About A470 Soaring


This is the blog for a few guys who spend their time flying radio controlled gliders, or slope soarer's, from the many and varied slopes around SE Wales.

This usually begins at the northern end of Cardiff, driving north up the A470 up to the Heads of the Valley's and the southern fringe of the Brecon Beacons. But the A470 road continues its windy way all the way to N Wales.

There are many slopes available for most wind directions, the most famous being the area between Nant-y-Moel and Treorchi known as The Bwlch, which has some of the best slopes and flying in Europe with many F3F competitions being held there each year and visited by many fliers from Europe and around the world. At 1500 feet (450m) above sea level, there is usually more wind than not, and certainly more than at sea level.

If you require any further information, are new to slope soaring or are visiting the area, please contact Steve at steve.houghton59@gmail.com . I look forward to hearing from you.

Take a look at Page 2 (look below and to the left here) for Google maps of our most popular Flying Sites.


Thursday, 19 May 2016

PSSA Fly for Fun Update

So here is the latest weather info.

Friday (For those travelling down and with some spare time to fly) Wind turning from SW to southerly, 14 mph (24 mph at the Bwlch) but rain forecast to arrive around 6 PM . 

I have to collect the Mickey's gate key from Abergavenny about 5PM so I should be at the Bwlch between 5:45 - 6PM but with a southerly blowing, we would fly Back of Wrecker, so at the Ice Cream Van Lay-by you take the road opposite for Port Talbot and drive for approx ¾ mile until you come to another lay-by on your right. This is the Wrecker. Once parked you walk up and over the slope BEHIND you to reach Back of Wrecker.

Saturday - Some forecasts are saying prolonged, steady rain, others say showers. Some are also saying south westerly and others southerly, 18mph (28 mph at the Bwlch) It's a case of suck it and see. We will meet as planned at the Ice Cream Van lay-by for 10AM, and please be prompt as I have to lock the gate behind us.

Because the Bwlch is so high, it can become shrouded in low cloud, or clag as we locals call it. If this is the case then we have an option of moving to another slope, Meio Common, approximately a 30 minute drive away, as long as the wind is south westerly. We can drive together in convoy for those who don't it.

Sunday - Forecast as sunshine and showers, south westerly but turning westerly, 12 mph (24 mph at the Bwlch).


I'll keep you informed of any changes that may occur and will be posting tomorrow evening after my flying session.
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