People say that the rural landscapes of Gloucestershire, as well as the strange folk myths and legends that date back to pre-Roman times, inspired JRR Tolkien’s fantasy world of Middle Earth. Whether human, hobbit, dwarf, elf or living tree, Tolkien’s characters usually travel around this world on foot - but there are some, like the fierce dragons and mighty eagles, that soar through the skies. Hitching a ride on the back of one of these beasts might be the stuff of daydreams, but we can offer you the next best thing: flying above the beautiful county under the wing of a paraglider.

This sport consists of a crescent shaped parachute, or wing, which lifts the pilot into the air, suspended in a harness below. There are no engines, no cabin, and no rigid structure: paragliding comes as close to flying like a bird as possible, and nothing spoils the bird's eye views that you have of the surrounding area. Gloucestershire is one of the best places in the country to take advantage of the unique perspective that one of this flights offers. The Cotswold Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers much of the county, while to the West the borderlands with Wales are marked by the River Severn, the Wye Valley, and the ancient and mysterious Forest of Dean. With a mild climate throughout the year and fairly reliable winds, this region offers the perfect combination of conditions and surroundings for this activity, and the prices make it an even more attractive option.

Where are the best places to go paragliding in Gloucestershire?

• The Cotswolds: The rolling Cotswold hills, where sheep graze, butterflies flit from flower to flower and pretty stone villages nestle in the valleys, have preserved their traditional charm in modern England. Even though this county was passed over in favour of New Zealand for filming Tolkien’s universe, box office hits including Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones’ Diary have been shot on location in the Cotswolds. Rising to 330 metres above sea level at Cleeve Hill, just outside Cheltenham, the Cotswold peaks provide a variety of take-off points for flights, and panoramic views in all directions.

• The Severn Estuary: The longest river in Great Britain, the Severn flows South through the region to its mouth in the Bristol Channel. From Gloucester onwards it’s tidal and forms a long, wide estuary with a very large tidal range. When the tide goes out, large mudflats are exposed, while at certain times of the year, the incoming tide can cause a single wave to travel upstream which is big enough to surf.

• Wye Valley: The River Wye runs along the border between England and Wales, cutting a dramatic gorge into the limestone. It’s a popular spot for tourists, but also a crucial habitat for wildlife. Peregrine falcons, goshawks and nightjars are some of the birds that you can share the skies with on a ride while you enjoy the breathtaking vistas.

• Forest of Dean: One of the country’s last ancient woodlands, the Forest of Dean’s history combines the natural and the industrial, resulting in a rich folklore tradition. The open cast mines and earthworks of a bygone era now hidden in the undergrowth might have inspired the themes of Tolkien’s legendarium, as well as several works for the stage by playwright Dennis Potter.

Meeting points

- For flights above the Cotswolds and Welsh borders, Stroud is a perfect meeting point. It lies between the ridge of hills on one side and the Bristol Channel on the other and there are numerous take off points in the area that can let you take to the skies no matter where the wind is coming from. The wind will also influence the route of the flight, but with stunning scenery in all directions, this is a great starting point for your adventure.

- Gloucester is the capital of the county. It’s a pretty city with an impressive mediaeval cathedral, and it’s very close to the region’s beauty spots. The Cotswolds are a stone’s throw away to the South and East, and the River Severn flows through the city towards the estuary. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley lie on the border with Wales, less than 20 miles to the West. If you want to see what this county has to offer, you can’t do better than taking a ride in a paraglider and observing it from the air.

Requirements to do this activity

- While seasoned paragliders come to Gloucestershire for its unique scenery, it’s also a perfect place for beginners because you can be the passenger in a tandem flight. An expert pilot will do all the difficult bits before the flight (investigating weather conditions and choosing an appropriate take off point, preparing the equipment, etc.) and during it. Launching the paraglider into the air when there are two passengers requires the efforts of both, so you need to be in good enough health to run downhill and jump at the crucial time to let the wind lift you into the sky. Having said that, the pilots here are passionate about the sport and want it to be as inclusive as possible, so people with disabilities can get involved too - get in touch before booking to discuss your needs.

- Children from 8 years old can fly in a tandem paraglider, but they will need their parents’ consent. Apart from that, weight is always a factor to consider when it comes to defying gravity. There’s a minimum weight of 40 kg, which is necessary to keep the craft stable, while the upper limit can vary between 100 and 120 kg. Again, suitability can be judged on a case by case basis so it’s always worth asking if you have doubts before making the journey.

How long does an experience last?

Paragliders are capable of extended flights of several hours, travelling hundreds of kilometres and soaring to altitudes of thousands of metres - but we recommend that you develop your head for heights with a shorter experience before trying anything like that. You can go as short as 5 minutes to get a taste for this kind of flying, which should be enough to convince you of its safety, and attraction. A more common duration of a tandem flight would be 20 to 30 minutes, during which time you can travel several kilometres across the area’s landscape and get views across a wide horizon.

It’s possible to buy a tandem package which includes film and video. A camera mounted on the ropes of the glider can capture your experience - including both you and the views around in the shot. This sport alone is an unforgettable experience, but we warn you that the thrill of the flight will make it feel short - if you’ve got it on film you’ll be able to relive the experience time and again in the comfort of your home. Of course, you’re also very welcome to relive it by returning and taking to the skies again!

This is an irresistible opportunity, and it’s a simple process to turn it into an unbelievable experience, just make your booking with us today!