SlopeSoaringWales: The Bwlch

Summary

Part of the Bwlch - an amazing Flying Panorama encompassing all wind directions and one of the best flying sites in the UK. The site can be found on the A4061 at the end of the Ogmore Valley in South Wales, with VR98 making up the Northerly portion of the Panorama.

Home to the South Wales Soaring Association for many years and also host of many F3F competitions including the one that gives it its name - The "Viking Race 1998", VR98 comes into its own in a Northerly. Yet again, a 900 foot plus slope drops down into the valley, this time with the shear face of the Wrecker welcoming you on the west side of the slope providing huge additional lift.
Another slope supporting staggering lift even on a light wind day. Seeing gliders specked out in the middle of winter on slope lift alone is not uncommon.

You will find many videos on YouTube showing the history of the VR98 slope. Some competitions dubbed with running commentary as the F3F racing enthusiasts of the late 90's pushed the the F3F world records to its limits and beyond. The bottom video section will highlight some of these.
All in all another great Bwlch slope - with easy access and reasonable landing (with a little practice) approaching from the right of the slope.

Location

Situated on the A4061, known on maps as Bwlch-y-Clwdd Road, the Bwlch Site is situated a ten minutes drive from the village of NantyMoel when approaching from the ogmore valley (Bridgend) side and an equal distance from the village of Treorchy when approaching from the Northeast side.
VR98 Slope on Google Maps

Parking is on the 4017 (turn off the A4061 up the junction opposite the ice cream slope layby.
You can either park on the layby right on The Wrecker (trust me - you will know it when you see it - just get out of your car and peer over the edge) - or you can actually pull onto the grass verge right on the VR98 - but be sure to be off the road itself as cars can speed past the VR98 bend approach.

Details

Attribute	Information
Height(m)	900 feet
Directions	N, NNW, NNE
SatnNav N/E	51.643909,-3.541417
SatnNav Road	A4107 - off Bwlch-Y-Clawdd Road, UK

Rotor	Vey little if you land approaching from the right on the raised grassy area.
Landing	Walk 30-40 meters to the raised area on the right - Approach from the right bringing her up the rise and back into the wind. Take care not to overfly the road on approach - it is easy to do.
Accessibility	Fly practically from the car if parked on the verge, or park at the Wrecker Layby just 150 meters further along the road.
Paragliding	Key your eye out for strays - but 99.9% will not be flying in a Northerly at the Bwlch
Wildlife	Sheep Birds of prey - Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrine Falcons
Other	Can be Clagged on damp low cloud days. Have a gander at the webcam to check out the clag situation and other weather information if in doubt NantyMoel Weather Station and webcam

	Don't forget your camera. All slopes on the Bwlch are photogenic!