Chinnor

Chinnor is a Chilterns escarpment site for members of the Dunstable HG & PG Club only — a small tree-ringed launch on the edge above the Oxford plain. The launch is more daunting than difficult but demands a committed run because it's relatively shallow and turbulence eddies off the surrounding trees. Because the launch is completely surrounded by trees, wind speed on the ground can be very misleading — 10–12 mph felt at launch may be 25 mph aloft. Watch the trees behind takeoff to read the true wind.

Launch & conditions

Completely tree-ringed — true wind speed is very hard to judge; 10–12 mph felt on the ground can mean 25 mph aloft. Watch the trees behind takeoff to read the real wind. Launch looks more daunting than it is — but a committed takeoff is essential (relatively shallow and turbulent near the trees). Start your run as far back against the trees as space allows.

Getting there & local rules

Members-only site (Dunstable HG & PG Club). If the wind is off to the north, the bowl to the right of launch works well. When flying south along the ridge, don't cross the road without plenty of height — the air can be rough low down over Oakley Hill due to the cement works; aim for about 750 ft above takeoff before crossing the gap.

Check conditions before you fly

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