Carlton bank

Carlton Bank is a thermal and soaring ridge site on the edge of the North York Moors, launched from a natural shallow hollow just off the Cleveland Way footpath, about 50 m past the summit cairn. It's a popular, well-marked walk-in — the main route follows a dolomite track past the local gliding club in 15–20 minutes, or a steeper direct path climbs past the old quarry to the cairn — and the launch area used by hang gliders to rig is easy to spot, a bare rectangle where the heather has worn away. Flying here is currently restricted to members of the local club. Takeoff space is limited and shared between hang gliders and paragliders, so good separation and awareness matter: launch into wind from the small bowl near the rigging area, never in front of parked gliders or ahead of the landing area (you'd be in the overshoot line), and don't loiter on launch before or after taking off — clear the area promptly, and always check above and behind before committing, with help spotting for you if it's available.

Launch & conditions

Launch is a natural shallow hollow about 50 m past the summit cairn, best worked from the small bowl near the rigging area. Space is tight and shared with hang gliders — launch into wind, never in front of parked gliders or the landing area, and clear the takeoff area promptly once you're off.

Getting there & local rules

A well-marked walk-in on the Cleveland Way: follow the dolomite track past the local gliding club (15–20 minutes), or take the steeper direct path up past the old quarry to the summit cairn.

Local rules & hazards

Flying here is currently limited to members of the local club. Paraglider pilots should stay alert to the risk of being blown back in strong wind, and both hang gliders and paragliders are asked to check above and behind — with a spotter if possible — before launching.

Check conditions before you fly

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