BEST Hang Gliding Spots in the UK

Hang gliding, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities, grows in popularity every summer, especially in the UK.

As the sport continually improves, from the glider to the safety equipment, the key element of the experience remains the place you choose to fly.

Factors such as winds, thermal and ridge lifts, temperatures and, of course, the landscape; will either turn your flight into an unforgettable experience or a bitter disappointment.

The key lies in selecting the proper location for your next flying venture. From the Highlands of Scotland to the Cornish Coast, the British landscape is full of astounding sights.

Below, you will find some of the best places for hang gliding in the UK.

Snowdon

Wales

Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales (more than 1,000 metres high), and the highest point in the British Isles south of Scotland. Lying within the Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd, it is designated as a national nature reserve.

Its impressive rock formations and naturally sculpted massif attract climbers from all around Europe, but seem even more incredible from the air.

In fact, the views from the peaks of Snowdon has repeatedly been voted as the UK’s best view.

A fantastic view over the Welsh countryside

Three Sisters Mountains

Scottish Highlands

The sight of the Three Sisters mountains in the Highlands is widely considered one of the greatest UK views.

In fact, the whole Highlands region, which includes Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, offers hang gliders a fantastic backdrop to their flight.

From Arran to Stonehaven, the Highlands’ sublime rocky formations, its valleys and lochs carved, along with the irregularly distributed mountains, make the whole area an ideal spot for both experienced hang gliders and newbies.

The stunning Three Sisters in Scotland

Can Hatch, Burgh Heath

Surrey

Surrey’s diverse landscape, especially the chalk hills of the North Downs south of the Thames valley and Leith Hill (the highest point in the region), and its magnificent rivers (the Mole and the Wey) is ideal for hang gliding.

The whole area is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, with Surrey’s mesmerizing landscape setting the scene for some of the UK’s best hang gliding.

Catering for all, including seasoned gliders who wish to sharpen their skills and try higher altitudes, and newbies who just want to learn the basics from experienced instructors, Can Hatch offers something for everyone.

The location is one of the most popular spots, due to its flying conditions, especially the mild winds, and its proximity to London.

The South Downs

East Sussex

The South Downs hills, the England’s rocky southern coasts and imposing cliffs, make East Sussex a top-notch destination for hang gliding.

The Weald ridges, a sandy area covered with woodland and heath offer impressive scenery, while the reclaimed marshes of Pevensey Levels in the southeast and the bold cliffs stretching along the coast eastwards promise something unique.

Firle is another great option for gliders who wish to enjoy their favourite extreme sport. The area has a strong tradition of gliding, where some of the best hang gliding instructors and schools in the UK can be found.

Taking flight in the South Downs

St Ives

Cornwall

St Ives, the famous seaside town in Cornwall, faces the waves of the Celtic Sea, has been voted as the Best UK Seaside Town from for the years 2010 and 2011.

Its turbulent, deep coloured waters, combined with the rugged coastline and the peculiar character of the mainland scenery rank it as a wonderful option for experience gliders.

The South Coast of Cornwall, dubbed the Cornish Riviera, is home to picturesque harbour villages such as Fowey and Falmouth. The North Coast is lined with towering cliffs and seaside resorts like Newquay, a popular location for watersports including surfing.

Explore the Cornwall Coastline from above

Cheddar Gorge

Somerset

Cheddar Gorge, the gem of the Mendip Hills, near Cheddar, is mostly known for its underground wealth and caves, but its dramatic cliffs bestow it with outstanding natural beauty.

Formed by meltwater floods, much of the gorge has no river nowadays until the underground Cheddar Yeo river emerges in Gough’s Cave, but the millennia of geological vivacity in the area has transformed it into a genuine piece of living art, with sublime colour combinations and awe-inspiring views.

Gliding above the cliffs provides the rider with unrivalled views of this fantastic landmark!

Cheddar Gorge from above

Buttermere

Lake District

Closing, we will take you to the Buttermere, in the famed for its beauty the Lake District, in North West England.

With a size 2,010 metres by 400 metres wide, the Buttermere Lake has a depth of more than 2o metres, which gives its surface a rare and charming deep colour.

The surrounding area boasts a fantastic scenery, with the valley of the River Cocker and its nearby fells, the High Stile range, Robinson, Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks and Grasmoor adding diversity and a strange yet captivating blend.

The local climate makes hang gliding easy for people with at least basic experience in the skies.

The stunning Lake District