Crook Peak

Crook Peak is a shapely limestone summit at the western end of the Mendip Hills, its rocky crown giving huge views over the Somerset Levels, the M5 corridor and out to the Bristol Channel. It is a favourite with walkers and, on breezy days, paragliders, and the open hill makes a dramatic flying subject. Be aware the summit and ridge are National Trust land, so take-off and landing from the Trust ground is not sanctioned; pilots commonly launch from the lane and public verges near Compton Bishop or Cross and keep the aircraft over open hillside. Bristol Airport lies about 11km to the northeast, and while Crook Peak sits outside its Flight Restriction Zone, you are close to its approaches, so check the airspace carefully and stay low and vigilant for airliners and helicopters. The exposed ridge funnels wind and can be far gustier than the valley below. Skylarks and other ground-nesting birds use the slopes in spring, so avoid low passes then. A clear, calm morning or a crisp winter afternoon offers the best light across the Levels and the steadiest air on this breezy, exposed top.