Moneylaws

Moneylaws is a good ridge-soaring site above the Tweed Valley near Coldstream, on the Scottish Borders — a steep, grass-covered face that works best in a north-northwesterly wind. With open farmland stretching out in front and the Cheviot Hills behind, conditions here can support genuinely excellent cross-country flights when the day cooperates. There's one access condition that matters more than most: valuable horses are kept on or near the site, so flying here requires arranging permission through the local hang gliding and paragliding club before you go, not just turning up. Getting to launch means following farm tracks from Kilham, through Downham Farm and up past the cottages — where you park depends on how wet the pastures are, either near the gate lower down or up by the stone wall at the top of the hill. In a light north wind, plan to head for the landing field once you're just below takeoff altitude — it's a long glide home with a turn back into wind at the end.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff is a steep, grass-covered ridge face working best in a north-northwesterly wind, with open farmland ahead and the Cheviot Hills behind — good conditions here can support genuinely excellent cross-country days.

Getting there & local rules

Reached via farm tracks from Kilham, through Downham Farm and past the cottages; park near the gate lower down if the pastures are wet, or up near the stone wall at the top if they're dry. Because valuable horses are kept on or near the site, flying here requires arranging permission through the local hang gliding and paragliding club before you go.

Local rules & hazards

In a light northerly wind, head for the landing field once you're just below takeoff altitude — it's a long glide in, finishing with a turn back into wind. The site's access depends on maintaining good relations with the landowner around the horses kept nearby, so permission through the local club isn't optional.

Check conditions before you fly

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