Kimmeridge

Kimmeridge is a Dorset coastal ridge on the Isle of Purbeck, working the southwesterly flow that meets the long elongated bowl above the sea. Its geography makes it a hybrid: close enough to the coast for a real summer sea-breeze contribution, far enough inland to develop useful thermals. The 153 m ridge has been used for training by British schools for years, but when the thermal engine gets going the air can be surprisingly rough — Kimmeridge is a site for pilots who can read conditions, not a straight beginner park. Site fees are mandatory: £2 per day goes to Jerry Hole at Kimmeridge Farm if you launch or land at the normal PG end, and an additional £1 to Mr Vearncombe at Chaldecotts if you use the Kingston bottom landings to the east. This fee applies even if you only fly a single top-to-bottom — no exceptions.

Launch & conditions

The site takes SW flow across the long ridge. Watch two hazards on landings: rotor in the top landing fields, particularly the first 200 yards behind the wall — extremely dangerous for hang-gliders above 18 mph. Paragliders should land within 50 m of the wall behind the stile. Toward Swyre Head top-landings in most fields are possible if the wind is dying, but expect rotor and treat as an emergency option only. Do NOT top-land behind the rising ground to the west — persistent rotor there.

Getting there & local rules

From Wareham, take the A351 south toward Swanage. One mile past the A352 roundabout at Stoborough, turn right for Creech / Kimmeridge (West Lane). Follow 3.3 miles, sharp left at the brow, drop toward Steeple, then after a mile turn right toward Kimmeridge. About 0.8 miles further, just after the brow descending into the village, turn left then immediately right up the access track through Hell's Gate. Pay site fees at the Hole family's B&B or to a club member on-site. In an emergency, ask for an air ambulance directly — the track is impassable to road ambulances and reorganising costs precious time.

Check conditions before you fly

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