Fochriw

Fochriw is a ridge soaring and thermal site in the South Wales valleys, a friendly enough hill that often stays flyable on days when the better-known Merthyr site next door is blown out. Access here is restricted to members of the local hang gliding and paragliding club and the national free-flight federation, and the site has long been used by local flying schools, who get priority when it's busy. Launch is a short but sharp carry up the face of the hill — watch for the deep fissures close to the edge. The hill compresses the wind less than Merthyr does, so what you feel at takeoff is close to the real windspeed; don't underestimate it, since getting blown back off launch here means dropping into lee rotor and power lines. There's a power-line hazard at the north end of the ridge, light model-aircraft activity from an adjacent field, and foot-launched powered aircraft operating from Bedlinog at the south end, so keep a lookout beyond just other paragliders.

Launch & conditions

It's a short, sharp carry up the hill face to launch — watch for deep fissures close to the edge. The wind compresses less here than at nearby Merthyr, so takeoff wind speed reads close to the true windspeed; don't underestimate it, since being blown back means dropping into lee rotor and power lines.

Getting there & local rules

Off the A465 or A4060 via minor roads. Park sensibly beside the road — there have been break-ins in the area — and never drive past or block the mine gate, or drive up the hill itself even if others do.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Fochriw, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Fochriw with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.