The high pressure was just in the right place this week to give some very pleasant gliding conditions at North Hill, writes Jill Harmer.

On Wednesday and Thursday the light easterly wind saw us launching from the west end of the airfield for the first time this year.

However, there were few rising air currents to extend the flights, so training circuits were the order of the day.

Ray Dodd from Sidmouth re-soloed after an enforced lay-off having broken his ankle last year.

At the weekend, the surface wind swung round to the north west and conditions were suitable for very gentle wave flights to be flown. The air was bouncing across Exmoor and providing wave lift between Kerswell and Blackborough within easy reach of the winch launch. Ron Johns from Gunnislake and Lisa Humphries from Ashill in their ASH25 glider climbed to 6000ft on a flight to Wimbleball Lake and back.

On both Saturday and Sunday, not only were all six club gliders flying, but also 12 private gliders enjoyed the pleasant conditions. Mid-afternoon on Sunday, a blanket of low cloud swept in from the west bringing a sudden end to the day’s flying.

Interested in gliding with us at Devon and Somerset Gliding Club? Visit our website dsgc.co.uk - for details of how to book a Trial lesson.