Knockfarrell takes a northerly wind and, at just 218m above sea level, it is not a big hill so conditions do need to be reasonably strong for the site to work well. When this site is working properly, it is possible to push well out from launch and soar the 2km stretch between the easterly end of the ridge and Blackmuir Wood to the west. The ridge is a spine back ridge (hence it’s local name ‘The Cats Back’), so beware of straying too close to the summit area in strong winds.

Launching is possible from the car park and area immediately adjacent to it, though it will sometimes be necessary to drop down the slope a little to escape the strong compression zone. This is essentially a soaring site and top landing is the best way to avoid a slog back to to the car at the end of a flight. However there are plenty of landing options down in the valley, though many fields will contain livestock or crops at certain times of year so please apply common sense when choosing where to bottom land. The Knockfarrell ridge lies above the Strathpeffer valley just outside Dingwall and boasts superb views towards Ben Wyvis to the north and the Cromarty Firth to the east. This ridge is also one of the few places in this area that doesn’t require a walk-in and it’s possible to drive right up to take off where there’s ample parking. 1km after the Dingwall roundabout on the A835 (Tore to Ullapool road), turn right onto a minor road which leads uphill to a T junction. Turn right here and after approx 1.5km right again to another T junction. Take a left and then after 400m turn right onto the road/ track which soon leads to parking on the top of the ridge. Although not quite within it, this area lies between the HRA and the Kinloss and Lossiemouth AIAA. During weekdays a fair amount of military traffic passes close by over the Cromarty Firth en route to the Tain Range. Although not quite within it, this area lies between the HRA and the Kinloss and Lossiemouth AIAA. During weekdays a fair amount of military traffic passes close by over the Cromarty Firth en route to the Tain Range.

The site is in the lee of Ben Wyvis to the north and, though some distance away, this can sometimes result in quite rough flying conditions. If in doubt hang around at launch and monitor conditions for a while before considering taking to the air.