Bochlwyd/Cwm Idwal
This site is to be flown at weekends only due to being on the low level jet route during the week. An incident between the RAF and paragliders here could have a severe impact on free flying in the area.
This is a true mountain site in magnificent scenery which given the right conditions can provide stunning “alpine” flying.
Wind conditions need to be spot on however as severe rotor can be found in cross wind conditions. Essentially the wind funnels up the valley in front and there are numerous large thermal sources close by. From this site you can explore Tryfan and the Glyderau, XC from here is largely unexplored but the potential is eXCellent with the Moelwynion a few km behind. It is unlikely that this site would ever overcrowd but we have been asked to restrict numbers to 10 or fewer.
Getting to take-off:
Park at the Ogwen Cottage car park gr SH 649 603 and walk along the well-made path towards Cwm Idwal. Where this path turns 90º right (after about 300m) carry on in the direction that you were heading along a grassy path, which leads towards Glyder Fach. You should see a steep stream about half a km ahead, walk towards this. The path crosses a large flat area (the landing site) before climbing steeply up the right hand bank of the stream, facing into the hill. Take-offs can be made from just below the lip of the cwm above, it is also possible to take off from further east towards Tryfan but this is a further 15 minute walk, although the take off area is larger and has fewer obstacles.
Landing:
The landing area is the flat grassy area which you walked over on the way up SH 653 599, please do not land in the bottom of the valley in front nor near the foot of Tryfan.
Don'ts:
- Land East of Tryfan on the South side of the road, until past Craig y Ogof.
Challenges:
- Can be turbulent in Northerlies or if not truly NW.
- This site lies directly in the low flying track of RAF jets Monday to Friday so best used only on weekends.