In spring 2018 I had arranged time off work to go to a hang gliding competition in Wales. Unfortunately it looked like there would be no flying because the weather forecast for southern Britain was awful. By contrast, the weather in Scotland looked really good for flying and I was tempted to drive the 10 hours to try and fly from Glencoe ski field.
Glencoe, in north west Scotland, is one of the best hang gliding sites in the UK because of the dramatic scenery. It is a place I have always wanted to fly but Scotland is renowned for unreliable weather and good flying conditions are rare. From where I live the drive is the same as getting to the French Alps, where the weather is a lot more reliable. However, the opportunity was too good to ignore so I decided to take the gamble and go on a road trip. The result was one of the most memorable flights ever!
Thermals rarely reach 6000ft in the UK but in Scotland I climbed above 8000ft where the views over the highlands were spectacular! In one thermal I climbed up the side of Ben Nevis and peered over the dramatic North face. I watched people climb the last steps in the snow on their way to the summit of the highest peak in the UK. Meanwhile I effortlessly continued to climb in the rising air up and above the mountain all the way to cloudbase at 8300ft. The trip was an incredible experience and one I will never forget.
Music: He loves her, by Remy Bourgeois