Always unblock Google Maps. By loading the video, you agree to YouTube's privacy policy. Load video. Always unblock YouTube. Thanks for information enjoyed flyover when I had caravan at Borth but love to see them at Mac loop, hope all are well hope to get back to wales soon. Your email address will not be published. Don't subscribe All Replies to my comments Select above if you wanna get notified about followup comments via e-mail or not. You can also subscribe without commenting.
Vilnius Intl. Airport Spotting Guide July 20, Teesside Intl. Airport — Spotting Guide July 26, Rate this airport! Radio Frequencies Spotting Information Ladder Not needed at all. There is no public transport to this aera. Restrooms None, only next to trees or so. Hotels A few are available in the valley as well as camping sight. Season The peak season is during Summer once the days are sunny and not too windy.
Best days are in the middle of the week as activity was best then so far. Security There are no problems with the military, police or security services normally. Take care when climbing and rather wear stable hiking shoes! Low flying is an vital skill for military aircrew, and the Royal Air Force uses various areas of the United Kingdom for low level flight training. The Ministry of Defence website has a map showing the location of the low fly areas. Although not all military aircraft are displayed, this can be a useful resource for finding out what is flying, and where they may be headed, including transiting to the Mach Loop.
Where to Park, but more importantly than that, how to take the pictures. We cover it all The Mach Loop also known as the Machynlleth Loop or CAD West among plane spotters consists of a series of valleys in the United Kingdom in west-central Wales, notable for their use as low-level training areas for fast jet aircraft.
The system of valleys lies 8 miles east of Barmouth and is nestled between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south, from the latter of which it takes its name. For Cad East only simply follow the instructions on the above video.
Parking at Cad East - This is really important Before you venture up to the back of Cad East you must bear the following in mind There isn't an official Car Park there, just a couple of pull-in areas that everybody uses. There are 2 small areas where people leave their cars. In one area see video there is space for around 5 carefully parked cars. There is a second area for around 3 to 4 carefully parked cars.
People also edge their cars onto the verges, but this isn't recommended and could upset the Farmer and other road users. The verges are un-even, usually soft and boggy and it's very easy to get stuck. I can vouch for that! Furthermore, these areas will fill up by 7 AM - Don't even attempt to travel up the back road after this time, or you'll find yourself traveling back down.
Park sensibly and don't let this happen to you. Cad West - It takes around 15 minutes to walk to the lower viewing area.
This is a steady climb. Perfect for anyone that is averagely fit. You can then venture further up to the higher viewing areas which will offer different viewing angles if you like. The climb really does get a little more intense. This is a real huff and puff hill. Personally, I would suggest going higher only if you're a fairly fit person and if you have a long lens. The further up you travel the further away from the aircraft you get.
Cad East - From the rear car park, it's a steady minute climb. See Parking above before you go Climbing up from Cad West's car park isn't something I have done yet. It looks a hard climb though. Community Project Maybe somebody could advise us in the comments below? Other - If you're there for the day I'd suggest the following but they're not essential Radio - The serious Loopers have radio scanners. I don't have one, so I can't comment.
Do not bother buying a radio unless you intend to visit several times. They're more of a hindrance to the casual visitor. Any camera will do. Some people just go for the experience.
Some people are happy to just video the aircraft on their smartphones. If you're serious about taking pictures, then I'd suggest any Camera, but with a long lens. A lens between mm would be perfect. The land at Cad East and West are owned by local farmers. They have both asked me to point out that Camping on their land is Strictly Prohibited. It is rated 4. It has just enough amenities and is picturesque.
The Farmer is called Hugh Notting. He's a spot-on guy and embraces photography and photographers. I'm not on commission but please let him know you found this info from this page. It has a Google 5 Star rating and located right in the heart of The Loop. If you stayed here you could actually walk up the road to the Cad East viewing area. It'll take just 25 minutes. You wouldn't need to drive up at silly-o-clock in the morning to secure a parking spot either.
For more info see their website here. This video and accompanying web page covers it all! I want to share mine and your experiences with others. Got any videos you want to share? Any Pictures? Any advice you feel will be appropriate?
