DESCRIPTION

The Sail Mhor Terraces above Dundonnell offer a beautiful place for a flight amongst some superb west coast mountain scenery. In front of the take off area lies the sea, with excellent views to the outer Hebrides, behind are the jagged tops of An Teallach (‘The Anvil’) and the remote Strathnasheallag and Fisherfield Forests. The Sail Mhor terraces launch takes a north easterly or northerly wind direction. The proximity of this site to the coast means that in spring or summer, as the day develops, the wind is likely to be drawn around to the west. Later in the day this can quickly make it difficult to launch from the take off described below, but once in the air if the sea breeze does develop it is possible to soar the Garbh Choire Mor beneath the summit of Mac is Mathair (701m) just to the east of launch. This large bowl shaped coire can generate excellent lift, although in stronger conditions it is important not to be pinned against the higher summits as there are no real escape options over the back.

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- hike
- soaring
- thermals
- xc

weather

Wind direction may change quite rapidly as sea breeze sets in. Be careful if heading XC in a south easterly direction (i.e. back along the line of the A832) as, beyond Dundonnell House, the valley narrows considerably and landing options are limited by forestry. The venturi effect caused by the narrowing of the valley beyond this point can also cause problems for the unwary.

access

Traveling from Inverness or Ullapool, take the A835 road to Braemore Junction and then turn off onto the A832 Gairloch coast road. A couple of miles outside Dundonnell and not far beyond Camusnagaul, the road crosses the Allt Airdeasaidh and the Ardessie waterfall is clearly visible to the left. There is limited roadside parking available here.

regulation

Dundonnell lies within the Highland Restricted Area (HRA) and midweek flying is subject to strict restrictions.