Bucknole
SITE TYPE | Hill | LOCATION | 50.7650 / -3.1562 | |
SITE ACCESS | MEMBERS ONLY | GRID REF. | SY185967 | |
PILOT RATING | CP | TAKE OFF | ||
WIND DIRECTION | ESE - SSE | PARKING | ||
BEST | SE | HEIGHT | 720 feet (220m) | |
XC POTENTIAL | GOOD | TOP - BOTTOM | 225 feet (68m) |
Site Rules
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Condors members only
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Park responsibly - do not block gates or farm equipment
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Avoid livestock and crops
Hazards​
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Rotor on launch especially if the wind is off
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Small site - not suited to many wings if scratching low
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Bowl effect may make the wind seem more on than it really is
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Trees around top landing may induce rotor especially on thermic days - consider bottom landing
About​
Bucknole is a small farm site a few miles to the South of Honiton best suited to thermic flying and as an XC getaway.
It consists of a small grassy bowl overlooking fields and the owners farm. The site becomes thermic and offers XC possibilities towards the North Devon Coast although Dunkeswell ATZ needs to be avoided soon after leaving the hill.
The site is open to all levels of pilot but is Condors members only at the request of the landowner.
Access & Parking​
Take the A35 out of Honiton heading towards Axminster and turn right at the top of the hill onto Tower Road signposted Northleigh and Farway.
After 1.5 miles, at the T junction, turn left signposted Northleigh. After 400 yards, where the road forks, turn right signposted Farway and Northleigh.
After a 90 degree left hand bend park on the left ensuring the road is clear and no gates are blocked ( an alternative is to park on the wide road and then walk down the hill).
The road is extensively used by large agricultural machinery and your vehicle may be at risk of damage if you park in the narrower sections, block the road or park in gateways.
Walk down the road to a gateway opening into a field on the right. Walk along the track to another gate and walk across the field to take-off:-
https://what3words.com/evoke.strange.shady
There is an alternative route from parking: walk straight on from the left hand bend, go through a gateway on the left, walk across the field to join the previous route at the track.
Guidlines
Carefully check the wind direction before launching as there can be considerable rotor if the wind is off in either direction. The bowl effect can make the wind appear to be more on than it really is.
The site is small, best suited as an XC getaway, and does not support many wings if the lift is limited and pilots are scratching. Keep a good look out when flying and taking off.
Bottom Landing
There are various fields both before and after the farm suitable for bottom landing. Some of the fields closest to take off are sloping and it is probably better to overfly these if you have sufficient height and land in the flatter fields beyond.
Slope landing is possible anywhere below take off
Wherever possible avoid fields with livestock and crops. Dont forget that long grass is considered a crop when being grown for hay/silage and should be avoided.
Top Landing
In the field behind take off if not cropped or containing livestock
XC Potential
Good potential to make the North Devon Coast at approx. 70km
Airspace
Dunkeswell ATZ is approx. 8km NNE of take off.
If flying XC you will need to adjust your track immediately after going over the back to ensure you can safely avoid the ATZ.
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.