Just add them into the description and I'll share them on my webpage. I will of course credit you back. My friend and I are Just back from our first ever trip to the Loop. We used your video as our guide and spent three days on Cad East.
We were very lucky with the weather and aircraft and saw a lot of Hawks, several Fs, a few Typhoons plus a Hercules and an A Thanks to your tips and advice we had a great time, thank you. Where and when low flying happens. Loopers generally ignore it. Radio Frequencies: There is a very well written web page that seems to cover all of the frequencies that you're ever likely to want and more.
It's probably just easier for you to go straight there. Mach Loop Frequencies Aircraft use this frequency to call for permission to transit across to Wales. Useful information can be gleaned here, including where the aircraft is making for.
This gives an indication that aircraft will not be coming through The Loop. Christoph Sojak suggested using walking poles in his review of my video. Dear Gary! I just want to say thx for your efforts you put in this channel and your website. I checked all your videos and all the location-insights on the hp and honestly they are totaly true and valid.
You made it easy for me to plan my trip and have a great time with Tornados, Hawks and F's. Only one adition from my side: I recommend everybody to bring walking-sticks. When the wind blows strong they can help to prevent your belongings f. Once again Gary, thank you - you made my day! Since I've committed to weekly vlogging, you get the best and the worst.
Besides, it's probably good to know that we don't always have successful days! I make at least one video a week, and I've got some amazing locations penned. Please make it worth my while and support the channel. The following is a fantastically written "Guide to the Mach Loop" that has never been published or shared online. The Author has granted me permission to share it, but wishes to remain anonymous which is a shame.
I haven't changed it in any way so the author's views may well vary from mine. For the beginners considering going to the loop for the first time. The focus will lie not so much on the spots or the camera gear but with all the other practical details for planning a trip to the loop, going there with the right expectations and mindset to be able to get as much out of it as possible.
Together the valleys form a circuit in which all kinds of military aircraft and helicopters from multiple nations regularly go to practice their low flying skills.
Occasionally, especially in weekends, civilian traffic can also be spotted. The traffic flow is always counterclockwise and in the north and west, there are several popular locations where people can climb the surrounding mountains to enjoy the show and take pictures in a way that mimics air-to-air photography. Name The Machynlleth Loop. Aviation-heads easily confuse this with Ernest Mach and the speed of sound but the name actually derives from the village of Machynlleth just south of the south-west corner of the loop.
Used By R. Red Arrows or part thereof can sometimes be spotted passing through the loop. Getting more common Osprey, AM. When Any day they are flying, the weather is acceptable and they have some time and fuel to spare.
There is no such thing as a timetable for the loop and going there is a gamble in many respects. However, when the weather is fair you will most likely see something during a whole day stay. Traffic has been seen as early as around 7 and well into the darkness but most typically you want to be there 8 in the morning to about in the evening. Also, see the section on parking. Please note that the air forces mostly operate office hours and the chance of seeing anything during a weekend or bank holiday is skinny to none.
Ongoing major exercises will, of course, affect all of the above, including no action at all if the forces are deployed elsewhere. Factors Affecting Traffic The most apparent one is, of course, the weather. Secondly, if they have time, fuel and desire to go for some low level that day. There are however some other things that can really kill your day. Factors Affecting Visitor Count Some national holidays such as school breaks will bring more people to the loop.
Also, summertime is high as well as in the weeks around RIAT. Rumours of rare flying visitors will also affect the number of people on the hills and parking.
Where to Stay See the above recommendations. Getting to the Spots Having a car is basically the only way unless you enjoy walking or biking. There is no bus service or charter coaches to take you there.
This is very much the countryside and you need to take care of yourself. There are taxi services in the area but cell coverage is poor so when you are done and want to leave, this can prove tricky.
You will most likely bump into other like-minded people and may be able to share a car. Parking Most of the spots have very limited parking possibilities.
Space typically used are standard road laybys where you can fit anything from cars depending on the spot. Please adhere to signage and do not waste space, park smart and more cars can fit in and people will appreciate you more. Bwlch: If you are a party traveling in 2 cars, please park the car's bumper to bumper and not side by side.
People knowing each other or agreeing on conditions can also park this way. Due to the parking constraints in many of the spots, you need to consider leaving your accommodation really early to ensure a spot. If you are a group, if possible please share vehicles. By early I mean on-site no later than 7.
