Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller
of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright MC100033808

 

Grid Ref SU 805 184  Sheet 197
Height ASL 229m (750ft)  Top to Bottom 470ft
Wind Direction 340 - 040 deg  Best 10 deg
Pilot Grade Hang Gliding CP  Paragliding NA
Contact NT Warden
Bottom landing: Mr John Olphert, Marden Farm, East Harting
Nearest Phone South Harting Village  


Part of the South Downs, this is a steep northerly ridge including three main bowls. A good thermal site, though often affected by sea-breezes on light wind days. Will take a lot of east and beyond Beacon Hill becomes more N.N.E. A ridge run of 8 k., to Cocking and beyond is possible. HANG GLIDERS ONLY

 
Thanks to Don (Shippo) for all site photos

ACCESS Travelling north on A3(M), turn off at first sign post to Petersfield, into Petersfield take the B2146 east to South Harting. In South Harting at T-junction turn right (south) for 1/2 mile, fork left onto B2141 continue uphill for 1/2 mile, then turn left into car park, (N.T. HARTING DOWN)
PARKING Use the open tarmac area to the north.
RIGGING Unload and carry across the picnic area through the gates to the north east and follow footpath to the rigging area between the two footpaths, east (right) of the clump of bushes and hollow. Rig only in this area (behind takeoff).
TAKE OFF From shoulder of hill in front of rigging area, north of both footpaths
LANDING

Bottom landing fields are immediately and to the right (east) of take-off. All are privately owned and subject to continuous rotation of crops. The duty field for the day must be checked with the farmer. Be aware of the profusion of power lines.

Top landing is on the top of the ridge immediately behind T.O but avoiding the footpaths and clear of the clump of bushes which generate some rotor.
HAZARDS Launch can be rough in strong winds and the gentle reverse slope behind top landing can cause turbulence low down. Power lines cross most bottom landing fields. It is best to leave at ridge height for all but the nearest bottom fields.
RULES
  1. First person on site checks bottom landing field availability with the relevant farmer.
  2. If sheep are grazing on the ridge top or face, permission to fly must first be obtained from Marden Farm.
    Fields with sheep must not be landed in or overflown
  3. Do not obstruct, launch or land across footpaths.
  4. At present this site is HANG-GLIDERS ONLY. The National Trust have expressly stated they will not accept Paragliding.
  5. Capacity; 6 in reasonable ridge lift, perhaps more in good thermals.
  6. The site reverts to soaring only (C.P +10 hr), when no bottom landing is available
MODELLERS The following rules have been agreed with the modellers to minimise points of conflict between the users of the hill, and to minimise the risks of mid-air collision with models when we are flying. These rules are guidelines and may be varied according to circumstances. It should be obvious that if no modellers are present, Hang gliders can operate freely. Also if only one or two modellers are present, a temporary agreement can be arranged with them.
  1. Hang glider pilots should turn to the East (right) after take off to avoid conflict with models. Whenever possible leave the area on the head of the down (around take off) clear.
  2. When crossing to the West of the take off area, make a clear, deliberate transit through the space used by modellers.
  3. Avoid flying between modellers and their models at all times. Blocking line of sight can cause temporary loss of control with a model.
  4. As with Mercury, thermalling across this region is acceptable in conditions of good to strong lift and with a reasonable rate of drift. This will enable rapid clearance of the airspace.
CONSIDER This site is astride the South Downs way, owned by the National Trust and managed by West Sussex County Council. It is heavily used by walkers bikers and horse riders as well as aeromodellers. Conflict with these other users will come to the attention of the warden and can jeopardise our use. BE EXCEPTIONALLY CONSIDERATE and give time to the encouragement of public interest in our sport.

 
Thanks to Don (Shippo) for all site photos