Brant Side
Last edited on: 28 Jan 2024
Important information
When top landing at take off be extra vigilant in stronger winds that you do not get blown back as this could lead to landing behind the wall with the risk of rotor.
Status
Open
This site is open but please read the information on this page carefully.
Sites officer
North (Turn on JavaScript!)
Location
Lat, long: 54.276358, -2.345247
OS grid reference: SD 778 866
Wind direction
WSW (230-255)
Height
1705’ (520m) AMSL, 885’ (270m) Top to valley bottom
Grade of pilot
HG – Soarers only.
PG – All grades.
Parking
Traditionally where the access track joins the Coal Road from Garsdale Head to Lea Yeat about a kilometere east of Dent railway station.The walk in from here is easy but we also have permission to drive along the track and park just before the second gate. there is room for about 6 cars but be aware that the fell side of this area is boggy, park with driving wheels on the track side. A third parking area is for HGs and is marked on the map just before the third gate. Unfortunately you can't see either of these parking areas from the road so you may be wasting your time if there isn't room. Groups should cooperate with leaving vehicles at the road and ferrying gear/pilots to the second gate.
Reference
Walk 1200m along the access track and through the third gate to access take off(level ground).
Capacity
Space for about 12 gliders.
Hazards
Tricky bottom landing, especially for HGs. Paragliders can slope-land part way down the hill.
Rules
Do not block the track. Do not block the turning area. Keep the gates closed.
Comments
This is a good alternative SW site when Stags Fell is busy but comes into its own right when the wind is WSW and Stags Fell/Wether Fell are not working.
Top landing – In fairly modest winds you can land almost back at take off or anywhere along the front at the top where it is only gently sloping. Landing behind the wall has the risk of rotor so make allowance for this and land well back. If returning to launch, choose the south end near to the fourth gate where there is a large opening in the fell wall and onto the bridleway track. When returning to your car choose the northern end where there is an easy exit through the fell gate and sheep pens. A track, visible from the air leads to this gate
Flying back to the car at the road junction is quite possible but do not fly over the road. Land in the fields alongside the access track but leave plenty of height to turn, as you will be almost completely downwind at this point.
Emergency bottom landings – if you go down it is possible to land on the shallower slopes below the soaring face. Landing in the valley bottom is tricky as the fields run straight in to the river Dee. Beware of dead spots in the lee of trees.
Site Challenges
If you'd like a task to follow, consider Brant Side's Defined Flying Challenges: Brant Side to Hawes and Brantside Triangle. If you don't know about the DFCs, you can read about them, and download a copy from Ed Cleasby's website.
Land owner
Contact via Sites Officer
Nearest landline/mobile phone coverage
At Lea Yeat.
Poor mobile phone reception, no reception on some networks.