Gliding

[larkstar]

I have fancied doing this for some time but it’s not been that easy to find out how and where best to try and arrange this. I live in the middle of the UK but have a camper van and can and do travel all over the place. If you have done some gliding - and I mean - a one off experience - where did you do it and would you recommend it? Some places I’ve looked at seem to think you want to take it up as a regular hobby - I don’t think that’s going to happen. Suggestions?

TIA

I used to do it! It’s brilliant! This place is a good one https://www.theglidingcentre.co.uk/
You can definitely do a one off at most gliding clubs, it’s called an air experience flight. It’s easy to get hooked though!

I meant to say, find the website of the gliding site you’re interested and just call them. Tell them what you want to do and they’ll arrange it. Some are weekends only, some full time, some do different hours, but it will tell you on their website.

@FictionalCharacter thank-you so much - that’s exactly what I had in mind - 2hrs away and there’s a couple of campsites within walking distance. I’ll see what I can arrange. I guess, because weather is a factor on whether they can fly, I’ll have to book at least 2 or 3 nights away.

You can do a 5 day intensive course and stay onsite at some gliding sites.
There is also Peterborough Gliding Club at Crowland.
I have never done a winch take off but always Aero tows, which I think I would prefer.
I have flown but never went solo and to be honest I now don't feel like I want to.
Nothing like getting a thermal and rising from 1000ft to over 3000ft.
Do it!

Yes it’s really nice, and they have accommodation too, or they used to anyway. I often used to stay overnight. Sometimes I camped there but I don’t know if they still allow that.

My friend used to go gliding on the Long Mynd in Shropshire. They never bought their own glider but did get a licence to fly independently.