Ledmore

Ledmore is an unassuming 400 m Sutherland hill above Ledmore Junction — its summit isn't even named on the map — but its topography and roadside access make it a well-suited paragliding site. The setting is pure Highland drama: Suilven, Cul Mor and Canisp rising out of a huge expanse of moorland and lochs. XC ventures from here follow the IFR rule (I Follow Roads) or accept the prospect of a very long walk-out if you land short: there are almost no roads in this part of Sutherland outside the Ullapool arteries.

Launch & conditions

Directly behind the car parking area there is a small forestry plantation. From the eastern corner, head due east up the shoulder of the hill; the slope levels out just beneath the radio mast, giving plenty of space to launch. Both the NW and SW faces can be accessed from here.

Getting there & local rules

Ledmore Junction lies 6 miles south of Inchnadamph, where the A835 from Ullapool meets the A837 running north to Lochinver. About 400 m north of the road junction, on the east side of the road, a track leads up to a convenient parking area. Landings: plenty of spots on the moorland — watch out for electricity wires running alongside the road in places.

Local rules & hazards

Site is in the Highland Restricted Area (HRA) — midweek flying is subject to strict airspace restrictions. XC away from the road is committing: outlandings can mean a very long walk-out in a road-sparse area of Sutherland.

Check conditions before you fly

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