Cow Close Fell
Last edited on: 28 Jan 2024
Important information
Please ensure that gates are properly secured.
Status
Open
This site is open but please read the information on this page carefully.
Sites officer
South (Turn on JavaScript!)
Location
Lat, long: 54.154978, -2.157331
OS grid reference: SD 890 732
Wind direction
NNE – NE (025 – 045)
Height
1870ft AMSL 300ft top to bottom of fell, 1030ft top to bottom landing field by river
Grade of pilot
All types (except when making bottom landings).See hazards below.
Parking
Go through Litton and park at the bottom of the track before the river, preferably on the right and without blocking the track, gates or the fell track.
It is possible to take sturdy vehicles up the very rough track, part way up the fell, to SD 885742, where there is limited parking space.
Reference
Via gates to the left from SD 885 742 and onto the fell.
Capacity
Plenty, but the landowner has requested a limit of 6 pilots in the air at any one time.
Hazards
VERY bad turbulence can occur in the valley bottom in strong winds, especially under wave conditions.
A wire fence runs along the bottom of the ridge; make sure you are aware of its position before flying, as it is difficult to spot from the air.
Rules
Landings are permitted only in the large field in the valley bottom. Collapse gliders on landing, de-rig and remove from field as quickly as possible as the farmer does not want to attract spectators. This, of course, does not apply to top and bottom landings on the fell itself. The farmer is also concerned that livestock are not unduly disturbed. This is particularly acute in the landing field.
Do not climb the wire fence along the bottom of the ridge, use the gates at the NW end. Please ensure that gates are secured, not just closed. The farmer has commented that 'Sheep can be tenacious buggers!'
DO NOT CLIMB WALLS. FOLLOW THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE.
Comments
A long walk. On sunny days, mowed fields in the valley bottom can give good lift. There is a refreshing spring at the base of the fell.
Site Challenges
If you'd like a task to follow, consider Cow Close's Defined Flying Challenge: Cow Close Bull Run FAI. 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 Litton.