Cardiff, Newport & Bristol (The Severnside Tour)

The Flight Experience This unique region offers a rare opportunity to fly a "Tri-City Tour" across two countries in under 15 minutes. The flight experience is defined by the massive Severn Estuary that separates England (Bristol) from Wales (Newport and Cardiff).

Navigating this area visually is incredibly satisfying. You can depart Bristol (EGGD), drop into the Avon Gorge, cross the wide expanse of the Severn water, and pick up the industrial skyline of Newport before landing at Cardiff (EGFF). The airspace is busy but logically laid out, with the estuary acting as a natural divider between the control zones.

Visual Highlights

• The Bridges (The Crossing): The Prince of Wales Bridge and the older Severn Bridge are massive, unmissable landmarks. They serve as the perfect VFR gates when crossing between English and Welsh airspace.

• Clifton Suspension Bridge (Bristol): Spanning the deep Avon Gorge, this is perhaps the most iconic landmark in the southwest. In a low-wing aircraft, banking hard over the gorge to look down at the bridge is a highlight of any UK tour.

• Newport Transporter Bridge: A rare industrial relic visible in Newport. It looks like a skeletal frame towering over the River Usk and is distinct from the modern highway bridges nearby.

• Principality Stadium (Cardiff): This massive stadium (formerly the Millennium Stadium) dominates the Cardiff city center. Its retractable roof and riverside location make it an easy anchor point for visual navigation.

• Cardiff Bay: The distinct arc of the bay, including the Senedd (Parliament) building and the Wales Millennium Centre, provides a modern, architectural contrast to the historic docks.

Pilot’s Note: The "Gorge Run" is a favorite among local simmers. Depart Bristol and immediately locate the River Avon. Follow it north at 1,500ft as it cuts through the cliffs of the Avon Gorge, passing directly under (or over!) the Clifton Suspension Bridge, before popping out into the open estuary. It requires tight turns and careful altitude management to stay clear of the terrain while admiring the view.