Despite the potential for XC it has only been recently that flights of any
distance have been recorded. The hill slopes off behind the White Horse
toward Broadmayne. Thermals do not tend to trigger well behind the site for
several km, hence many XC flights turn out to be a one thermal wonder.
However if you can connect with a second thermal your chances of a good
distance are high and with some thought to airspace and danger areas some
impressive distances could be achieved.
Flying
Generally
A cross between a coastal and an inland site. The sea is about 1 mile in front,
but there is still good thermal activity. In the afternoon and early evening during
the summer the whole valley sometimes 'lifts' producing massive thermals. The
large, uncomplicated top landing fields and long soarable ridge makes this one
of the club's best sites for low airtime pilots in moderate winds.
Paragliders especially: in light winds, low airtime paraglider pilots should keep
in mind the more technical side landing.
Access
From Dorchester – Follow the A354 toward Weymouth. 2.0 miles from the
Dorchester bypass, bear left onto the road signposted to Broadmayne. Follow
this road for a further 2.0 miles. 300m past a crossroads (signposted right for
Sutton Poyntz / Preston) and as the road kinks to the left, bear off right onto the
chalk track.
From Weymouth - Follow the A353 to Preston turning left at the roundabout
and then immediately right into Coombe Valley Road. Follow this road to the
top of the hill. Turn right toward Broadmayne for 300m and as the road kinks to
the left, bear off right onto the chalk track.
Directions From Wareham & Wool - Follow the A352 into the village of Broadmayne and,
immediately before the petrol station on your left, turn left into ChaIky Road.
Follow this road out of Broadmayne for 2.1 miles. As the road reaches the top
of the hill, and as the roads kinks to the right, turn sharp left onto the chalk
track.
Parking Park only on the south side of the track. Do not double park either side.
An absolute maximum of 4 cars may park on the right, tight to the fence
beyond the right hand bend in the chalk track on the right fork.
Beware – this track can become seriously rutted and may not be suitable for
your car along all of its length.
NOTE – NO PARKING is allowed anywhere in the top landing field or
along the final part of the track that leads to the top landing field!
However, members may drive to the top landing field for the purpose of
dropping-off and collecting their paragliding and hang gliding kit before
returning their car to the correct parking areas.
Load as many wings as possible into one vehicle if going with the ‘lazy’ option
rather than take car after car up. Close all gates.
Access From the chalk track, at the left hand bend go straight ahead (i.e take the right
hand fork) and walk up the track sign posted 'Inland Route - Osmington'. Carry
on along to the top landing field (managed by - English Heritage). Close all
gates even if you did not open them.
THE SITE CAN BE VERY TURBULENT IF THE WIND HAS ANY EAST IN IT
DUE TO ROTOR FROM THE RIDGE IN FRONT.
If the wind speed exceeds 18mph, hang gliders should note that it is always
turbulent, but that conditions often smooth out 100 - 200 ft above take-off. This
effect is caused by the cliffs upwind.
It can also be turbulent behind the trees at the bottom of the hill so all pilots
should avoid scratching too low down.
Aero modellers fly from the bowl to the right of take-off.
The owner runs a horse riding establishment, and uses the tracks in the vicinity
of launch. Please take great care not to spook any horses! Avoid landing
near them, avoid flying low over them, avoid inflating wings when a horse
is approaching and wait until they are well clear.
APPI International