Taking off fromWether Fell
The sports of hang gliding and paragliding have come a long way from the early days of a few hops whilst sprinting down steep hills.
Flights of up to 100km lasting 5 or 6 hours are regularly made in the UK and the Dales is one of the best areas in the country for it.
Paragliders fit in a rucksack and consist of a comfortable harness for the pilot suspended below an arc of cloth that's inflated by moving forward into wind.
They fly in light winds and are controlled by two brake lines and the weight shift of the pilot.
Hang Gliders have a more traditional wing supported by rods and wires and fly in light to moderate winds.
Paragliding over DentdaleThe pilot lies below the wing and controls flight by moving relative to the glider's control frame.
First thing's first, this is flying so training is definitely needed. There are several schools in the area that provide all the tuition you need to fly by yourself.
Often you could be flying solo within eight days and they supply all the equipment you need to get you started.
Find out more about the sport and how to take it up on Dales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club website.
