Valdedios

Valdedios launches from 487 m in Asturias, northern Spain, working northeast and east wind for thermic flying, and it's a handy alternative on days when other local sites are getting hit with wind that's too strong. The walk to launch takes about 15 minutes, and the takeoff itself is low-angle, almost flat ground rather than a steep ramp, which keeps the launch itself fairly mellow. Getting to the start of the walk means driving from Sariego along the AS-113 through the Alto de la Campa pass, past a gas station, then turning left up toward Lluarca and continuing about 400 meters until the road ends at a farm — from there it's the 15-minute walk to launch. Landing brings a change of character: there are plenty of spots to choose from, but most carry a fair amount of slope, so pilots should plan the approach with that in mind rather than expecting a flat field.

Launch & conditions

About a 15-minute walk to a low-angle, almost flat takeoff.

Getting there & local rules

From Sariego, take the AS-113 through the Alto de la Campa pass, past a gas station, turn left toward Lluarca, and continue about 400 meters to where the road ends at a farm — the walk to launch starts there.

Local rules & hazards

Most of the landing fields here have a fair amount of slope — plan your approach accordingly rather than expecting flat ground.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Valdedios, 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 Valdedios with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.