Branscombe
SITE TYPE | COASTAL | LOCATION | 50.6885 / -3.1571 | |
SITE ACCESS | MEMBERS ONLY | GRID REF. | SY183882 | |
PILOT RATING | CP | TAKE OFF | ||
WIND DIRECTION | SSE - SSW | PARKING | ||
BEST | S | HEIGHT | 460 feet (140m) | |
XC POTENTIAL | UNLIKELY | TOP - BOTTOM | 460 feet (140m) |
Site Rules
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Condors members only
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Do not drive out to take off
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Park responsibly - do not block gates or farm equipment
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Do not walk through the campsite
Hazards​
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Rotor from the cliff
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Tree covered lower slopes if scratching in reduced lift
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Cars (chalet owners) parked on and around take off
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Walkers on the SW Coastal Path - they alwayshave priority
About​
Branscombe is a cliff top site located approx. half way between Beer and Sidmouth and is an alternative to the more popular launch at Beer Head.
The site is relatively straight forward to fly but, if having to bottom land, the walk back to launch is not as easy or straightforward as at Beer Head.
There are a number of gaps to cross on the run to Sidmouth however these are usually relatively easy given the height of the cliffs and the lift normally available.
The site is open to all levels of pilot but is Condors members only at the request of the landowner.
Coastal soaring is often considered to be safer than inland, thermic flying however the club sees more accidents on the coast than inland each year. Robin Wallace (Wessex HGPG) has produced an excellent guide to the dangers and pitfalls of coastal flying which should be essential reading for all pilots:-
Access & Parking
Head NW out of Branscombe village proceed for approx. ¾ mile and turn left in the village of Street.
Go up the hill and park on the right outside Berry Barton Farm:-
https://what3words.com/trail.uttering.robe
Please ensure you do not block any entrances AND allow manoeuvring space for farm vehicles.
Walk out along the track next to the campsite. Do not walk across the campsite. Where the track turns sharp left go through the gate straight ahead and follow the footpath diagonally to your right across the field to a finger post and circle of stones at take off:-
https://what3words.com/clash.nicer.closed
.
Guidlines
The take off is from a grassy, smoothly rounded clifftop. In lighter winds it requires full commitment from the pilot.
The SW Coastal Path passes through the take off area. Walkers have right of way and pilots must make sure the area is clear before attempting to top land.
The area below launch is more level and tree covered. If lift is limited do not be tempted to scratch the trees but turn out early over the lower cliffs to gain ground clearance.
This is a sensitive site and is Condors members only at the request of the landowner. Please do not obstruct any gates or farm machinery when parking.
There are frequently cars parked on and around launch. These belong to the chalet owners on the lower cliff who pay for the privilege of parking on the clifftop. Do not be tempted to drive out and park alongside them.
These cars can cause a hazard on launch. Pilots must assess the situation carefully before attempting to take off and/or top land.
There is no vehicular access to drop off HG equipment, it will need to be carried out from the parking area.
Bottom Landing
Plentiful beach exists along the whole run.
If landing below take off there is a path back onto the cliffs but it is not particularly direct and can be closed at various times due to erosion.
HG can land to the east at Branscombe Mouth for vehicle access. Be aware of tourists, fishermen and boats. Check before flying, if you do not know the landing area.
Do not land on the grass in front of the café, when it is open, as you may be approached for money!
Top Landing
HG can land the second field to rear behind T/O, access through stile check for crops. This field can be turbulent in stronger winds.
PG can land back on take off but the sharp edge of the cliff can produce rotor if your approach is not correct. There have been a number of incidents especially if the wind is off to the East and you are advised to seek advice from local pilots before attempting to top land the site.
Ridge Run
A relatively straightforward ridge run West to Sidmouth is possible with ample bottom landing options available for the whole distance. There are various gaps to tackle however these are normally accomplished with ease given the height of the cliffs and the lift usually available.
If flying to the East then avoid flying behind the stack as you approach Beer Head. The stack, although now reduced in height by erosion, produces considerable amounts of rotor that rolls up the cliff behind. Moving out and passing in front does not usually cost much height and is the safest option to access the last section of cliff.​
In the right conditions it is possible to cross Sidmouth and extend the run to Ladram Bay. landing options once across Sidmouth can be limited and it is important to ensure that it is possible to reach a suitable beach if the conditions change.
XC Potential
May be possible in the right conditions.​
Airspace
Danger Area D012 - Lyme Bay North closely follows the coastline to the East of take off and then, at Beer Head, angles out to sea. Instruments are likely to indicate that you are close to this airspace but you are unlikely to enter it.
The control authority is aware of our activities along the Northern edge of the danger area and it is safe to ignore these warnings and often better to dismiss the airspace completely if your instrument allows. XC League will not invalidate your track if you have entered this airspace.
All pilots using Devon & Somerset Condors HGPG sites must be current BHPA flying members, hold a minimum rating of CP Hill and obtain a site brief from a pilot who regularly flies the site.
The information contained in this document is provided purely as guidance. It is not intended to be an exhaustive guide to the hazards that may be encountered and it is the responsibility of individual pilots to carry out their own assessment of the site and weather conditions before making a decision to fly.
Neither the Devon & Somerset Condors Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club, authors of this guide, editors of this guide, any official or member of the club in any way accept liability for any accident, injury, or loss, to any person, resulting from free flying activities or the use of this guide.