Pandy

Pandy is a scenic Black Mountains ridge site above the Herefordshire/Welsh border, running roughly 10 km — in the right conditions you can jump the gap at the end and continue on to Hay Bluff. It's a members-only site, so make sure your membership is current before travelling. Don't underestimate the level of skill needed here: Pandy can turn genuinely turbulent in strong winds, particularly with any north in them, and safe top-landing options are limited. Club Pilots with less than 10 logged hours may only fly under supervision. The site is sensitive with local residents — drive slowly and considerately.

Launch & conditions

Bottom takeoff (A) is a moderate but fairly flat carry from the car park — rig sensibly, don't block paths or the small lower takeoff area. Takeoff can be turbulent in strong winds. Paragliders frequently use the top takeoff (B). Safe top-landings are limited — don't leave gliders in them.

Getting there & local rules

Members-only site. From the A465 on minor roads — observe the club's one-way traffic system where possible (larger vehicles may have to use the up-road in both directions). Parking: enter the field (P) by the second gate on the right after the final bend, and try to park in the SW corner next to the hedge. Don't park on the road. Don't pass gliders or equipment over hedges, walls or fences — always use the gate and close it. Don't drive through gate (G) or park on the common. If the ground is slippery, exit via the SW-corner gate of the adjoining field. Cars may also be left at the Pandy Inn car park.

Local rules & hazards

Members-only — join before you travel. Club Pilots with under 10 hours must fly under supervision. Rotor can be severe in strong winds — beware in particular of rotor from the large tree to the north of the lower takeoff. Paragliders should not drop much below the lower ridge — trees below make flying close and low extremely hazardous.

Check conditions before you fly

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