Trentishoe Fields

 

Location

OS Map Coordinates: Sheet 180 – SS 636 482

Latitude: 51°21’72.3″N, Longitude: 3°95’47.3″W

Suitability

Paragliding: Pilot — 100+ hours with coastal flying experience due to no bottom landing options

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

Weather

Find this week’s weather on the right.

Take Off

Height 700 ‘ asl.

Two fields depending on the direction of the wind.  Nicely sloped and grassy but beware of the fence to clear at the bottom of the field. 

Field one for 355° to 5° (N). Field two 345° to 355° (NNW).  As there is no bottom landing this site is unsuitable for HG’s. Can sometimes have stock in the field so please beware and respectful towards animals – move slowly through the fields if livestock are present.

Top Landing

Not difficult for PG’s in moderate winds. In strong winds it can be difficult to lose height on the take off area because of the compression on the top of the hill. The landing fields marked on the interactive map can be used in stronger winds.  

Slope Landing

It’s possible for paragliders, but the decision must be made early and it is essential as there is no beach if you are getting low.

Bottom landing

THIS IS A COASTAL SITE WITH NO BOTTOM LANDING OPTIONS. ENSURE YOU HAVE JUDGED THE CONDITIONS CORRECTLY BEFORE LAUNCHING

Hazards

No Bottom Landing:

This is a coastal site with NO BOTTOM LANDING.  DO NOT FLY if the conditions are not soarable. 

Rotor:

This site is prone to rotor so be aware when launching in winds over 12 mph.  Ensure you stick to the parameters in the guide with regard to wind direction N to NNW.  If the wind is any further off to either side of these directions it is unsuitable for flying due to turbulence from the rotor off the cliff.

DO NOT take off in the field to the west of the designated take off area as it is affected by rotor from the cleaves below.  Only land in that field in an emergency.

Wave:

This site overlooks the Bristol Channel.  20 Miles to the North lies the Welsh coast and the mountainous terrain beyond that.  Wave conditions are frequent and can make sudden increases or decreases in wind-speed likely.

Keep constantly assessing the conditions before flying and whilst in the air. Signs of wave clouds and signs on the water of an increase/decrease in wind-speed should be monitored at all times.  

Valley to rear of site:

400 metres behind the take off the hill slopes deeply into a valley.  Ensure that you are not flying in winds that are too strong to be able to penetrate forward. 

Livestock:

Beware of livestock in the take off and landing fields. Move slowly through the fields and leave immediately after landing if livestock are present.

SSSI:

To the west of the launch area, Trentishoe Downs is a SSSI.  (Site of Special Scientific Interest). DO NOT launch is this area and only land in this area if it is an emergency.  

Bracken / Gorse:

In summer there may be bracken/gorse on take off, be careful to clear risers before launching. 

Coastal Path:

Below launch on the northern side of the fence the coastal path is frequented by walkers.  Use judgement and avoid launching when walkers are in front and below of your take off area.

XC Flying

When conditions are suitable, it’s possible to fly along the coastline and back.

However, there are limited top and bottom landing options along this particular coastline. As an experienced pilot once you have left the take off area you are considered to have gone XC and must make your own decisions on the suitability to do this based on your knowledge and experience.

Directions

From the A39 at Blackmoor Gate, follow the A399 North West towards Combe Martin.  After 2 miles you will see a signpost for “Trentishoe & Hunters Inn”. It is a narrow lane so beware of oncoming traffic.

Follow this road 1 mile to Stoney Corner and take a sharp right, followed by a sharp left that takes you onto the road up to Trentishoe Downs.  After 2 miles you will come over the top of the common and see the Bristol Channel in front of you . Follow the hill down to a fork in the road.  The parking area on the left hand side just off the road.

Parking

If this Car Park is full there is an alternative car park another ½ mile up the road on the left hand side.

Access

Follow the path from the car park leading NW towards the sea.  After 500 yards there is a gateway in the walled field to your right.  Enter through here, ensuring you close the gate afterwards. Then follow the wall to your right until you have exited the first field. You are then into the second field which is the Northerly take off spot.  If the wind is in a NNW direction, cross this field to the east where there is another gateway into the third field.

Emergency Information

Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

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 Sheet Sheet 180 – SS 636 482 or specific location if different.
  • Details of casualty: Name, Age, Address (if known).