Golden Cap

Golden Cap is the highest point on England's south coast, a 191 metre hill capped with golden greensand that lends it the name, standing between Charmouth and Seatown on the Jurassic Coast. The view from a drone is expansive: the Chesil bank curving east, Lyme Bay opening west, and the striped cliffs falling to a shingle shore. The summit and much of the surrounding land belong to the National Trust, so do not take off or land there; the honest approach is to launch from Seatown beach below the mean high water line and gain height out over the sea, or to use the foreshore at Charmouth. These cliffs are actively eroding and famous for fossils, so stay well back from the edges and below overhangs, and keep clear of walkers on the coast path. Nesting birds use the cliff faces in spring, so give them space. Airspace is uncomplicated, with no flight restriction zone nearby and Exeter and Bournemouth airports both far off. The hill is very exposed and the wind accelerates over the top, so choose a settled day and keep upwind of the drop. Late afternoon light warms the greensand cap beautifully, and midweek the coast path is quiet enough to work in peace.