Most of us will at sometime have looked up on a summer's day and seen the gentle, graceful turn of a sailplane high in the sky. The fascination of silent flight, seeking thermals and climbing up to the clouds is not easily described. Nor is the achievement of managing to stay high in the sky, without an engine, for an hour or more. Above Ashford there are magnificent views over the Weald of Kent. On a clear day you can see Southend and the coast of France in one 360° turn.

The Kent Gliding Club offer a variety of experiences including lessons, day courses and holiday courses. From your very first lesson with an instructor to guide you, you are "hands on", and in the ensuing flights you will gradually learn how the controls work, coordination of the stick and rudder, keeping the wings level and making gentle, graceful turns. All of your training leads to your first goal - going solo. Once your are flying well and consistently, the big day arrives and after several check flights your instructor sends you off on your own. They say the best landing you ever make is on your first solo flight!

To find out more visit the Kent Gliding Club website.