The four sites listed here are ones that we, (modellers from the locality), visit mostly and are recognised by us as being good slope sites and the places to go. They are also in areas that are frequented by the public for recreational purposes and therefore are not solely for our pleasure. As modellers we must look after these sites, places where others tolerate us and indeed, where we may have no rights at all. These and other sites are rare and where found, are highly valued as such by modellers everywhere. By being courteous to other visitors and not giving them any cause to become cautious or concerned by our actions we may possibly continue to be able to enjoy the use of these sites for our sport and pleasure. If you visit these sites please bear these sentiments in mind whilst you are there and protect our fragile, future access to them.

From the Bowd Inn near Sidmouth, head North 100m. Turn right along the lane behind the pub. About 200m. follow the lane that bears left, (don’t go straight on). Another 200m. you will arrive at an area where you can park. There is a gate on your left and a stony track on your right.

Walk 100m. up the gently sloping track to an open area shaded by tall trees. The easier but longer route is to the left 200m. up a steepish broad track and turn right 200m. along the top of the slope to a simple flat wooden bench. Or for the totally insane, go straight ahead, up, 150m. to the top of the slope via the narrow ‘goat’ track. This brings you directly to the same bench, which when you reach it, you will be more than glad to see.

This site, like most, is not without its minor problems. It is prone to sea mists and low cloud, various trees adorn the area around the site, fortunately not in the immediate area and the landing area is a 30 second walk back away from the slope behind the flying area, although EPPs can be landed next to the flying area, just where the public walk by, so be careful.

With these problems in mind, the reason we go there is because it is just such a cracking good slope site with a lovely view, it will tolerate winds not directly on the slope and its more or less on our doorstep.

From Sidmouth sea front drive west to the end of the promenade and carry on up the steep hill out of the town. Don't stop until you reach flat level road at the very top of the hill. Turn immediately right and park in the car park there. From there it’s a level walk across the road and through a kissing gate on the other side. The pathway goes straight ahead but you go diagonally to the right towards the top of the slope. You will meet what used to be a hedge and is now a broken row of shrubby growths on a low bank running away down the slope. Walk on another 100m. or so past this hedge relic along the top of the slope and anywhere there is great to fly from.

The good, the bad and the ugly (in reverse order).

The ugly. Sheep and/or cattle dung and mud during the damp months of the year will mean boots and a lottery when landing.

The bad. The landing area is anywhere beside or behind you. You might think this is good and so it is, but there lots of large and sharp flint stones all over with only a few small areas that are clear. However, further back there are larger areas that are clearer.

The good. This is a great site with a lovely view. The lift is clean when the wind is directly on the slope and a few degrees to the south, but can be turbulent if there is a hint of north in it, due to a ridge to the right. The prominent hill to the left, High Peak, does not seem to affect the air with turbulence.

From the town centre go south 100m. The road bears sharp right but you turn off to the left. Follow this lane up the hill for about two thirds of a mile until you turn right into a parking area just after passing over a cattle grid.

With the lane behind you, turn right and take a gently rising walk for about 250 m. towards sheer slope soaring pleasure. The actual spot you are looking for is a smallish grassy area along the path with a large area of gorse behind it, semi concealing what looks like a bomb crater about 5m. across. In front is a marvellous view overlooking the town of Chagford.

The lift here can be amazing and will tolerate winds ‘off’ to the left and a little to the right. The huge landing area starts a short 25 m. or so walk diagonally rearwards to the right into forgiving Bracken that can sometimes hide the model if you don’t see exactly where it comes down. One of the best sites in our area.

From Bovey Tracey follow signposts to Haytor until the road rounds off level out onto the open moor with Haytor visible at about a quarter of a mile in front of you. At this point there is a lane on the right that doubles back diagonally and follows a ridge on the left of which Haytor is a part. Follow the lane to the point where the ridge turns left away from the lane. The car parking area on the left is a little way before a cattle grid, which, if you have reached you have gone too far.

You leave your car at the bottom of the flying slope. Like many other good sites there is the price of a good workout, one that leaves you with jelly legs and a lot of very clean fresh air passing through the bronchiole tubes.

This is not a site that I have used much but there are several square miles of heather covered landing area to the rear of the slope giving you no excuse of nowhere to land and is yet another good site to fly at.

By presenting this article publicly it is not intended to imply that those persons connected with its publication have any powers to give any permissions or rights of access or use to the above sites and indeed none is given.