https://youtu.be/N0DZvXnYawk

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.