Bodesbeck Law

Bodesbeck Law is a remote hill site in the Scottish Borders, best in a light wind from the northwest, though a west or south component also works. On very light days, the site needs a little patience — the scree slopes below launch have to warm in the sun before enough heat builds for reliable thermals. Getting there means driving up the Ettrick valley, parking at the end of the public road, then walking a forestry track up the south side of the hill onto Bught Hill and following quad-bike tracks across to the launch. This is working military airspace too: the valley sees low-level fast-jet exercises, particularly midweek, with jets sometimes passing well below launch height as they transition into the Yarrow valley, so checking NOTAMs before flying matters here more than most places. The steep scree below launch makes top or high slope landing the sensible choice — climbing back up with a bundled glider is no fun on that ground — and while a bottom landing is possible, it means a 30 km walk back to the car on the roads unless a second car has been left waiting.

Launch & conditions

Launch from the top of the hill; best in a light northwest wind, with west or south also working. On light days, wait for the scree slopes below to warm before thermals kick in.

Getting there & local rules

Approach up the Ettrick valley and park at the end of the public road — don't block the track or any gateway. Follow the forestry track up the south side onto Bught Hill, then quad-bike tracks across to launch.

Local rules & hazards

This is active low-flying military airspace, especially midweek — check NOTAMs before flying, since fast jets can pass through the valley well below launch height. Never land in fields with livestock or hay/silage grass, and keep forest tracks clear when parking.

Check conditions before you fly

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