This is really the preferable mindset. The loop comes with no guarantees whatsoever. F are bolder and they also have a slightly lower hard deck for low flying than what USAF do. A lot of the USAF pilots are also in training and have not been flying in the loop before, or even at low-level so their personal minimums will take them higher through the loop than most of the RAF jocks.
With a good lens and some talent, you will also be able to get excellent cockpit shots, maybe even with the aircrew waiving at you. The more time you can afford to stay in the loop in terms of days the higher the chance of getting to see some traffic duh! All violations of manner and common sense on these spots will jeopardize the future of the loop both from farmers blocking off access and from the air forces moving elsewhere if they start viewing the loop as a risk for them or the general public.
Absolute No-No! Who Can Go? What About My Kids? The different spots have a different character and the difficulty level varies a lot. Still, keep in mind that all spots require that you climb up to a level where you are above the aircraft you want to be watching. Even rather unfit people can do it as long as they take it slowly, not pushing on too hard. For families with kids, Cad West is the spot you want to visit. The climb is done by traversing trails and at the steepest parts you follow a fence that you can hold on to if needed.
Once up there, there are no sudden steep areas that you could accidentally fall down from. Sheep are omnipresent in the loop area and they are roaming the same hills you are to keep that in mind if you bring your dog. Farmers tend to be very upset by anything else but their own sheepdog hunting the sheep. Snakes have been reported — mind your step.
Falling off a cliff… All joking aside, people get hurt in the loop every year. Please appreciate the challenge you accept when going to the loop.
Weather and Gear Weather shifts can be dramatic in the loop and it can be hard to dress for all circumstances, especially in the spring and fall. When the sun is shining you wish for shorts and t-shirt, then clouds form and wind picks up, a rain shower starts and you would give your left arm for a tent with central heating in it or for a teleportation device to get you off the mountain in a hurry. Do not fool yourself thinking that at least it will always be reasonably warm in the summer.
It is not. Bad weather will bring unbelievable cold even in July. Disregard any other advice I give you in here except this. Get some proper outdoor boots with good treading and preferably with some ankle support. In many places, the rocks are loose and you have to carefully plan your steps and if you lose balance, which you inevitably will at some point, the shoes may be the only thing between you and a fracture, or in a worst case, the afterlife.
Navigating this type of terrain is not a game so gearing up properly is very smart. Dress in layers onion principle , helps preserve heat during long periods of inactivity with wind and downpour and you can easily shed as many layers as required when the sun comes out again. Bring a spare layer since the climb usually soaks the layer closest to your body.
Always bring rain protection for yourself and your gear. Bear in mind that the ground gets wet too so you need to water-proof anything that will be sitting directly on the ground. Anything from a solid plastic bag to professional outdoor protection products will do the trick. You will see that some people carry different quick-erect type tents if you care to carry one they are fantastic when the weather goes sour on you and you will get lots of envious stares from the people sitting outside curled up under their ponchos and umbrellas.
They are rather inexpensive, you can get them from approx. Oh, umbrellas. If you have a small light one, pack it along but mostly when the rain comes, so does the wind and it can quickly get beyond the point where an umbrella will turn inside out. Some people find a good use for walking sticks when climbing for extra grip and stability. Sitting gear, I mentioned protection for things you put on wet ground.
But, if you are going to spend maybe 10h on the mountain, it may be wise to bring something to sit down on, wet or not.
Folding camping chairs are common among loopers although it can be a challenge to find a flat enough surface to put them on. Securing it when the wind picks up can also be an issue. Inflatable pillows are nice but not very aerodynamic so attach it to something that will keep it from getting airborne. Sun Protection A must for fair days, you will find yourself sitting outdoors for 10h straight with no shadow.
Also, bring sunglasses, they will be comfy and also help when looking for incoming traffic. Head Protection Some kind of hat or cap is good. Keeps you from sunburn on the scalp and provides extra shade for eyes and neck. Food and Drinks Nothing of the sort is readily available in the immediate loop area. Stock up on water plenty! Time For a Full Circuit If you think the traffic will go full circuit or for a second lap, lap time is about min depending on the aircraft type.
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