3 Peaks Hike and Fly Challenge

ATTENTION ALL PEAKY BOUNDERS!  We have introduced a no-fly zone to the South of the Skirrid.  Flight to the South is still possible but please study the map before attempting the challenge to ensure you don’t infringe this area and face disqualification.  Also, please avoid landing near or buzzing horses/livestock anywhere around the course.  Even when the red mist has descended, please be sensible to ensure the longevity of the challenge.  SEWHGPGC

Airspace file for Three Peaks Challenge – 3PeaksAirspace22-1

(hover over link and choose download file)

A scenic hike and fly challenge around the Sugar Loaf mountain, Blorenge and Skirrid Fawr.

Dates: 01 October – 15 March.

Start point: Abergavenny Castle entrance (Abergavenny Museum), Castle Street, Abergavenny. NP7 5EE

Peaks: Sugar Loaf, Blorenge and Skirrid Fawr.

Finish point: Abergavenny Castle entrance (Abergavenny Museum), Castle Street, Abergavenny. NP7 5EE

Rules:  Updated October 2022

– From the start point you must reach and ‘touch’ all 3 peaks’ trig points (in any order you choose) and then reach the finish point.

• A paraglider, harness, helmet and reserve must be carried at all times.
• The only modes of transport permitted are via paraglider or by foot.
• The site rules must still be respected for any flights off the hills – ie. To fly off the Sugar Loaf Mountain and Skirrid a current SEWHGPGC membership is required. Please read sites guide for details.
• NO-FLY ZONE South of the Skirrid.  Please study and avoid this area, flight through at any altitude is prohibited and will lead to automatic disqualification.  It is still possible to fly south of the Skirrid and there are ample landing options outside this no-fly zone.  The implications on the ground are minimal with plenty of route options to Abergavenny available.  Airspace file available here – (hover over link and choose download) 3PeaksAirspace22-1
• Avoid landing near of flying low over all horses/livestock.
• The start must be commenced on foot (not by air) from the Abergavenny Castle entrance.
• The trig points of each peak must be touched whilst on foot by the challengee.
• The 3 Peaks Challenge is only finished when the challengee touches the Abergavenny Castle entrance at the finish point.
• To compete in the 3 Peaks Challenge GPS tracklog evidence must be supplied to ensure compliance with site rules and airspace demonstrating you at each of the five turn points (start, 3 peaks and finish). Acceptable evidence includes: Screenshot of tracklog (most simple option), an igc file or 4D gps file demonstrating position and altitude or a complete livetracking file with a position at each turn point.  If possible please post a selfie at start, finish and each trig point on the SEW telegram Chat so that we can follow your day.
• Air law must be respected and this means flying is restricted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Travel on foot can occur outside of these times (although you will need suitable equipment if you choose to do this).

Automatic disqualifications will occur for: anyone found using another vehicle (including driving or hitching as a passenger), riding an animal along the course, over-flying the turn points (without physically touching the trig points), breaking air law, unsafe flying (as determined by the SEW committee), not carrying complete equipment, for not following site rules or for other reasons as determined by the SEW committee.

If you successfully complete the challenge you should post an image on SEW Telegram Chat. You should then ‘challenge’ 2-3 other SEW paragliding club members who should attempt to complete the 3 peaks challenge within the season. Club members who fail to even attempt the challenge will be expected to explain why! You cannot challenge club members who have already completed the task.

CHAMPION CHALLENGER – this will be the person who completes the challenge in the fastest time from the period 01 October to 15 March.

Notes: