Status

Open

Right to roam

The "right to roam" in Wales is currently the same as in England and does not allow access to open access land for the purposes of hang-gliding or paragliding.

The legislation is enacted by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the section relevant to us is Schedule 2 on page 75:

1. Section 2(1) does not entitle a person to be on any land if, in or on that land, he—

(s) engages in any organised games, or in camping, hang-gliding or paragliding

Primary tabs

Best Wind Cardinal: 
ESE
Sites officer: 
Gareth Aston
Grid Ref: 
SH698630
Takeoff Height: 
560m
Landing Height: 
270m
Top to bottom: 
290m

Watch out for jets during the week..

A 2km long ridge, generally flat topped, leads South from the summit of Pen yr Helgi Du. This ridge is flyable on its W and E sides. The West face becomes very turbulent in moderate winds. The summit is rocky and descends steeply on the North side so don't risk getting blown back.

Getting to take-off: 

he footpath leaves the road at SH 692 603 (about 2 miles west of Capel Curig on the A5). Find a place to park along the main road, then take the marked footpath that leads up to the crest of the ridge, crossing the leat. The leat contours around the hill at 1/3 height. Below the leat the hillside is fenced into enclosures (and thus contains livestock).Take-off is anywhere on the open hillside above the leat..

Landing: 

There are good clear areas in front of the ridge faces making easy landings for inexperienced pilots, but please keep away from any areas of livestock in the lower fields, and the area of the farm.

Don'ts: 
  • Land around the farm on the East side of the ridge.
  • Land in areas of livestock.
  • Land South of the main road between Tryfan and Gallt yr Ogof.
  • Park at the bottom of the reservoir road.
  • Park obstructing any gate ways or tracks.
Challenges: 
  • The Ogwen valley is in the track of low flying RAF jets Mon to Fri so best used on week ends only