Location
Click the interactive map above to see the site features described below, such as parking and take-off.
OS Map Coordinates: Sheet 180 – SS 584 296
Latitude: 51°04’86.6″N, Longitude: 4°02’23.7″W
Suitability
Paragliding: Pilot Rated
Hang Gliding: Pilot Rated
If unsure, check with one of the club coaches before flying.
Take Off
Height 600′ ASL.
Take off is anywhere behind the path at the front of the hill. Nicely sloped and grassy but beware of any walkers on the track
Top Landing
Is located in the take off-field. Do not go behind the monument as you will potentially be in rotor.
Slope Landing
As per the map there are slope landing options below take off and to the west of take off. Beware that the area can be quite thick in gorse the lower down the slope you land.
Bottom landing
The main bottom landing field is to the east of the farm directly below the take off area. Inspect the field before flying to ensure it is not too high with crop. There are two alternate bottom landing fields to the west of the hill as seen on the map. Again check these fields for crop before flying.
Hazards
Be respectful of other users on the hill. Horse riders can frequent the area so do not launch or land when they are in the take-off / landing area.
Thermals can be very strong so take care. Be aware of the sea air effects that can come in very quickly in spring/summer months at around 12:30PM.
It can get windy and rough due to the effects of the estuary accelerating the wind. If it feels too strong do not fly the site.
A general meteo guide is that 5-10mph is steady and good for PG Pilots. 10-12mph fly with caution for PG Pilots and a good strength for HG Pilots.
It is advised that 12mph meteo is the max recommended strength for PG Pilots. It is advised that 16mph meteo is the max recommended strength for HG Pilots.
Both PG & HG Pilots be aware of strong lift and sink. It’s also advisable for HG Pilots to fly with a little extra airspeed to maintain control as conditions can be rough at times in this wind strength.
In nice light conditions Codden is amazing so don’t be put off but please have massive respect for the site.
When going XC it is advisable only to leave the hill in an established climb as the hill drops away at the back & you will encounter rotor if too low. There are also pylons that you should be aware of not that far away down wind. It is advisable that you have sufficient height when committing to leave the hill. Codden Hill is predominantly an XC site and it is not really recommended to just hang around soaring it.
XC Flying
When going XC it is advisable only to leave the hill in an established climb as the hill drops away at the back & you will encounter rotor if too low.
There are also pylons that you should be aware of not that far away down wind. It is advisable that you have sufficient height when committing to leave the hill. Codden Hill is predominantly an XC site and it is not really recommended to just hang around soaring it.
As an experienced pilot once you have left the take off area you are considered to have gone XC and must make your own decisions on the suitability to do this based on your knowledge and experience.
Directions
The site is near Barnstaple. Drive south from Barnstaple on A377. Turn left opposite filling station at Codden Hill Cross, signposted Cobbaton/Chittlehampton. Follow this road up the hill for 1 1/2 miles and you will come to a cross roads that has a signpost Hayne / Downrew.
Parking
There are three parking options:
1. Park in the layby at the cross roads and walk up the track to the hill.
2. Drive up the track (100 metres) to a car park (beware of potted holes) and then follow the public footpath up the hill.
3. Drive up the track and then using the code provided to NDHPC members drive up to the top of the hill itself. (Beware the track to the top of the hill is becoming deep rutted). Drive slowly as the area is commonly used for walkers with dogs, cyclists and horse riders.
Access
From all three parking areas follow the track up in a westerly directions to the top of the hill (approx 1/4 mile walk).
Sat Nav directions to parking.(link)
Emergency Information
Dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 Emergency Services by SMS. Note: You must register this prior to an emergency.
You will need to provide the following information:
- Name and mobile number of who is calling
- What has happened?
- What is the problem, state of the casualty. Ensure you use Fall from Height and Remote Location.
- Location: OS Grid Reference Sheet 180 – SS 584 296 or specific location if different.
- Details of casualty: Name, Age, Address (if known).