Cotswold Gliding Club - Stroud

Cotswold Gliding Club: Soaring through the Cotswolds

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, the Cotswold Gliding Club invites aviation enthusiasts and beginners alike to experience the thrill of gliding. Situated at Aston Down Airfield, the club offers a unique perspective of the stunning English countryside from the skies. Let's delve into the details of this premier gliding club.

Main Services

• Gliding Experiences: The Cotswold Gliding Club offers a range of gliding experiences, from introductory flights to advanced training. Their fleet of modern gliders ensures a safe and enjoyable flight.
• Training Courses: For those interested in learning to glide, the club provides structured training courses, from the Elementary Pilot (EP) to the Advanced Pilot (AP) ratings. Theoretical and practical lessons are included.
• Membership: The club welcomes new members, offering a range of benefits including access to gliders, facilities, and a vibrant community of pilots.
• Airfield Services: Aston Down Airfield, home to the gliding club, also offers services such as hangarage, maintenance, and refueling for powered aircraft.

Location and Access

The Cotswold Gliding Club is located at Aston Down Airfield, off Cowcombe Lane in Chalford, Stroud. The airfield is easily accessible from the M5 motorway, with the nearest train station being Stroud, approximately 6 miles away. On-site parking is available for visitors, with designated spaces for wheelchair users.

Featured Characteristics

• Stunning Views: The airfield's location in the Cotswolds provides breathtaking views of the rolling hills and charming villages. On clear days, pilots can see as far as the Bristol Channel.
• Friendly Community: The club prides itself on its welcoming and supportive community. Pilots of all skill levels are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences.
• Modern Facilities: The clubhouse offers a comfortable lounge area, a briefing room, and a well-equipped kitchen. The toilet facilities are wheelchair-accessible.

Practical Information

Operating days and hours vary depending on the time of year. It's recommended to check the club's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. The club offers gliding experiences as gift vouchers, making it a unique and memorable gift idea.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.7/5 from 79 reviews on Google My Business, the Cotswold Gliding Club receives high praise for its instructors, who are described as "patient and encouraging," and "expertly trained." The club's "friendly and welcoming atmosphere" is another common theme in reviews, with many newcomers appreciating the support and guidance they received. The stunning views and smooth operation of the club are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

The Cotswold Gliding Club at Aston Down Airfield offers a unique opportunity to experience the joy of gliding in a beautiful part of the world. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or a first-time flyer, the club's professional instructors, modern facilities, and vibrant community ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

👍 Reviews of Cotswold Gliding Club

Richard B.

5/5

This is a very friendly and professional gliding club near minchinhampton. They have all the amenities to cater for all levels of flying skill, from the sightseeing and beginners right up to the instructor level. Launches are carried out using either winches with cables or an aerotow. The clubhouse has a kitchen dining area and toilets as well as accommodation if required. There are numerous hangars and workshops with plenty of storage areas. Well worth a visit try one of their open days to have a look around.

Joanne H.

5/5

Enjoyed a wonderful Fireworks display, with a unique aerial pyrotechnics performance from Otto the Helicopter and a huge bonfire. The fairground rides, STEM activities and stalls made it much more than just fireworks.

Lots of space meant everything felt safe and relaxed. Tickets are per vehicle, so it's great value for families. Lots of good value food choices. They even have inside loos! Parking was easy, with no long queues to leave after the event.

A really well organized and fun event.

Ella F. (.

3/5

We went for the bonfire and fire work evening, the fireworks were amazing! I do wish there were more food stalls as the wait for food was extremely long. But a good night all round! 😄

S W.

5/5

Attended a fabulous fireworks display at the end of October. Great facilities, friendly staff and the kids had a great time. Will be returning 😉

Iain M.

5/5

Fabulous experience very knowledgeable instructors 10/10

Rex E.

5/5

My brother and I had a one week course here a couple of weeks ago - an indescribably good experience.
I've not seen a gliding club with such good facilities (or such a long runway) before. Our instructor, Mike, was brilliant - even managing to put up with our nerve-racking landings in the rain and high x-wind! Will be back for solo and further training

Rob P.

5/5

A great week attending a course … very friendly, lots of experience shared and superb flying 🙂

Doug L.

5/5

We've had a fabulous gliding season this year. The drought was good for soaring. The dry ground heats up quickly when the sun comes up and the thermals start much earlier in the day, with cumulus clouds forming by 9 am often. There have been many flights of 500 kilometres or more with exceptionally high cloud bases reaching 10,000 feet. Amazing experience!!