Dodd Fell & Grove Head
Last edited on: 26 May 2022
Important information
The official launch areas are now owned by The Woodland Trust.
Status
Open
This site is open but please read the information on this page carefully.
Sites officer
North (Turn on JavaScript!)
Location
Lat, long: 54.251000, -2.262400
OS grid reference: SD 829 838
Wind direction
Dodd Fell W-NW (270-315), Grove Head NNE (000-035)
Height
1815’ (555m) AMSL 660’ (200m) Top to bottom of fell
Grade of pilot
HG – Expert.
PG – All grades.
Parking
Drive along the Cam High Road passing through 2 gates (close them) + cattle grids until reaching the Pennine Way. Park off the road on the left or right without blocking the road or the Pennine Way track.
Reference
400m North along the Pennine Way and then through the first gate on the left; or follow the road SW for 200m and go through the gate on the right for Grove Head.
Capacity
Large Ridge.
Hazards
The area is well known for wave so make a good assessment of conditions before flying. Do not scratch too close to the ridge in light conditions: the stone walls are very unforgiving – leave a good safety margin.
Rules
Do not drive vehicles along the Pennine Way. The access enclosure is the only one with a gate onto the Pennine Way so always try to land here if you go down. Under no circumstances climb the walls (very fragile in places) onto the Pennine Way. Paragliders can usually walk part way up the hill, relaunch and then fly back to the access enclosure.
Top landings are possible to the East of the wall along most of the ridge, but re-launching is only possible SW of the summit; beware of rotor.
Comments
A good alternative to Wether Fell for the PG pilot and one of our best and popular sites for going XC. Often flown onto from Wether Fell by Hang Gliders so keep a good look out. Valley bottom landings would involve a massive retrieve for the HG pilot and have rarely been tried. This site is the home of the Dodd Grid Challenge (see competition page for details).
Land owner
The Woodland Trust.
Nearest landline/mobile phone coverage
At Hawes.