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Hot Air Ballooning

A hot air balloon flight is an experience like no other. Carried gently by the wind, you float effortlessly over landscapes perhaps just a few hundred to several thousand feet up. People will come out of their houses to wave and even exchange a conversation if close enough. You may spot wildlife such as hares, deer, foxes or even the occasional badger.
A highly weather dependent activity (light winds, no rain and reasonable visibility is required), Scotland's often temperamental weather mightn't suggest it as the most ideal location for ballooning. But Scotland's balloonists espouse that it¿s not the quantity (of flight opportunities), but the quality that counts.

Thanks to Alba Ballooning for supplying us with the facts.

Ballooning at dusk.

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Ballooning in the UK is administered by the British Balloon and Airships Club. The British Association of Balloon Operators exists for membership by commercial operators.

Where to go:

As well as a dozen or so private balloonists doing their own thing in Scotland, there are now three Civil Aviation Authority certified balloon operators that provide one hour experience flights in Southern Scotland. Flights generally take place between mid-March and late October and either shortly after sunrise or within an hour or so of dusk so as to avoid the thermic winds that exist during the day.

Alba Ballooning offers flights in the Edinburgh and Lothians area and also in the Kinrosshire area. Scot Air Balloons offer flights in the Upper Clyde valley from Biggar and Lanark. Ballooning Adventures, based in Northumberland, offer flights from St Boswell's in the Scottish Borders. Adventures Aloft, based in the Scottish Borders, offer excelent Chamapagne Balloon Flights in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland.

Administrative Bodies ...

Adventures Aloft

Alba Ballooning

British Association of Balloon Operators

British Balloon and Airship Club

Scot Air Balloons

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