Lardon Chase

Lardon Chase and the neighbouring Lough Down form a broad shoulder of chalk grassland above Streatley, looking out over the Goring Gap where the Thames cuts through the downs between Berkshire and Oxfordshire. It is one of the finest viewpoints in the North Wessex Downs, with the river, the wooded gap and a patchwork of fields spread out below, all of which reward a drone flight, particularly in autumn when the beech woods turn. The open down gives ample room to fly, and skylarks and chalk-grassland butterflies thrive here in summer. The site is owned by the National Trust, which prohibits take-off and landing from its land, so launch from the adjacent public footpaths or lanes and keep flights considerate of walkers and grazing livestock. Parking is in a small free National Trust car park at the top of Streatley Hill, right beside the open grassland. Crowds are usually light on weekdays. On airspace this is an easy spot, well clear of any flight restriction zone, with no airport nearby. The exposed shoulder catches the wind, so pick a calm, clear morning for the steadiest flying and the best light down the Thames valley through the gap.