Coire a Chaorachain

Coire a' Chaorachain is a dramatic east-facing corrie on the Applecross peninsula in the north-west Highlands — home of the classic rock climb 'The Cioch Nose'. As a flying site it is an alternative to the main Meall Gorm Applecross launch, but only in very light conditions: launching over the cliffs that form the corrie's headwall is committing and this should only be attempted as a nil-wind option. When it goes, the flight is spectacular.

Launch & conditions

Park at the main viewpoint parking area and follow the road back a short distance to the track leading to the radio mast on the summit of Sgurr a' Chaorachain (776 m). Just beneath the mast compound is a large grassy area, clear of rocks, with plenty of space to lay out a wing before the committing launch over the corrie headwall.

Getting there & local rules

The Applecross peninsula is served by a tortuous single-track road looping off the A896 between Sheildaig and Lochcarron. Several sites are centred around the Bealach na Ba — turn off at Tornapress and follow the minor road a few kilometres to the pass, where a large car park and viewpoint sit at the summit (do not park in the passing places). Landings from Coire a Chaorachain: land anywhere on the open hillsides.

Check conditions before you fly

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