Europe – United Kingdom
Mam Tor is a hill that overlooks the Castleton at the western end of the Hope Valley, in the Peak District National Park. It is a popular site for hang gliding and paragliding, with slopes that face north, south and east. It offers good potential for triangle flights, but has limited XC potential due to airspace restrictions.
Site Information
Mam Tor has several launch and landing areas, depending on the wind direction and the pilot’s experience and preference. The main launch area is on the summit of Mam Tor, which can be accessed by a footpath from Mam Nick car park or from Castleton village. The other launch areas are on the landslip area below the east face of Mam Tor, which can be accessed by a road from Castleton or Edale. The primary bottom landing area is a large field near the road junction between Castleton and Edale. The alternative bottom landing area is Windy Knoll, a grassy field near Mam Nick car park.
Mam Tor Take Off
- Location: 53.346944, -1.809167
- Altitude: 500 m / 1640 ft
- Description: This is the main take off for east winds. It is a grassy slope with a stone wall on the northwest side. Rig behind the wall at least 50 meters from the trig point and take off in front of the path. Do not obstruct the summit path or fly too close to walkers.
The Landslip PG Take Off
- Location: 53.345278, -1.805833
- Altitude: 350 m / 1150 ft
- Description: This is an alternative take off for experienced paraglider pilots if the wind is north of east. It is a grassy slope with a fence by the lay by. Rig and take off in front of the fence. Beware of rotor from Treak Cliff in SE winds.
The Landslip HG Take Off
- Location: 53.345000, -1.806111
- Altitude: 350 m / 1150 ft
- Description: This is an alternative take off for experienced hang glider pilots if the wind is north of east. It is on the landslip area directly below the east face landslip. Seek advice if using it for the first time. Beware of rotor from Lose Hill and Back Tor in NE winds.
Flying Conditions and Restrictions
- Before flying this site, please read and fully understand this safety announcement. If in doubt, please ask a coach.
- This site is managed by the Derbyshire Soaring Club (DSC). You must be a member of the DSC or a member of another BHPA club with a valid membership card to fly here.
- You must follow the DSC site rules and code of conduct, which can be found here.
- You must respect the rights of way and the landowners. Do not obstruct the summit path or any gates or stiles. Do not park on verges or block access roads.
- You must avoid flying over or near livestock, especially during lambing season.
- You must be aware of the airspace restrictions in this area. Daventry CTA is at 4500 ft, Airway Amber 2 is at FL65 to the east.
- You must be aware of the weather conditions and the wind direction and strength. Do not fly in winds over 25 mph or in rotor or turbulence.
- You must be aware of other pilots and members of the public. Do not fly too close to them or create a hazard for them.
- You must choose a suitable take off and landing spot according to your experience and skill level. Seek advice if you are new to the site or unsure about anything.
Best Times to Fly and Visit
- The best time to fly at Mam Tor is from spring to autumn, when the weather is more stable and the thermals are more consistent.
- The best wind direction for flying at Mam Tor is east (SE to NE), which allows you to use either the main take off or the landslip take off.
- The best time to visit Mam Tor is anytime, as it is a beautiful and scenic area with many attractions and activities to enjoy. You can explore the historic Castleton village, visit the caves and mines, hike on the trails, or admire the views from the summit.
Record Flights
- The paragliding FAI triangle distance record for Mam Tor is 68.8 km, set by Phil Wallbank on 25/08/2015. You can see his tracklog here.
- The paragliding out-and-return and flat triangle distance record for Mam Tor is 39.9 km, set by Helen Gant on 16/04/2015. You can see her tracklog here.
- No hang gliding records are currently known for this site.
More Information
- For more information about flying at Mam Tor, you can contact the Derbyshire Soaring Club through their website: https://derbyshiresoaringclub.org.uk/
- You can also join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DerbyshireSoaringClub
- For more information about visiting Mam Tor and the surrounding area, you can check out these websites:
- https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/things-to-do/mam-tor-p679821
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinder-edale-and-the-dark-peak/features/mam-tor-the-shivering-mountain
- https://visitcastleton.co.uk/
