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Where to Fly?
When Slopesoaring it can be difficult to find a good place to fly. In derbydhire there are plenty of suitable ridges to fly off. The wind usually blows from the West so the best places to fly are where the ridge faces towards the west. Some good flying places are listed below.
Uppermill
Uppermill is brilliant place for slopesoaring. It is not far from Manchester and is easily accessible from the road. The climb is a steep one near the top but it will only take 10-15 minutes to get up. Once at the top there is an obelisk on the hill where there is a bench to sit on. The grass is fairly long there and there is room for test glides on top. Finally the slope facfes the right direction usually for slopesoaring. The grass is long there which makes it great for landings altough there are a few rocks about which can be fatal. To get there from Uppermill take the A669 towards Boarshurst and then head left towards Tunstead. Then you can make your way to the flying site down narrow lanes.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
Kinder Scout
The flying site is near to Kinder Scout. As you climb Kinder Scout from Hayfield there is a large edge looking down into a valley. This is ideal as it is facing the right direction and there is plenty of flying space. The scenery is excellent. You can see Kinder Scout to your right, hayfield down to yor left and flyovers above. There are quite a few rocks there and it is a long climb but it is worth it. This slope is better suited to intermediate flyers. To get there from Hayfield take the small road at the back of the town which will take you up a valley and where you can park.; Then it is a mile or so walk up the hill to the Flying Site.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
Black Hill
Black Hill is situated near Lyme Park and Disley. It is by far the esiest to get to of the slopes. It takes only half an hour or less to get to from Manchester. The slope itsleft looms out onto Manchester and there are great views. You can see the turret at Lyme Pak and in the distance the Airport. In terms of flying the slope is ideal for beginners as there are no lareg rocks and there is soft grass. This means that you can pull off any crash with little damage. The slope is very long and there is plenty of flying space although there are animals on the way up. To get there from Manchester turn right in Disley and follow the road up and you will see it on your left.
Rushup Edge
Finally Rushup Edge is another good flying site. It is very close to Edale and Mam Tor. The edge stretches out into a bown shape and there is a ridge on either side. The slope faces north so it is not quitye as good as the others but you can still get some lift. This slope is often used by Proffesionals so if you are lookinmg for help then there may be people around to ask. If you need some space then this may not be the right slope. The slope is extremely large and steep so it is really good for flying space however it is difficult to land so be careful. To get there head towards Castleton and you will pass it on your left.
