About this tour
Experience silent flight over Devon's countryside on this 45-minute gliding adventure. You'll launch via motorised tow to 1,600 metres, then cut the engine and drift on thermals in genuine engineless flight. With a glide ratio designed to keep you airborne for 15–20 minutes or longer, you'll discover what soaring alongside birds actually feels like. A pre-flight briefing prepares you; optional instruction available if you want hands-on involvement.
Highlights
- Motorised climb to 1,600 metres, then engine shutdown
- 15–20 minutes of silent glider flight over Devon landscape
- Thermal soaring opportunity to extend your flight time
- Pre-flight briefing and optional flying instruction included
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Genuine gliding experience, not a sightseeing flight
What to expect
You'll begin with a thorough briefing covering safety and flight procedures. Once airborne, the 80hp Rotax engine climbs steadily until reaching altitude. The moment the engine cuts—typically around one minute in—the silence is immediate and striking. Your aircraft becomes a proper glider with a 24:1 glide ratio, meaning gentle descent paired with extended airtime. Weather permitting, thermal activity (rising warm air) can add significant minutes to your flight. You're a passenger throughout, though instruction options exist for those keen to participate more actively.
Good to know
Maximum weight limit is 101kg (16 stone). Pregnant travellers should not participate. Pre-flight briefing is mandatory. Calm weather conditions ideal for this activity. Book ahead, as availability depends on wind and thermal conditions.
Frequently asked
- How long does Gliding Experience in Devon take?
- Gliding Experience in Devon runs for approximately 45 min.
- How much does Gliding Experience in Devon cost?
- Prices start from GBP $189 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Gliding Experience in Devon run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Gliding Experience in Devon?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.