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.

Local rules & hazards

Members-only — Dunstable HG & PG Club. Not recommended for the inexperienced due to the difficult launch. Carry a current air chart — controlled airspace sits above the launch. Once past the quarries the ridge bends back into wind and works well in stronger conditions, but in thermic conditions you could end up going down fast.

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.