Lardon Chase

Lardon Chase is a compact ridge site above the Thames-side town of Goring in southern England, with sweeping views down over the bridge, locks and weir. Only the southeast face is genuinely soarable — the tree-covered east face won't launch, and the shallow north slope near the local golf club doesn't soar either — and it can turn properly thermic, so pilots need to stay alert for dynamic-lift shifts in the upwind airflow. Height above sea level is around 440 ft, with roughly 220 ft top-to-bottom, and it suits pilots with 50-plus hours rather than newer flyers. Getting to launch means driving up from the crossroads to a National Trust car park at the top of the hill, then walking out along the ridge to the steepest section overlooking Goring; takeoff sits just past the bushes that flank the hilltop. Both the tight top-landing area and the better bottom-landing field lie close to cables running parallel with the road below, so watch for them on the way in.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is just past the bushes flanking the ridge top, reached by a short walk from the National Trust car park at the brow of the hill; the top-landing area back here is tight.

Getting there & local rules

Drive up the steep hill from the crossroads, passing the Bull pub car park, then turn sharp right at the top into the National Trust car park; walk out along the path to launch.

Check conditions before you fly

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