Mach Loop LFA7, Wales, UK, Basic Guide

Basics
LFAs are Low Flying Areas used by the RAF, USAF and other visiting air forces for low level training.  There are no set time tables or advance warning of activity. These are operational aircraft, not tourist attractions...but they have developed  a huge following.

Flying usually takes place Monday to Friday...occasionally,  but very rarely, over a weekend, so plan to visit on weekdays...you may see something, you may not; there are no guarantees. 

Equipment
Good walking boots, walking poles, waterproofs and sensible layers are a must in all seasons. The weather can change very quickly in the area.  Remember to take some snacks/sandwiches and drinking water.  Don't forget your medication,  if you need any.  

Consider taking spikes or crampons for your boots too if you're going to try photographing from areas like Bluebell or The Spur because the terrain is slippery and it's very easy to lose your footing in those places.

Some people take tents to shelter from unexpected rain but you should only do this if you have a) the means to properly secure it to the ground and b) enough weight to keep it there.  The last thing you want on a windy day is for a tent to be floating around, as it could cause either an air or road accident.  You may also want to take a basic first aid kit.

Viewing areas
Please consider your abilities and disabilities before you select a viewing spot.  There are many places to view.  The weather can change very quickly and it's very easy to get caught out in torrential rain in the area.  Also, if something does go wrong, depending on the injuries sustained and your location, it can be a difficult task to effect a rescue.

Bluebell has parking on the main road but can be a hard climb.  Speak to local people and get permission before climbing up there as parts of the area are out of bounds and the landowner will tell you to leave if he finds you there.  You can get decent shots from this area for most of the day in Winter and most of Summer.  This area is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

The Spur area can be accessed from  a path below Bwlch, on the main road.  It's a better location for light in the afternoon.  However, the slopes can be slippery when wet. Only go there if you're confident in your ability to come down safely when it's been raining in the area.  I recommend taking spikes for your boots.

4 viewing areas can be accessed via the car park at Bwlch but they fill up very quickly.  I would take walking poles and ensure you have good walking boots.  If you have any mobility difficulties,  you should avoid this area.  This area is one of the best spots for morning photography.

Cad East is a popular spot with limited car parking but you can get some great shots there in the morning.  Cad West has a large car park under it.  It can be a hard climb if you're unfit but you can get some great shots in the afternoon.  The RAF tend to fly by at eye level, the USAF fly through higher.

The Corris Corner area is reasonably accessible for walkers and can provide great shots of Chinooks, as they approach,  as well as other aircraft. 

There are other viewing areas in the Loop but these are the ones that I've used the most.

Accommodation 

To find the Mach Loop area, use the following post code: SY20 9JA.  This will lead you to the Red Lion in Dinas Mawddwy, Machynlleth.   It's a great pub with accommodation and the food is delicious.  You will be very close to the first viewing area, Bluebell and you'll be able to aircraft flying around you at various times of the day, if they're in the Mach Loop.  There are other places to stay and camping sites in the area.

Wishing you lots of sightings.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu