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.

Local rules & hazards

The Highland Restricted Area (HRA) boundary just misses the bulk of the Applecross peninsula — technically, midweek flying is possible when the HRA is active, but the area is often busy with military traffic entering and exiting the HRA. Use the military NOTAM service before flying. Strongly sea-breeze influenced — a sea breeze will render Coire a Chaorachain unflyable. Treat this as a nil-wind option only.

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.