Golden Ball

​​

SITE OPEN

 

NB.  ALL our flying sites are MEMBERS ONLY!

​

Please make sure that your membership is up to date. If not, kindly join now and become a new member of Thames Valley Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club.

​

 

The site is open again subject to strict conditions: 

The rules:

• Advanced Pilot and Pilot rated with 100 flying hours

• Pilots to gather and setup 20 metres behind the take off area

• A maximum of 5 wings laid out in the take off area at any one time

• It is important to emphasise that pilots adopt a 'Spread the wing and go' policy

• If conditions change or pilots are unwilling to launch they are required to gather up their wing and retreat from the take off area

• XC flights only, no ridge soaring

• TVHGC members only

​

NOTE: If for any reason the landowner / manager desires a temporary closure of the site, a temporary closure notice will be posted and the site guide amended. When posted NO FLYING IS TO TAKE PLACE 

​

As with any site, leave no litter and be aware of horses and livestock. If you see a horse, please move away as far away as is safe or land immediately, whichever is most appropriate.

 
Unless you are sure that you will go cross country please do not go to Golden Ball. If you do and there are 5 gliders on take off, do not move forward with your wing. Remain behind take off with wings tucked up but don’t obstruct the right of way for other hill users. Only move forward and lay out your wing when space is available on launch. This may be frustrating and particularly tough on a great flying day but we rely on everyone to abide by the rules.

 

Golden Ball - paragliding only

 

Status

Available all year round but this site may be closed due to landowner / manager request or farm activities so please check before you fly.  Use the site signs if available or Telegram Planning group to ask if there are any horse events that might restrict flying. 

​

Only take off in the designated area and NOT beyond the fence to the left of takeoff, if you see anyone doing so, please have a 'quiet word'.

​

Restricted to 'Pilot rated' Hill pilots with 100hrs and only if intending to going XC 'over the back':

​

Wind Direction / Details

SE-S.
South facing escarpment.

​

Restrictions
(pilot or advanced rated pilots only)

This site is only to be flown with the intention of going XC (cross country), in order to minimise impact on the hill and to comply with the landowner’s wishes.

​

Sensitivity

This is a very sensitive site – The agreement can be revoked at any time.
There are lots of horses in this area, often ridden by inexpert riders.  As horses are easily spooked by low flying gliders. Never fly low over horses. 
It always helps to take time to stop and talk to other people using the tracks, preventing problems developing.. 

​

Location

OS Grid Ref SU 127638, Landranger 173, Pathfinder 1185.

​

What3Words: ///quits.chosen.dolls (https://what3words.com/quits.chosen.dolls)

 

Directions

Take the A4 out of Marlborough towards Chippenham/Devizes. 
After approx 3 miles turn left to Lockeridge and follow the road for about 3.5 miles. 
Turn left into carpark .

​

Parking

In the Golden Ball / Pewsey Downs car park.

Please also use the Wiltshire Connect app to pre-arrange bus transfer to reduce parking congestion
Be aware that car thieves have operated in this area.

​

Access

No vehicular access beyond the public car park. Walk to take off using the footpaths and access points provided

​

Take Off

Approximate elevation 260m/765’ AMSL
Setup and take-off area limited to Golden Ball - the first field beyond the access gate at Knapp Hill

​

Landing

There is no designated top landing area.
There is no designated slope landing area
There is no Bottom landing.

Do not land beyond the fence which is a little further east from launch. If you have to land there in an emergency, bunch up and walk back to the take-off position. Do NOT take-off from beyond the fence!

Hazards

There may be paragliders tow launching from the field behind this site.

​

XC

Please ensure you study your Air-map carefully and  check NOTAMs. Benson, Brize Norton, Fairford and other airspace challenges are downwind of this site.