Sir Lowry s Pass
📍 Western Cape , Overberg District Municipality · Nearest city: Grabouw (8 km)
43 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 448 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
-34.14900, 18.92760Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 1 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.97 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.38 | Slope faces north in southern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Launch for competent pilots (very good ground-handling skills) from the grassed slope below the wall, where turbulence from the big rocks to the right or left can make it risky. If you misjudge the wind, you are likely to get blown back into the car park. For an easier launch, walk directly across the road from the entrance to the car park, and take the little footpath up the mountain, bearing left until you ascend the final steep crest (10 minutes). You will be high above the pass. There is a wind streamer tied to a tall pole, and some netting on the ground. Have a good look at the wind speed: you do not want to be blown over the back of this mountain!
Rules and notes
No toplanding
Pilot comments
Basic (+ 4 guided flights) Alt: 420 m asl, airspace ceiling 1200m asl Soaring and thermal. A regular site that offers soaring, thermalling and cross-country, with superb views. The long mountain chain extends in a fairly consistent ridge to the south. To the north of takeoff the ridge rises to become towering mountain peaks, then curves to form a semicircle. Thermals can be strong, taking you high up and away from the earth, into the blue.
Nearby sites
Greenlandmountain (1) · Kleinmond (38) · Wolfgat (AKA Macassar) (2) · Paarl Rock (46) · Franschoek (52) · Rusty Gate (31)