Summary
Situated off the A470 near Rhydyfelin, The Meio (known locally as Mynydd Meio) is a fabulous hill for some relaxing flying not far from the A470 in South Wales.The hill can play party to Most wind directions with the exception of anything Easterly. Having said that a NNE and even a NE (just about) is possible.
The hill comes into its own in a SW / WSW with a double ridge providing great lift on the initial slope and a bigger lift again once 80 meters from the slope. Prone to huge thermals Spring through Autumn the lift can be tremendous for a moderate sized hill. (See detail below).
Almost always birds of prey about, watching your flights - showing you the thermals - or coming to join yours.
Location
Situated about ten minutes drive from the A470 of Junction 32 of the M4 in South wales.The Meio on Google Maps
Parking is in one of two spots beneath the hill, about 50 meters apart. Room for 4 or 5 cars.
If the wild horses are about - don't be bashful about shooing them away - they have been known to nibble windscreen wipers and even lick the paintwork (leaving the odd tooth mark bind).
Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Height(m) | 150 feet (1st slope) / 400 feet (second ridge |
| Directions | SW, WSW, NW, N, ENE, NE |
| SatnNav N/E | 51.586902, -3.285338 |
| SatnNav Road | Eglwysilan Rd, PontyPridd, UK |
| Rotor | Only above 35 mph - land 40+ meters back |
| Landing | Very good - quite even - just one or two large Rocks |
| Accessibility | Relatively steep walk up from the car but only for 5 or ten minutes. |
| Paragliding | Occasional - low volume - if wind speed < 12mph. (Communicate!) |
| Wildlife | Sheep, Wild Horses, Birds of prey - Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrine Falcons |
| F3F | No competitions hosted - SW front edge can be good for practice. |
| Other | Favourite slope of the Site Owner Chris, friends Mark, Phil and A470 soaring blogger Steve. |
Slope - In Detail
The Front Side (SW to WSW)The front side slope in front of the parking area is by far the most effective slope. The relatively steep track up to the top takes about 5 to 10 minutes (depending on fitness levels) but is well worth the effort.
If the wind is head on 90deg (SW) then flying from the centre of the front slope is excellent. If the wind has a bit more south in it - venture 50 meters to the left (just to the left of the wooden post).
Slight too much west (WSW) is often unnoticeable as the double face of the hill seems to straighten up the wind considerably as it gets to the slope edge. In a full Westerly - you will find yourself flying in the narrower lift band on the corner of the front face - and perhaps you are better off on a different slope.
The lift conditions can vary massively - with lift generally smooth from the edge outwards. A second lift zone can be experienced for those pushing out past the road below and the field in front of it as a secondary slope further out takes effect.
The Meio front edge in particular is very subject to thermal conditions. In spring and summer months gaining lift on the slope and then flying off-slope above the top of the hill jumping from thermal to thermal can be great fun. In windless days several locals will still venture up with a bungee to reap the benefits of the thermal inducing surroundings.
The Landing zone on the front edge is excellent - with little or no rotor even in 30mph+ winds.
Be aware of some of the grassland having slightly more robust ferns further back - and although there are one or only one or two rocks in the entire LZ - they do seem to be magnetic on occasions. Its worth pointing them out before you start. Wild Horses and sometimes cattle can take up residence in the area- but flapping a tarp or wing bag usually clears the LZ with a fuss.
The Left Side (N / NW)
Taking the left dirt track takes you towards the NW face which bends around facing further North as you follow the track.
Lift can be excellent here also - but odd disruptions in the airflow (possible from hills in the distance) can produce turbulent air on occasions.
Landing is equally easy on this side of the slope though the edge in particular can have fairly robust bracken in places so landing a 20 meters back is better.
The Opposite side to where you park (NE / ENE)
You can follow the afore mentioned left track all around the hill to the opposite side - or walk up the front side track and just head towards the opposite side.
Lift is excellent in a NE and even tolerable in an ENE - and more east than that and you can forget it.
As with all other faces of the hill - rotor is almost non existent and the landing zone is clear of all but areas of fairly soft bracken. The NE side does have a 20 foot drop about 50 meters before the true edge. This can be excellent for trimming new gliders - affording the opportunity to bail before the true hill edge if necessary. Its always worth bearing in mind during landing that this mini hill may provide some unexpected additional lift when swinging around in front of it for landing.
The Right Side (E / ESE)
Not unless your flying a kite or have a fan on the front!
Map of Access / Path - Courtesy of Google earth
Images of Mynydd Meio
Videos of Mynedd Meio
A summers day on the SW front slope. - very light winds - having a "lazy Sunday afternoon."
Maiden of the RCRCM Tucan at the Meio from Chris Studley on Vimeo.
Ziggy Goes Slope Soaring from Chris Studley on Vimeo.
Willow F3F at the Meio from Chris Studley on Vimeo.
Final Thoughts
Clearly there are bigger hills in South Wales than this one. But those who slope soar the hills of South Wales come back to this hill time and time again. If your visiting the area - especially in a SW wind - and you want something a little different from the Bwlch (or the walk to Mickeys is just a bit too much) - this is a great slope to spend an afternoon!
Indeed it is a slope to return to, since I was a teenager, in fact. I always thought it would be a test of my health to climb that hill, and the more outrageous Garth, just across the valley. At the age of seventy, I can still manage it having learned decades ago to start slowly. Of course it helps to have a glider in one hand and a bag in the other so that some wind-assistance is available.
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