Details last updated:

2020-05-07

Site Owner / Negotiator

LLSC

Site Contact

Site History:

Tinto is one of the many and possibly the main hill for flying in the Lanark area. Its proximity to Glasgow and Edinburgh gives its popularity for both free flying and training. Lanarkshire and Lothian Soaring Club have purchased the launch areas of this hill.

Altitiude at Launch:

1730ft/527m

Height top to bottom:

951ft/290m

Airspace:

TMA CLASS 'D' above 5500ft Check you have latest airspace data on your navigation device or access to the latest CAA chart for the area.

National Grid Reference:

NS 929343

Wind Direction:

South-East to South-West. The club weather station is situated just to the west of the normal launch area near the crest of the ridge. See live data elsewhere on this site.

Brief Site Description:

Large open hill with 4km ridge running east to west.

Special Rules:

Please keep the gate to the track closed at all times. There are sometimes grazing animals further up the hill which may not be visible.

How to get there:

From the M74 Junction 11 or 12 (Happendon Services) take the A70 heading east then first right onto the B7055 after passing through Rigside. Follow road for approx. 5km to junction with the white house on the right and track on the left.

• Edinburgh - 80 minutes, 40 miles
• Glasgow - 50 minutes, 40 miles
• Perth - 90 minutes, 80 miles
• Stirling - 60 minutes, 50 miles
• Dumfries - 60 minutes, 50 miles

Restricted Areas:

Lambing does not usually stop flying here, but if in doubt, see the farmers before flying.

Parking Notes:

There is a small car park on the right about 500m up the track. Alternatively park in the quarry at the top of the track. Paragliders wishing to fly Greenhill, park in the lay by halfway up.

Landowners:

Farmers - Mr Linton, Sornfallow Farm and Mr Ross, Greenhill Farm

Launch Notes:

Hang-gliders: Follow the worn track up the hill, cross the fence at the stile and continue to the rigging area. If the wind is stronger, you can take off from the first 'bump' adjacent to the quarry.

Paragliders: Most people climb the hill to the east of the trees above the lower parking area. Follow the feint path and once on the hillside launch anywhere that suits. Alternatively walk up the new track which starts just below the quarry go through the gate and follow it to the wind monitor mast then take the stile and follow the edge of the trees to the east. This track is suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles only at owners risk.

XC Tips:

Can be limited by airspace to the north make sure you have latest airspace data available on your navigation device or up to date CAA chart. Most common route is to fly east along the ridge from take off to the main hill 'the Dimple', where good lift can be found on the scree slopes. The gradient reduces between launch and the main hill so allow sufficient height to get across.

Top Landing Notes:

Greenhill is good for top landing. Paragliders: don't fly behind the wall when coming in to top land.

Bottom Landing Notes:

Hang-gliders: Land in the large field between Sornfallow Farm and the track. The field slopes downwards and can be tricky, but you soon get used to it. Alternatively (esp when soarable), land in the usual large field across the road.

Paragliders: Can land anywhere.

Hazards:

Obvious hazards are the coniferous trees east of the quarry and a few fences. Paragliders: there is a narrow gap, 'Howgate Mouth' between the quarry and Howgate Hill to the west where there is the possibility of getting 'hoovered' through in stronger winds (keep well out from the hill if this is likely). If ground handling at the top of Greenhill, be aware of the wall. Also beware of being hoovered into Martingill Cleuch between Green Hill and Tinto if heading to  Tinto summit.