Pontlottyn

The take off located on the steep north east face of Cefn y Brithdir, overlooking Pontlottyn.

The take-off area is large and flat and the hill has a nice rounded front. No real obstructions, but be aware of the high voltage power lines running along the bottom of the hill in front of take-off.

The paragliding top landing area is large but be aware of being blown back onto the road and parked cars, also of gliders taking off ahead at the hill edge. It is possible to land a PG on the track to avoid a lengthy walk up – but this requires significant skill and experience.
Hang gliders should aim to land in area HG1 towards the rear of the hill. Note the gentle slope towards the line of parked cars/road and take-off. Overshooting the landing area should be avoided but it is normally clearer towards the north end.

Area HG2 is large and reasonably flat and slightly higher than the road and car park. If you overshoot it is a long way to the front down a shallow slope towards take-off. Be aware of cars on the road, pilots taking off, PG’s landing and pilots soaring low at the hill edge.

Area HG3 on the shoulder is an option if you do not have enough height to be able to use H1 or H2. There is no safe overshoot option and you will need to land close to the road. It is worth taking note of the lay of the land on the way to take-off. If not staying up, head for the bottom landing (see map) in good time as there are no alternative fields on the way if you get low.
The bottom landing field slopes uphill, so approach with plenty of airspeed. A “fly on the wall” type flare will be required on a hang glider.

A lovely site to fly with a view over to Abertysswg. The Rhymney River sits in the valley below. Wave is not uncommon, and good height gains are possible even in winter.
Lift drops off dramatically when the wind is off the hill. The site can be affected by a sea breeze – you’ll see the sea breeze front approaching from the south.

It is possible to fly across the valley to the quarry and pick up lee side thermals from the rock face after it has been in sun.
The wind turbines on the hills in front cannot be relied upon to judge wind speed as blades are adjusted to give slow rotation sometimes.

Looking south from the Pontlottyn take-off. Photo courtesy of Alan Hole.

Watch out for the power lines running along the bottom of the hill in front of take-off and the transmitter mast towards the south end of the ridge. Beware of the steep embankment on the approach to the bottom landing field
Cars park immediately next to the landing area, so don’t get dragged into them, or land in their lee.