Mirador 'La Cueva de los Franceses'

This launch above Aguilar de Campoo, in Castilla y León's Palencia province, is a support-slope site — you climb briefly on dynamic lift right after takeoff before the flight turns essentially thermal, at around 1,173 m. It also works for winch launching when the wind isn't cooperating for a free takeoff. Getting there means driving the Aguilar de Campoo–Burgos road and turning off at the Respenda de Aguilar crossing onto a dirt track. Wind here comes from the north through northeast and northwest. Both takeoff and landing can happen up top or down in the valley, in any field that hasn't been planted — walking back up afterward if you land low. One hazard worth flagging: take care around a transition to westerly wind, where sudden gusts can appear without much warning.

Launch & conditions

A support-slope launch — brief dynamic lift right after takeoff, with the flight turning essentially thermal after that; also set up for winch launching.

Getting there & local rules

Drive the Aguilar de Campoo–Burgos road and turn off at the Respenda de Aguilar crossing onto a dirt track.

Local rules & hazards

Take care around a transition to westerly wind, where sudden gusts can appear.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Mirador 'La Cueva de los Franceses', read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Mirador 'La Cueva de los Franceses' with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.