Coastal Airfields for a Weekend Away
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire. UK
Age: 43
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Thanks for all the replies, very much appreciated, lots of great suggestions!
I may think about Perranporth and Caernarfon for another trip, by the sounds of it I should ensure I'm looking for an 'interesting' stay.
One of my other considerations on location has to be available runway for take off and landing. As mentioned I will be flying a PA28-161 Warrior, current plan is 4 persons and fuel to tabs, which takes me slighly under MTOW.
Adding in just safety factor of 1.33 means that I will be needing a good 600m distance for take off (obviously thats me assuming a number of other factors in my intial rough planning i.e. wind, temperature etc). That pretty much rules out grass runways given adding a further factor of 1.2 would push my take off distance required in excess of 1000m.
So in summary I think Shoreham sounds a good option, hoping on the basis that of the day I can use the tarmac runway, conditions permitting.
I may think about Perranporth and Caernarfon for another trip, by the sounds of it I should ensure I'm looking for an 'interesting' stay.
One of my other considerations on location has to be available runway for take off and landing. As mentioned I will be flying a PA28-161 Warrior, current plan is 4 persons and fuel to tabs, which takes me slighly under MTOW.
Adding in just safety factor of 1.33 means that I will be needing a good 600m distance for take off (obviously thats me assuming a number of other factors in my intial rough planning i.e. wind, temperature etc). That pretty much rules out grass runways given adding a further factor of 1.2 would push my take off distance required in excess of 1000m.
So in summary I think Shoreham sounds a good option, hoping on the basis that of the day I can use the tarmac runway, conditions permitting.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Just south of the Keevil gap.
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Terryp,
Shame about the requirement for tarmac. I was going to suggest that Dornoch would be a good destination, although slightly further afield for you. At 775m of grass, it may not be suitable for you, although the Highland hospitality is hard to beat..
Shame about the requirement for tarmac. I was going to suggest that Dornoch would be a good destination, although slightly further afield for you. At 775m of grass, it may not be suitable for you, although the Highland hospitality is hard to beat..
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 23, Railway Cuttings, East Cheam
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Anyone been to Beccles? I think it's the most easterly airfield in the UK and near Great Yarmouth. Although having said that, being near Great Yarmouth is probably not Beccles' best selling point.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Pembrokeshire UK
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How about Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. Haverfordwest (Withybush) Airport The airfield is 10 mins walk from town, but someone will give you a lift to the bus station. From there you can access the Pembrokeshire coast shuttle bus and take in some superb surfing beaches and scenery. Stay the night in any of the small coastal hotels or B&B. The slightly odd ball Druidstone hotel DRUIDSTONE overlooking a superb beach and having excellent food and musical events is my favorite.
There are 'Coasteering' and climbing courses available from www.fforestoutdoor.co.uk . Milford Haven harbour and estuary have some great pubs and resturants, and there is a flying boat museum at Pembroke Dock. On spring high tides the sea reaches far inland to Cresswell Quay and a flotilla of small boats ride the incoming tide right up to the doors of the Cresswell Inn. There is just time for a pint or two before getting back into the boats and riding the outgoing tide back to Milford. On really high tides we locals wear welly boots while sitting in the pub bar, ignoring the sea water sloshing around our feet and amused by the reaction of the tourists. By the way it doesnt always rain in Wales!
There are 'Coasteering' and climbing courses available from www.fforestoutdoor.co.uk . Milford Haven harbour and estuary have some great pubs and resturants, and there is a flying boat museum at Pembroke Dock. On spring high tides the sea reaches far inland to Cresswell Quay and a flotilla of small boats ride the incoming tide right up to the doors of the Cresswell Inn. There is just time for a pint or two before getting back into the boats and riding the outgoing tide back to Milford. On really high tides we locals wear welly boots while sitting in the pub bar, ignoring the sea water sloshing around our feet and amused by the reaction of the tourists. By the way it doesnt always rain in Wales!
Pembrey is another Welsh airfield you might like to consider. From Friday afternoons through the weekend there is no military firing, so the Danger Areas are inactive and do not present a problem.
A walk to the Cefn Sidan beach through the Pembrey Country Park takes about 25 minutes from the airfield. The views across Carmarthen Bay are oustanding. There are no amenities near that part of the beach, so go prepared. There is a good cafe/restaurant at the airfield. Alternatively the town of Pembrey is about 3 miles away and contains hotels though not having stayed there myself I cannot vouch for them.
A walk to the Cefn Sidan beach through the Pembrey Country Park takes about 25 minutes from the airfield. The views across Carmarthen Bay are oustanding. There are no amenities near that part of the beach, so go prepared. There is a good cafe/restaurant at the airfield. Alternatively the town of Pembrey is about 3 miles away and contains hotels though not having stayed there myself I cannot vouch for them.
Join Date: Apr 2011
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Somebody was getting together a list of good strips with pubs, and this listing is all about good places with beaches. Just wondered if anybody had the knowledge to put together a good search engine where us mortals could chuck in minimum requirements- ie 700m and then get a list based on what we need- ie beach/ pub/ hotel.
(Still trying to find my perfect airfield- 700m, blonde 25 year old refuellers who also mop my brow!, free massage, no landing fees, beach at end of the airstrip....e tc etc...)
Might be looking a while yet!
(Still trying to find my perfect airfield- 700m, blonde 25 year old refuellers who also mop my brow!, free massage, no landing fees, beach at end of the airstrip....e tc etc...)
Might be looking a while yet!
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Essex
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(Still trying to find my perfect airfield- 700m, blonde 25 year old refuellers who also mop my brow!, free massage, no landing fees, beach at end of the airstrip....e tc etc...)
Might be looking a while yet!
Try looking in the Carlsberg Guide to Airfields, not Pooleys.....
Might be looking a while yet!
Try looking in the Carlsberg Guide to Airfields, not Pooleys.....
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SHROPSHIRE
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Beccles is pretty good for the welcome, in fact when we couldn't find a B&B for love nor money they put us up in their caravan. There is a good pub within walking distance across the fields. Paid £10 landing and £10 parking
They seem a friendly lot at Perranporth.
If you get chance to visit the beach, try and look beyond the tourists, hire a "foamy" from the surf school and spend an hour in the surf.
Not sure how GA friendly Newquay is, but you're a 5 minute bus ride from Watergate Bay. Again, great surf, and if you're feeling decadent go and visit Jamie Olivers place "fifteen."
One word of advice-get some local info about the weather, it seems to change within minutes.
If you get chance to visit the beach, try and look beyond the tourists, hire a "foamy" from the surf school and spend an hour in the surf.
Not sure how GA friendly Newquay is, but you're a 5 minute bus ride from Watergate Bay. Again, great surf, and if you're feeling decadent go and visit Jamie Olivers place "fifteen."
One word of advice-get some local info about the weather, it seems to change within minutes.
