Crickhowell Paragliding

Crickhowell sits at the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, where the Usk Valley narrows between the Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains. It’s the natural base for paragliding in south-east Wales — multiple ridge sites within fifteen minutes’ drive, a strong school presence, and the kind of mid-altitude mountain country that rewards patient flying.

What to expect

Training takes place at several local sites depending on wind direction: Pen-y-Crug for west-to-south-west, the Llangynidr ridge for north-east, the Sugar Loaf for thermal days. The terrain is gentler than the Peak District but more committing than the South Downs — ridge tops sit at 500-700m, with clean lift in the right conditions. Crickhowell-based schools run BHPA Elementary, Club Pilot and beyond.

Practical notes

Most courses run April-October. Crickhowell itself has cafes, good B&Bs and the kind of post-flying pub culture you want at the end of a training day — the Bear Hotel and the Bridge End are both well-established climbers’ and pilots’ pubs. Lessons book ahead, particularly for weekend cohorts in summer. Bring waterproofs and proper boots — the take-off walks involve sheep fields and rocky paths.