Monksdown

Monksdown is a small Dorset chalk-downland site facing north to north-west, tucked above the Rushmore estate south of Shaftesbury. It's a simple hop-the-stile-and-launch setup with room for a handful of pilots, worked as a thermal and soaring site on gentle northerlies. Trees line the top of the ridge close behind, which changes how the wind feels on the ground and how much room you have if a launch goes sideways. As of June 2020 the local clubs are in the middle of renegotiating access with the landowner — until that is settled, flying here risks the site itself, and pilots should stay away.

Launch & conditions

Straightforward launch after hopping the stile. The trees close behind the road can make the wind feel stronger than it is; keep enough distance from the top fence in case a launch goes wrong.

Getting there & local rules

From Shaftesbury take the A30 towards Salisbury, through Ludwell, then right at the sign for Ashmore (Dennis Lane), next left, follow signs for Rushmore. From Salisbury, A30 towards Shaftesbury, left towards Berwick St. John, through the village, right opposite the Talbot Inn — the road follows a stream, bear left up the hill, right at the top. Parking is on the grass verge tight to the fence; do not block the stile or the narrow road.

Local rules & hazards

Access is currently unresolved — clubs are renegotiating with the landowner, so flying here now risks losing the site permanently. When flying does resume: the site is turbulent in strong northerlies from the ridge in front; rotor from Winklebury ridge sets in on easterlies (bad on the east side). Trees behind the ridge will punish anyone who gets blown back — stay well forward on stronger days. Power cables cross the western spur — dangerous on easterly-tinted winds.

Check conditions before you fly

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