RHOSSILI DOWN

[Steve Watkins]

O.S. Reference : SS 4163 8848

Wind direction : Cliffs NW to N
Wind direction : Hill  WSW to WNW

TO height a.m.s.l. :  Pimple  400ft, Top 600ft


How to get there
From M4 J42 take the A483 into Swansea then follow the A4067 along the seafront towards Mumbles.  2km before Mumbles turn right onto theB4436 following the signs for South Gower.  Turn right at Pennard Church and then, after 1km turn left onto the A4118.  Follow this road all the way to Scurlage then turn right for Rhossili on the B4247.

Landowner and site fee
The National Trust are the owners and custodians of the hill, the beach and the cliffs.
The South West Wales Soaring Club pays an annual premium to the Trust for a permit to fly here.  In addition, all visiting pilots who are not members of the SWWSC are required  by the Trust to pay a day fee of £2.00 at their  shop and visitor centre which is situated just beyond the main car park.

Rules
When paying at the shop, visiting pilots must  sign the book.  Copies of the site rules are available at the shop if required.
Park only in the designated carparks.  Pilots may deposit equipment at the end of the access lane to the hill but must then remove their vehicles either to the small carpark at the church or to  the main carpark alongside the Worms Head Hotel.  The access lane to the hill must be kept clear for emergency vehicles.

Potential Hazards
During morning and evening high tides the tide comes in very quickly to leave the beach mostly underwater.
Pilots must take care not to drift back into the lee of the north end of the hill where turbulence may be encountered.
Pilots must endeavour not to get blown back when flying along the cliffs.  Severe turbulence occurs in the lee of the cliffs.
The slope is covered in brambles, gorse and thick bracken so slope landing is best avoided.

Take Off and landing
There are two dedicated takeoff areas: one at the pimple and one at the top of the hill near the trig point.  Use only these areas for taking off and top landing.
Pilots must not take off or land on the raised beach(the grassy plateau at the base of the hill); it is an area  of Special Scientific Interest.
Taking off or landing on the cliffs is not permitted.  The cliffs can be flown by taking off and landing on the pimple. Bottom landing can be anywhere on the beach but pilots must be aware of the public when coming in to land.
Use only the recognised footpaths when returning from the beach to the hilltop.

Site Comments
A premier coastal site situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Generally a very benign place to fly with a generous liftband.  An excellent place for low airtimers and/or pilots wanting to adjust or try out new equipment and enjoy a relaxing days flying and maybe a pint and a chat in the pub afterwards.  Limited XC potential.  Lots of alternative things to see and do.