Saunton Down, Braunton, EX33 1LQ
The North Devon Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club is the hub of free flight activity on this stretch of coast, bringing together local and visiting pilots who share a passion for experiencing the extraordinary North Devon landscape from above. Affiliated to the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and operating across some of the finest coastal flying sites in the South West, the club is a welcoming and knowledgeable community that is genuinely supportive of those who want to get into free flight.
The club flies regularly from a number of outstanding sites along the North Devon coast, including Saunton Down, a broad grassy slope that provides reliable soaring conditions in the area’s prevalent south-westerly and westerly winds. From Saunton Down, pilots can soar along the cliff line above the beach, climbing in the lift generated by the wind deflecting off the slope and achieving heights that provide extraordinary views across Saunton Sands, Braunton Burrows and the Taw estuary.
Other sites used by the club include higher inland locations on the edge of Exmoor and Dartmoor that provide access to thermal soaring during the spring and summer months, allowing pilots to cover significant distances across the Devon countryside on the right day. Cross-country flying from North Devon can take pilots to destinations across the South West and beyond, and the club has members who have achieved some impressive distance flights from local sites.
For those interested in learning to fly, the club can provide guidance on reputable schools and training programmes in the area. Visiting pilots are always welcome to fly alongside club members, subject to current rules about site access and landing field permissions.
The club regularly posts site conditions and flying reports online, making it easy to plan a visit around the best conditions. Visiting pilots and those interested in learning more about free flight in North Devon are encouraged to get in touch with the club directly through their website or social media channels.
