Paragliding

Excellent Paragliding in North Wales - Conwy and Clwydian range

The northernmost area of Wales is covered with many mountains and valleys. The countryside provides suitable conditions for paragliding in many sites. We will focus on flying mostly on the coast, around the Conwy Valley and the inland parts of the Clwydian range. This means places with even over 400 meters hills where the landings are at or about sea level, useful when cloudbase is low inland. Most sites benefit from being in the weather shadow of Snowdonia, with dryer and warmer days. There is almost always a steady sea breeze in summer.
6. 8. 2013 Photos: 3

On fine days flights from most sites take you into and over the beautiful green mountains. To go paragliding here, you need an extra permission from the local guides. Adrex.com therefore recommends using advice of Para-Excellence paragliding school in the area. Para-Excellence was founded to provide paragliding coaching at the highest level to both experienced pilots and to those serious about taking up the sport. Situated on the North Wales Coast, the school is within easy reach of some of the finest flying sites in the country, whilst benefiting from the mild and predictable coastal climate.

Coaching and guiding are available to those visiting the area for the first time, or to those not yet ready to fly on the larger and possibly daunting North Wales sites. Some of Para-Excellence school sites are 360 meters (1200ft) and perfectly situated for those first XC's. Instruction for those aiming to finish off their Club Pilot rating is a specialty, with sites offering easy soaring and top landings. Sea breezes offer smooth and predictable soaring conditions. For those who haven’t yet experienced the thrill of flight they offer flexible courses tailored to suit the individual.

The North Wales Coastline Sites

Foel Lus - situated 5 km west of Conwy above the village of Panmaenmawr (by Eypy A55).

Great Orme - inside the Great Orme Country Park, some 4 km north of Conwy (A546).

The North Wales Inland Sites

Moel Famau - above the Clwyd Forest (A525 then 494), over 400 meters

Moel yr Accre - situated south of Ruthin (A525) offers heights over 400 meters.

Most areas only accessible for permit holders !

Coming to Para-Excellence Sites

Para-Excellence shares the majority of its sites with the North Wales Hg & PG Club. North Wales can be a sensitive area, so if you are a visitor please contact them before you fly and find out any restrictions which may be in force. In common with the North Wales Hg & PG Club, the sites are Strictly Members Only, but they welcome visitors as long as they are accompanied by one of their pilots. Many of the sites are large and quite daunting on a first visit, the landings are often remote from the hill and difficult to find so this restriction should not be too much of a burden. The sites are never crowded, but as all are suitable for both HG and PG if you find it difficult to fly with other craft this is maybe not the place for you. Although there are often separate landings, they share take-off areas.

Address:

Para-Excellence, 12 Maelgwyn drive, Deganwy, Conwy, North Wales, LL31 9UY

The area boasts a host of accommodation of all standards: camping, youth hostels, bunk-houses, bed and breakfast and hotels. This can be booked for you or an accommodation list can be provided. Also in the local area are numerous tourist attractions and alternative activities for the family, or just for the occasional day when the weather is unsuitable.

For more information go to:   www.para-excellence.co.uk  

Source: Para-Excellence website.  Thanks to Rob Arnold. All images are property of Para-Excellence.  Video: Youtube  Text: Thomas

6. 8. 2013

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