Peak District hang gliding is a common sight to see, especially around Castleton as Mam Tor has the best views all around. Peak District Paragliding is all about a light flying machine that will soar effortlessly off windward slopes and fly you across our county in good conditions. Paragliding is more portable and a little easier to learn to fly then hang gliding but paragliding is more hampered by strong winds, so check the weather before takeoff.
Peak District paragliding is a thriving sport which is developed from parachute canopies and many paragliders strive to perfect their skills in cross county flying. In summer there is no place like the Peak District and a summer sky filled with fluffy cumulus clouds will provide invisible, but lifting currents, which Peak District paragliding pilot use to gain altitude. It is one of the most breathtaking experiences available today and a lot of pilots talk of the sense of privilege to drift from cloud to cloud in total silence and watch the glorious Peak District landscape unfold beneath them.
Paragliding is not limited to upland environments like Peak District Hang gliding is. There is a launch technique to use on flat land, which can use an engine driven winch to pull pilots aloft and reach the skies. Imagine parking your car on a beautiful day and have the best vantage point and watch the colourful parachutes floating effortlessly in the Peak District sky.
Paragliding is one of the least expensive ways to get into the air but they are’nt cheap. You need to be trained to a level which you can fly your own canopy and courses will dent the wallet, but apart from the glider, all you need is a harness, a helmet and a flight suit and boots. Once you’ve bought all this, the sky really is the limit!
