VIDEO: Bird’s-eye view of Downs and beyond

Natalee Hazelwood bravely volunteered for a trip with the London Gliding Club at Dunstable Downs, drifting on the therms above South Beds, and she could not wait to show everyone her bird’s-eye shots from thousands of feet up.

Natalee explained how her experience panned out. She said: “Someone once said that gliding is ‘falling with style’.

“This didn’t help the nervous anticipation leading to outright fear as I wangled on the parachute and settled into the cockpit at the foot of Dunstable Downs.

“Quizzing experienced pilot and instructor Roger Banks on his perfect record, he has been flying pretty much man and boy, I felt confident that he was in complete control.

“For any first-timers out there, I want to assure you that you will experience one of the most peaceful moments of your life as you silently glide at around 3,000ft in the warm sunshine above the clouds with the most amazing view of the beautiful Chiltern Ridgeway below.”

Natalee explained how first they flew towards Dunstable but then because of Luton Airport’s tight airspace controls had to head towards Leighton Buzzard.

She said: “A hobby of mine is bike riding and I often ride along the new pathway on Dunstable Downs wondering if I waved could the gliders see me!

“Roger said they certainly could as we sailed over some dog walkers and headed towards Dunstable High Street at about 2,000ft and I have a breath-taking panoramic view.

“Easy landmarks are Ivinghoe Point and the White Lion carved into the Chiltern hillside.”

The pilot then headed for Leighton Buzzard and Natalee was surprised at the view that greeted her. She said: “The pilot informed me ‘and the urban sprawl to your right is the market town of Leighton Buzzard’.

“Sprawling is a good word for it as it became obvious there is so much more to the town than the High Street.

“From just under 3,000ft in the clouds, I had a unique view of the residential and industrial development. I was particularly surprised at the extent of new-build housing which adds a sizable chunk to the town’s footprint. It’s a visible line from traditional blend to bright red brick as I frame the view to take back to our image library.”

Natalee could not wait to tell Gazette colleagues what she had seen from the skies. She said: “It was an amazing experience and after the first run I was left wanting more. Roger is as passionate as all the members that keep the gliding club running and as soon as we landed there was barely enough time to kiss the earth as we jumped back in again and headed once more for the sky.”