NOTE: Some pilots have recently been asked not to fly at this site (Dec 2009) by the warden, who is concerned about the impact on rare bird species nesting in the area. Pilots should check with the warden (who lives on the access lane) before flying here. If asked to leave the site, please comply.
Skerrywhirry is a small west-south-west facing site located west of Shane’s Hill, just off the Larne – Ballymena road. It is one of our lesser-used sites due to its short ridge and the fact that it rarely provides smooth soaring conditions.
Location: Irish Grid ref D286004
Wind Directions: South-west to west
Suitability: Paragliding and Hang Gliding
Pilot Rating: BHPA Club Pilot +10 hours
Road Access
Access via the Greenmount experimental hill farm. Drive into the hill farm entrance and follow the lane toward the hill until you come to a gate. Ensure this gate is closed after passing through, and then follow the lane around to the north side of the hill.
Parking
Park in the small lay-by on the access road. Do not obstruct the lane, as it is used by large farm vehicles.
Site Access
The site requires a steep walk to the launch point.
Hazards
A barbed wire fence runs directly down the hill, dividing it in two. The site rarely produces smooth soaring conditions. The lower area of the hill is boulder-strewn, with the boulders appearing much larger from the air than they seem from the ground.
Launch
The best launch is at the northern end of the short ridge facing west. This launch point has a smooth grassy slope with a fence below and to the left of the boulder field.
Another launch, more suitable for a south-westerly wind direction, is located at the southern end of the ridge. While the ground here is rougher than the westerly launch, it is otherwise free of obstructions. Be cautious of the rocky outcrop on the right of this launch, as it can produce turbulence in some conditions.
Bottom Landing
Most of the bottom landing fields close to the hill slope downwards, which should not present a problem for paragliders. However, hang gliders should land in fields further out or on the flat land across the lane and fence, at the north end of the ridge. Under no circumstances should you land in fields with crops. Paragliders will generally find it easy to land next to the car.
Top Landing
It is possible to land along most of the ridge, except near the rocky outcrop where turbulence may be encountered.