okeford Fitzpaine. If travelling from Sturminster this turn will be the first right hand turn after entering the village. Drive to Okeford Fitzpaine, pass the church set back on the left until you reach a ‘Y’ and ‘T’ junction. Take the left side of the ‘Y’ and turn left at the ‘T’ and drive out of Okeford Fitzpaine. Shortly after leaving the village you will pass a left hand turn that leads up to Okeford Hill , go straight ahead. You will now see the ridge to your left. Take the next left turn signed for Bulbarrow and Ansty. You should now be climbing uphill. You will pass a chalk pit on your left (see parking). Just before the crest of the hill on the left is the locked gate with stile leading up across Bell Hill. Several other routes will bring you in from the South or via the Winterbornes. Most routes will lead you past the Bulbarrow view point. From the view point drive North along the front of the ridge. Keep going past a left hand turn. As the road starts to drop off down the hill side you will see the entrance gate on your right.Access is via the track from the gate. If on foot simply walk up the track to the hill crest or simply walk up the hill and along the fence line until you find a suitable launch area. If driving, drive to the top of the track. The gate is padlocked with a combination lock. Details of the combination are available to members on the Wessex web-site. Please ensure the gate is kept closed at all times and that last off the hill has locked it. In summer most vehicles have no problem with the track although a little rough, traction is fairly good and the ground is mostly firm. TAKE NOTE After or during a wet spell the track can become extremely slippery and may only be accessible to serious 4X4’s. Getting up to the top is often possible but the track turns to grass higher up and many vehicles end up sliding sideways on the slope unable to park. You then have to turn and drive/slide back down which can be a frightening experience. Please think twice about taking vehicles up the track during wet weather.

WEATHER

Probably the biggest hazard on this site is other pilots. On a good summers day, particularly when the wind is light, and everyone is trying to fly in thermic cycles. Things can get crowded and a little manic. Please ensure that you know the collision avoidance rules, and use them. There are times when some politeness and plain etiquette come into play. If you feel uncomfortable in a crowded sky, land. The ridge shallows to the West above the entrance gate and further west power lines run down the hill. It is possible to become pinned in increased venturi in this area. If the wind is off to the north, the take off and landing areas can be turbulent. Don't get caught out by patches of sink and dumped in the scrub or trees if scratching in the bowl. Wind/ webcam: https://holfuy.com/en/weather/471