Corton Denham

One of the least-used sites in the area, partly because it sits on the fringe of the local club's territory and partly because it lies directly beneath the approach path to the main runway of a naval air station — which is why it can only be flown at weekends. The launch is straightforward and there is a ridge run of a mile or so in a southerly direction, though height gains are usually limited, so a thermic day helps. There is real cross-country potential here, but it would take serious work and planning to avoid the airspace.

Launch & conditions

A fairly straightforward launch. The top landing area is small and occasionally turbulent, with a lot of sink, and should be approached from the south-east with plenty of height. There is no official bottom landing on this site and no deliberate top-to-bottoms are permitted; an emergency bottom landing is available in the large field on the other side of the road.

Getting there & local rules

Drive into Corton Denham village and head north, with the pub and post office on your left. Carry on out of the village, follow the road along the base of the hill and round to the right, then take the right turn up the single-track road on the far side of the hill — the lane to Witcombe Farm is too far — and drive to the top. Park in the lay-by on the right-hand side. Access to the site is via a stile and gate by the pine trees, on the same side of the road as the lay-by; once in the field, follow the barbed-wire fence round to the left.

Local rules & hazards

This site can only be flown at weekends — absolutely no midweek flying is permitted, as it sits directly under the approach path to the main runway of a naval air station. Military aircraft have been known to operate in the area at weekends, so be vigilant and aware of approaching aircraft; if in doubt, don't fly. Beware of the power lines. When the wind is westerly, the ridge directly in front is likely to cause turbulence, and the site can suffer from turbulence generally. The Salisbury Plain danger area, the first obstacle you would meet cross-country at about 35 km, is permanently closed to free flyers. The site is also flown by aeromodellers, who were there before us — be polite and speak to them before flying to establish each other's needs.

Check conditions before you fly

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