Flying detail
Access & launch
Take-off — Hang gliders usually launch from the main NE ridge (Bostal Down); paragliders are asked not to use this launch when hang gliders are present. The best launch for both is from the bowl to the east (560 ft amsl), where there is a lowered section of the hill-edge fencing. If in any doubt about the wind, walk to the top of Bostal Down to feel the true direction. Do not launch from the small field in front of the public car park, and note that the trees in front of the Bostal Down launch can cause significant turbulence.
Rigging — Hang gliders: take the South Downs Way east about 100 yards and rig well clear of the Way, without obstructing the take-off and landing areas; you may also rig and launch in the east bowl, which is recommended for lower-airtime or rusty pilots. Paragliders: use the east bowl until you know the site; if landing at Bostal Down, leave enough room for HG launch and landing, and ensure that, were you to be dragged, it would not be into a hang glider. They are very expensive nowadays. Do not launch from the east bowl when hang gliders are present.
Landing
Top landing — Hang glider pilots should stay in front of the rear fence when approaching over the car park; even in moderate winds you may struggle to penetrate. Beware rotor behind the quarry in NNE winds, and behind the dew ponds and tumuli between the bowl and car park. Paraglider pilots may top-land anywhere on the main NE ridge field; inexperienced pilots should stay well forward on approach because of the strong venturi at the top of the hill. The large area behind the east bowl is excellent for low-airtime top-landing practice. Aim to land towards the top of Bostal Down, not close to the car park.
Bottom landing — when the bottom fields are harvested the farmers do not mind where you land (usually the large field immediately below the east bowl); with modern direct-drilling it is less obvious when fields are clear, but there is plenty of room to land paragliders at the bottom of the east bowl on a crosswind approach. Do not land and re-launch in the marked bottom-landing area. Retrieves are best driven down the lane to the A27, turning right and then right again off the A27 through Alciston — drive considerately along the dirt track (closed to four-wheeled vehicles in winter).
Hazards & obstacles
Aeromodellers generally use the big bowl to the west of the car park (there is no formal agreement) — the site is large enough to avoid conflict, but talk to them if they are present. Beware the fence running along the edge of virtually the whole hill. The site has a large number of rabbit burrows, mostly on the slopes — take care not to catch a foot, especially when slope-landing.
Airflow
Around the front of the car park there can be turbulence from the trees at the foot of the hill and disturbed airflow in the quarry — fly this area with caution until you know it. The trees in front of the Bostal Down launch generate severe turbulence in strong winds, so launch from and land behind the East Bowl until you know the site well. Bushes, the dew pond and tumuli on top cause turbulence that can affect low top-landing hang gliders. Generally the air is smooth in the east-bowl area, but when the wind is off to the east it can become very turbulent (often from the easterly sea breeze), and when off to the north the left side of the east bowl can be affected by rotor behind the trees. Always walk to the top of Bostal Down to assess the true wind — a marked venturi in the quarry can make the wind seem straight when it is 45° or more off, particularly to the east. Always let someone else cross the quarry first.
Exact launch
- Launch GPS
- 50.82044, 0.12867
Members also see the gate / padlock code (where a site has one), the Safety Officer’s contact, and the downloadable guide (PDF). Member sign-in · Join the club