Flying Area: The site is at the top of Dunstable downs with half of the area roughly level and the other half sloping towards the 'plain' below.
Only one area is effectivly out of bounds as it is the emergency landing area for gliders (However if I had to land there it would be more than an emergency).
Two large 'arena' type areas are posted off, one as an overflow carpark, useable if not in use, the other seems to have been designated 'for serious flyers only' by some myth or folklore!
Ha, I fly there! The sloping area is still usable and does not seem to suffer turbulence when the wind is from the valley.
Winds are smoothest when blowing NW (towards the valley) but that then makes the sloped area difficult to use.

Important Note 01/04/07:- Things on the Downs are currently in a bit of a transitionry period. The National Trust, in their wisdom, have decided to build a new Visitor Centre on what was previously the glider emergency landing area, this has effectively turner the field we used to use into a picnic area complete with kiddie kites footballs and frisbee chasing dogs . The more serious fliers have decamped to a new area beside/behind the new Visitor Centre. At the moment this area is fairly safe as there is a fenced off area between us and the Visitor Centre that is currently being re-landscaped however when the landscaping is complete and the fencing is removed we may be forced to have another rethink.

Comments: Busy site esp. at weekends with families (no bad thing at all), if the winds are right (or wrong dependant on your p.o.v.) then you will also share with hang gliders and further down the ridge, with parafoilists. Probably not suited to Buggies.

Local Clubs/Contacts: No local club. Regular flyers include Team Harleqin & Dave Mullins (Mullin Kites) (Sunday) and occasionally Team Art of Air.
Plus numerous other talented flyers. Plenty of experience to draw upon.

Nearest Retailer: gone

Report By: Carl Moody, Sept '98

Updates By: "Stone in Shoe Bob", 1st April 2007