Haresfield
Wind directions:
S,SSW,SW
Click for full site map
Location:
Site News
NOTE: Owing to change of ownership of the fields below take-off this historic flying site has become sensitive with regards to how it is flown. Please read fully the site guide.
Haresfield (also known as Scaresfield) is a small technical site. Its hazards should be noted and caution observed. It has been assessed as suitable for Pilot rating or higher. That said, if flown with due respect for topography and conditions it can deliver wonderful soaring flights and has XC potential.
Parking
Permission:
Open
Site Officer:
Dave Neal
Restrictions:
Even if you have a good amount of experience, it is recommended not to fly until you have received a site brief on this highly technical site.
Lat, Long:
51.779041N -2.255991W
Launch height (ft)
705
Grid ref:
SO 824 090
Height TTB (ft)
200
Pilot Rating:
Pilot
Take off
Main take off above.
West take off at: https://what3words.com/develop.glimmers.jubilant
Local Flying
A committing take-off close to trees. There is just enough space to lay out two gliders on the main (SW) take off, but only room for one at a time to launch. If the wind is from the South it is possible to launch from the Ring Hill take-off: ///develop.glimmers.jubilant, by walking 300m along the path towards the trig point.
Regarding the decision to fly, remember the site is sensitive to wind direction. As the site is a bowl, if unsure of wind direction it is best to check at the trig point on the Ring Hill spur. When the wind is SW the wooded slope to the East of take-off can be soared until sufficient height is gained such that you are well above the tree line.
The site can provide enjoyable soaring and potential XC flying but the emergency bottom landing option is very sensitive and should not be used for deliberate top-to-bottoms. Please judge conditions accordingly.
Be aware that if flying in a Southerly wind and launching from Ring Hill it needs to be strong enough to safely launch and stay above ridge height. If it is too light it will prove difficult to make the emergency bottom landing and there will likely be turbulence caused by the Eastern side of the bowl. Avoid this situation- if in doubt do not fly, there will always be another day.
XC Flying
It can be difficult to get away from but there is potential for 200km once beyond Daventry. The site record is in excess of 100km.
Top Landing
In anywhere between SSE and SW it is possible to top land on Ring Hill, https://what3words.com/develop.jubilant.glimmers (SO 8215608933), but beware of trees bounding the field and the deep depression in the middle.
If it is SW and you have the height, it is possible to land on the main common; https://what3words.com/acting.cycle.fuses (SO 8311 08603). Make sure you have height well above the trees as it will be turbulent behind the tree line.
Top landing or slope landing at the main take off is technical and not recommended unless you have sufficient experience.
Bottom Landing
Please, no deliberate top-to-bottoms.
THERE IS NO PERMISSION to bottom land in the fields or scrub below take off or at the foot of the hill. The landowner has asked us not to land in these fields. The site map shows the area bounded in red.
If you have to bottom land use the emergency bottom landing field: https://what3words.com/scoop.acids.drape (SO 82617 08564). Be aware the field slopes from the tree line so treat it as a slope landing. Land high to avoid flying the field down to the tree line.
Land well away from stock. Pack promptly and leave the field by the metal gate in the SE corner of the field; https://what3words.com/attic.remote.width. If the gate is locked, climb over the adjacent wooden rail.
Do not climb over the barbed wire fence surrounding the field, use the gateway- this is part of our agreement.
Do not take short cuts as you risk crossing into the neighbouring farmer’s land.
Once through the gate it is best to follow the track South until clear of trees and then walk up to the Common. Once there you can head Northwest on the Cotswold Way footpath which takes you back to take off in 15 minutes.
If you are in the far SE side of the bowl and low, the field to the South of the bottom landing field is also permissible. Walk up using gates and stiles to a footpath.
Landing safely is paramount and if you do land in the area bounded in red on the site map because of an emergency, pack and leave quickly by gate until you attain a footpath.
Additional Info
Despite its complications, Haresfield can be an enjoyable site to fly with extensive views over the estuary and Severn Vale. If flyable there will usually be a local pilot on the hill. Please get a thorough briefing and advice before flying.
