Paul's Grove

Paul's Grove is a small, secluded English site above the Thames with very little pilot experience logged to date. It can turn turbulent in strong winds because of the trees upwind of the bottom landing area, and it's a difficult site to soar — some pilots say impossible. The challenge is to gain enough height above takeoff (usually in a thermal) and then push forward onto the steep, tree-covered Hartslock Wood ridge that skirts the Thames. In theory, once you're flying above the ridge you should find good dynamic and thermal lift with a great view of the boats messing about on the river.

Local rules & hazards

Turbulent in strong winds due to trees upwind of the bottom landing area. Difficult to soar — some say impossible. Very little pilot experience gained here — fly cautiously.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Paul's Grove, 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 Paul's Grove with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.