News Items for Spencer's Bowl (Mere)
04/02/2005 - Bridlepath At Mere
We received a letter recently from Wiltshire County Council about an incident on the bridleway that runs up the spur between Cowards and the Rifle Range at Mere, where a horse was spooked by a launching paraglider.   Read More
19/09/2017 - Spencer's Bowl Site Guide Update
IMPORTANT: Check true wind direction before flying.   Read More
Spencer's Bowl (Mere)
Grid Reference
ST 802 350
Latitude
51.113945
Longitude
-2.284237
Nearest Postcode
BA12 6HX
Site Code
2.037
Wind Direction
SSW, SW
Height ASL (Feet)
755
Height TTB (Feet)
215
Site Officer
Simon Twiss (07578 423991)
Rating
Pilot and Advanced Pilot only.
Permission
MID WEEK ONLY! Current full Avon members only. We have no permission to fly at weekends/bank holidays when the site is busy with model flyers. Only fly for the purpose of launching for XC flights. Restricted to hours 11am - 5.30pm
Parking
Leave Frome going south on the B3092. Two miles after Maiden Bradley, turn left, immediately after the Red Lion pub, into Long Lane. Follow the track carefully for about 1 mile. There are a few parking spaces directly at the top of the hill and plenty more after the right turn along the top. Please do not block any gates. Access to the site is through the kissing gate on the right of the track. Remember to secure the rope on the kissing gate.
Rigging
Paragliders can lay out anywhere to the left of the 'hump'. Hang gliders can rig just inside the field by the track and carry the rigged glider forward to take-off, or rig just behind take-off in front of the fence.
Take Off
Anywhere in the bowl but away from model fliers, if present. Make contact with any model fliers before launching and agree on how the airspace is to be shared. Although we have priority during weekdays, it is in our best interest to share when safety of conditions permit.
Local Flying
It is imperative that you check the true wind direction. If the wind is north of SW, the spur to the right of take-off creates severe turbulence. Remember that this is a new site so treat it with respect and share your experience of flying it with other pilots and the club committee.
XC Flying
Although there are various bits of airspace to avoid, there is the potential for 100km+ flights. First be sure to go North of the Longleat Lion Park and then again North of the Salisbury Plain Danger Area.
Top Landing
The top landing area is very large and clear of any obstructions. Model fliers usually land to the right of the 'hump' so it is best to land to its left.
Bottom Landing
The bowl is fairly steep but experienced pilots will have no difficulty in slope landing if going down. The middle area at the bottom of the bowl has sufficient space for the safe landing of paragliders but not hang gliders. There is no permission to land in the large fields beyond the hedge.
Hospitals
Frome or Bath.
Directions
Leave Frome going south on the B3092. Two miles after Maiden Bradley, turn left, immediately after the Red Lion pub, into Long Lane. Follow the track carefully for about 1 mile. If required for emergency access, a key to the locked gate adjacent to the kissing gate can be obtained by contacting Kim Portnell, Stourhead Office, 01747 842005.
Ordnance Survey Sheet
0

Morgans / Spencers Guide