Cam Long Down

Cam Long Down is a small, open Cotswold escarpment site above Dursley in Gloucestershire, facing roughly north to north-west. It's a spine-back ridge with a narrow lift band, so timing and positioning matter more than they would on a fatter hill — pilots need to stay well forward to avoid being blown back onto the vegetation behind. The site is Avon Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club territory, open to any rated pilot without training, and non-members should read the club's non-member section before flying. XC potential exists for paragliders but is rarely exploited given how compact the site is. It's the kind of English ridge that suits a quiet evening flight rather than an all-day session.

Launch & conditions

Take off from any clear spot along the ridge. The lift band is small and the ridge is a spine-back — stay forward and mind the bushes behind. Top landing on a hang glider is not recommended because of the spine-back profile.

Getting there & local rules

From Dursley take Long Street out of town. Park in the car park on the north side at the south end, inside the gate — do not park on the grass. Walk up to the saddle and follow the path north to the takeoffs.

Local rules & hazards

Small ridge with a narrow lift band and vegetation behind — being blown back is a real risk on stronger days. Bottom-landing in the car-park area slopes down towards power lines and houses; if in doubt, ask a local before committing.

Check conditions before you fly

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