DESCRIPTION

Probably the best thermalling hill within 1000km of Perth, nice high takeoff, and good cross country possibilities. Can be dangerous due to some very violent thermals in summer, also adorned with numerous antennas. Very sensitive site due to some surrounding landowners and council has been lost to paragliders before. There are 3 launches and it is important to use the correct launch for the conditions All pilots are required to log in at the box by the house, donations for the landowner can also be left at the box $2 suggested. It is recommended to advise the skydiving operation of flying operations before you go up the hill. It is not compulsory to contact the owner of the access road, but it is polite to do so occasionally, especially if you see him while passing through the property. There is a strict 30km/h speed limit on the access track at the owners request. Please respect his wishes and keep your speed very low. Walking pace is an appropriate speed near the house and sheds. Please refer to lower launch access details below if accessing the top launches via that property.

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- flatland
- hanggliding
- soaring
- thermals

weather

As with any inland site this hill can feature strong lift, strong sink and turbulence. Beware of powerlines and aerials, with attendant guy wires near the top launch. In addition to the obvious powerlines on the spur to the right of the east-southeast launch there is another running up the gully to the left of launch, this powerlines has very few poles and is very difficult to spot. There is a strip of paddock in front of launch west of the powerline and east of the gravel pit access. This is not a permitted landing area, as the constriction of powerlines and trees on three sides and a significant slope mean it is easy to get into trouble if your approach is not perfect. The gravel pit landing is very small and has numerous large painful obstacles it should only be used by intermediate pilots. All pilots should inspect the gravel pit on the ground before flying Bakewell for the first time. There is a large commercial skydiving operation behind the hill. Watch out for the plane and don't fly over the airfield, which is also the drop zone. It's a good idea to check in at the skydivers before flying to let them know you are in the area.

access

Mt Bakewell is near York in the Avon valley, about 1.5 hours drive east of Perth, access requires a 4WD or a long climb on foot. If you haven't been here before, contact Cloudbase Paragliding Club or the Hill Flyers Club (See the main page for club contacts), organise your first flight with a club member who has good knowledge of this site. Access to this site is through private land. The site is very sensitive and could easily be lost. Please engage 4WD on the track to minimise damage to the track, and observe the 30kph speed limit (much slower near the house). Access is now also possible from the lower launch (see below).

regulation

PG: Novice with Advanced Supervision/ Intermediate with Site Induction HG: Intermediate theory + 15 hours