Streatley North

Streatley North sits on the downs opposite Thurle Down, and among the sites along this stretch of chalk it has the reputation of being the best of them for soaring. It is a north-facing slope, working from north-northwest round to north-northeast and best in a straight northerly, with around 250 ft from top to bottom. Height gains of about 800 ft have been recorded here. Cross-country is largely unexplored, though the airspace is open — Class G up to FL55 — so the potential is there for anyone willing to go and find out. The hill suits low-airtime pilots, with the caveat that comes attached to every site like it: take advice from more experienced pilots on the day, and do not fly it alone. Access rests on good manners with the farm, so it is worth reading the ground rules before a first visit.

Launch & conditions

Take off anywhere along the top of the slope. Top landing is restricted but slope landing is fine; otherwise land at the base of the hill, and do not overfly the fence into the bottom field.

Getting there & local rules

Carry on past the car park for Thurle and turn left down the farm track towards the farm, then right at the end of the track to park tidily by the barn. If you are first on site, a courtesy call at the farmhouse is good practice. Do not walk straight across the field towards the slope — follow the fenced grass path to the left of the parking area, which leads to a gate at the foot of the hill. Open the metal gate and close it securely behind you, or climb it if it is padlocked, then carry on about fifty yards before climbing.

Local rules & hazards

The site can be closed for shooting and is normally open from 1 February to 30 September, so check locally before setting off. Access depends on the farm's goodwill: park neatly, use the fenced path rather than crossing the field, and close the gate behind you. Land at the base of the hill only, and do not overfly the fence into the bottom field.

Check conditions before you fly

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