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SDHGPC

SDHGPC Site:
Meldon Hill

Check our Before you Fly page.

Location

  • OS Map Coordinates: Sheet 191 - SX 695 862
  • Latitude: 50°39'39.3"N
  • Longitude: 3°50'51.9"W
  • Geo ID: geo:50.6609,-3.8477?z=15

Suitability

  • Paragliding: Club Pilot
  • Hang-gliding: Club Pilot — inland experience

If unsure, check with one of the club coaches before flying.

Weather

Find this week's weather on the right.

Check the forecast for Meldon Hill.

Find the interactive site map on the right.

Read about Dartmoor Flying before setting out.

Pilots need to be able to judge glide angle and lose height by tracking before setting up for a landing approach. Thermal activity often extends the glide angle so be careful not to overshoot into trees, hedges and wire fences.

Rigging

Gliders can be moved forward to the area on top of the hill, which is sheltered from the wind.

Take Off

Good, but will only support a few gliders at a time.

Top Landing

Well back away from rocks, on the flat area behind and rigging area - and so away from rotor, but watch for wind shear.

Bottom landing

On rough common land, near to sports pitch. Do not land on the cricket pitch.

Beware of nice clear smooth green area in summer which may be boggy.

On the lower slopes the bracken may reach head height.

Hazards

Natterdon Common site should not be flown if the wind is Northerly because of rotor from the trees.

Easterly can also be dangerous.

Local Flying

There is some interesting thermal activity here and gliders sometimes have to go 1/4 - 1/2 a mile out in front of the hill to find the best thermals- often rising from the farm buildings near the road.

XC Flying

Read Dartmoor Flying.

It is also possible to fly downwind to King Tor, from here, 3 miles to the south.

Directions

Park near the road at the crest of the hill, and it is a fairly easy and level walk of 300 metres to take off.

Interactive Site Map


Emergency Information

Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Police and then Mountain Rescue explaining your circumstances.
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 Emergency Services by SMS. Note: You must register this prior to an emergency.

You will need to provide the following information:

  • Name and mobile number of who is calling
  • What has happened?
    What is the problem, state of the casualty. Ensure you use Fall from Height and Remote Location.
  • Location: OS Grid Reference Sheet 191 - SX 695 862 or specific location if different.
  • Details of casualty: Name, Age, Address (if known).