Merthyr Common

Overview

Merthyr Common is a hill site in SE Wales / Black Mountains with a recorded launch elevation of 416 m. It works best in westerly winds, and can also work in northerly, south-westerly and north-westerly winds. Pilots fly it for ridge soaring and thermal, using foot launch. It is recorded as suitable for cross-country flights.

• A friendly site, with excellent XC potential. The main ridge has a large capacity and can support more than 50 gliders in good conditions. This reduces significantly as the wind goes off to the North or South, and the lift band narrows. Source: ParaglidingEarth

Local clubs

Getting there

Plan to reach the landing field or the nearest town to Merthyr Common; most takeoffs are reached by shuttle, cable car or a ride from a local pilot. Data: © OpenStreetMap contributors

Where to stay

The nearest towns, for a bed, food and a lift to takeoff.

• Merthyr Tydfil4 km awayBooking.comAirbnb
• Mountain Ash5 km awayBooking.comAirbnb
• Rhymney5 km awayBooking.comAirbnb

Things to do

For the days the wind is wrong: places worth a visit within 10 km of Merthyr Common.

• Ynysgau Chapel, Merthyr TydfilCulture · 4 km awayChurch in Wales
• Bethania Chapel, DowlaisCulture · 4.3 km awayFormer chapel in Dowlais, near Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
• Old Iron Bridge, Merthyr TydfilCulture · 4 km awayCast-iron bridge over the River Taff, Wales
• Bethesda Chapel, Merthyr TydfilCulture · 4.2 km awayFormer chapel in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
• Cwm GloOutdoors · 4.3 km awayProtected area in Glamorgan, Wales

From Wikipedia, text and photos under their own licences on each article.

• Blorenge★ 5.0 (1)21 km NE · Faces NW–EPossible XC from here on a W day, 21 km downwindWorks in other winds
• Fochriw2 km NE · Faces W
• Pontlottyn4 km NE · Faces NEWorks in other winds
• Abertysswg7 km E
• Ebbw Vale9 km E · Faces EWorks in other winds
• Blaenavon15 km NE · Faces NEWorks in other winds
• Talybont15 km N · Faces SE–SWWorks in other winds
• Rhigos15 km W

Pilot notes