Pilots flying Benbradagh most commonly take off from the Dungiven West take-off site. However, when the wind is from the north-west, access to Benbradagh’s steep and impressive north-west face can be made on foot (see map in “Dungiven West”). This site is known for its cross-country potential.
Location: Irish Grid ref C724117
Wind Directions: North-west, 300–340 degrees (best 310)
Suitability: Paragliding
Pilot Rating: BHPA Club Pilot + 10 hours
Road Access
Park your car as you would for Dungiven West (see directions below).
Site Access
From the Dungiven West parking area, walk up to the gate that blocks the road. Turn left onto the private road, closing all gates as appropriate. After approximately 700m, continue on your heading (north-west), leaving the road at the sharp right turn. Follow the fence that leads up to the high ground. After around 400m, use the stiles to cross two fences and bear right. Proceed through deep grass and heather to the northern end of the ridge, where the take-off lip becomes less steep.
Hazards
Rotor can be found behind the cliffs at the south-west end of the ridge. Pilots should be cautious when proceeding from the cliffs along the ridge edge for about 300m, as they will encounter rotor behind this steeper section in strong winds. Extra caution is required when approaching top landings.
Launch
Due to the rotor hazard (see above), pilots are strongly advised to avoid the highest, steepest section of the ridge when launching. From the stiles, pilots should head north-north-east (despite a continuous shallow descent) until the ridge lip becomes more generously rounded.
Top Landing
In moderate or strong winds, only the more gradually sloping (north-east) end of the ridge should be selected for top landings. Pilots tempted to fly back to their cars (if parked at Dungiven West) should only do so if they are well above ridge height and confident that the wind strength is light enough to avoid any danger from rotor.
Bottom Landing
There are many large, flat fields beside the road in front of the ridge that are suitable for bottom landings.