Low Flying Wales!

The Royal Air Force training in the Welsh valleys, known as the 'Mach loop'. Wales, UK. 26/11/2009.

If you want a pure adrenalin rush and the chance to get some fantastic photographs then the Mach loop is it. I was amazed to see just how close the aircraft are as they fly through the twists and turns of the Welsh valleys. Its a fantastic sight to see a Tornado GR4 rise up through the valley at 450 knots leaving behind ribbons of vapour.
As these area's are well known for enthusiasts, the pilots do give the occasional wave. We get a wide range of aircraft including Tornado, Harrier and Typhoon jets to Apache and Lynx helicopters and C130 Hercules turboprop transporters not to mention the local Hawk trainers from RAF Valley in Anglesey.
As a lot of these locations are situated high up in the hills, its a good idea to have a good set of walking boots and clothing especially in the winter months. I made my first visit on the 20th November 2009, it was wet and windy. I wore a few layers of clothing and a rain proof jacket and trousers, suitable gloves and a nice warm hat that covered my ears, A few sandwiches and hot flask is also worth while. Its a good idea to use a walking pole as some of the tracks can get slippery.