Sites Guide
(For a list of older sites (details no longer maintained), see here)
Site Updates
Lambing Season General Precautions
Starting soon with high season 1st April to 31st May
For sites with no specific agreements or LLSC site descriptions. Fly sensibly and try not to frighten livestock. Avoid scraping low down if there are sheep about. Land in fields free of sheep.
Around Tinto generally there are no restrictions. Use your common sense.
Broughton is not usually a problem but you can check with the farmer when you pay your parking fees.
For Dungavel LLSC do not have permission from the landowner to use this site and note the sign in the bottom field.
Abington sites are CLOSED .
The north side of the Fintry hills have been sensitive in the past. The general rule here is not to land in fields with sheep during the lambing period. There are many good landing fields and rough pasture areas not occupied by sheep. If in doubt land further up the hill. Don't scrape above livestock. Some of the farms now have horses in paddocks. Please give these a wide berth at all times and avoid overflying the farm buildings and paddocks. It is suggested that large groups don’t gather during lambing season
No problems at the Campsies as there are no sheep now just newly planted trees in the community forest.
Ochils sites are generally not a problem just use your common sense and try to land away from livestock.
Balquidder is a popular spring XC site. There have been problems with local farmers however the hill used for launch is split between several landowners and you are perfectly entitled to exercise your right to roam. There is plenty of space to land in the valley without going anywhere near sheep. Land near Mhor84 and enjoy a pint rather than the enticing green fields in Balquidder which will be heavily populated with sheep in spring.
If you see any stupid behaviour please try to engage with the culprit and advise them of the importance of keeping a low profile during the lambing season.
If you have a problem at an LLSC site could you please let the LLSC sites officer know. Please try to get landowners name and contact details.
There are sensitive bird nesting sites in some areas. Particularly Glen Affric. Check the Nature Scot website here if you are venturing into the highlands.
Sites - Overall
From time to time flying is restricted at some sites see individual site descriptions for specific details. This is most often due to lambing. Normal Lambing period is between 1st April and 31st May. Some sites are actually closed during this period whilst at others sensible precautions should be taken whilst flying and particularly when landing. Try to land as far from livestock as possible. If in doubt consider landing further up the hill rather than in a densely stocked field.
LLSC is lucky to have access to a large number of flying sites the majority of which can be accessed under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Please make sure you are aware of your responsibilities under the code.
The site guide on this website details a small selection of the more popular sites. The links work best with a satellite view and should enable new users to find car parks and launch spots. Details for many more flying sites are contained in the Scottish Paragliding Guide by Cliff Smith and Gary Williamson. Details are also available on various paragliding websites but please be aware that the latest information on restrictions due to lambing and changes to landing zones may not be up to date. Please consult the appropriate section of this website.
Several sites are within controlled airspace and subject to letters of agreement. Please study the descriptions carefully for these as some require pilots to sign the agreement before flying.. There are also sites with controlled airspace above. It is imperative that pilots flying these sites carry an altimeter set to the current QNH and have up to date information on airspace limits and have the skills to descend rapidly if needed.
All pilots are advised to check latest NOTAMS before flying Link to NATS Aeronautical Information Service. Third party sites such as Notaminfo.com give quick access but are not guaranteed to be accurate so you use at your own risk. Some of the areas in the borders and northern highlands are used midweek by the RAF for low flying fast jets and large transport aircraft. If it is anticipated that 5 or more gliders will be flying from a site BHPA strongly recommend using the CANP scheme by filling in the simple FORM on line. This will alert other air traffic to the possibility of your presence.
LLSC normally use a radio frequency of 143.675 MHz.
If you encounter any problems when out flying a particular site please let the LLSC sites officer know.
Members of the club frequently fly from mountain sites when weather permits. There are plenty to choose from. Some of the ski areas such as Glencoe and Nevis Range have uplift and have special rates for paragliders. At Glencoe when the sea breeze does kick in it usually flows both up Glen Coe and Glen Etive and the convergence out in front of launch is often widespread and smooth. It's not unusual to have easy lift to 5000 ft continuing well into the evening. Popular sites just north of the central belt are Ben Lawers, Meall Nan Tarmachan and Ben Ledi. Many of the areas are covered in the Scottish Paragliding Sites guide or just head off and explore for yourself. Keep an eye on the appropriate Telegram groups to see where club members may be heading on a particular day.
(For a list of older sites (details no longer maintained), see here)