The Mach Loop (also known as LFA7), is a series of valleys in West-Central Wales which are often used by the Air Force to train on low-level (as low as 76 meters (250 feet)). These locations are strictly private properties and we would like to point out the fact that you are strictly responsible for every actions that you will attempt up there and may occur some issues with locals/police/farmers etc. this is why we are recommending to follow carefully our advices. In the following we will list some websites which we found very helpful, especially if you are at LFA7 for the first time:

1. Rough flight plans reagrding hours of duty for the next weeks(this is no timetable for the LFA 7 and not shows the traffic for it!)
2. The most used flight routes and moves
3. Accurate weather forecasts for this special region

Aircraft most seen in the area includes:

UK Royal Air Force : Airbus A400M / Texan / Hawk / C130 / Beechcraft / Chinook / Puma / Apache / Typhoon / F35

United States Air Force : F15 / F35 / MC130 / V22 Osprey

However, since a Typhon was involved in an incident in October 2018 here, LFA7 activity was reduced. On average you will see 2-5 movements a day now during “good weather” (clouds or sun), but sometimes there are even days with 0 or also 20 movements (even if there is good weather). Depends a lot on your amount of luck! Furthermore this place becomes crowdy during good weather and UK holidays.

Written by Severin Hackenberger and Jeremy Denton in cooperation with Jamie Woodhouse-Wright and Wout Goossens. Lastchange: May 2023 (Spot 2 and 3 updated)

Rating
Movements
Photo Locations
Weather
Radio Frequencies
128.700 AM – Main frequency	London Military Central – Will indicated if an aircraft will fly in direction to Wales might potentially come here.
278.000 AM – Second frequency	Nato Low Level – Mostly used by USAF F15 pilots.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed at all.
Car/Public Transport	Required definitely. There is no public transport to this aera.
Restrooms	None, only next to trees or so.
Drinks/Food	Absolutely nothing around. Next Supermarkets in Dolgellau. Always bring everything with you and take home your rubbish!
Hotels	A few are available in the valley as well as camping sight. Dolgellau offers some Accomendations.
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. In general Monday to Thursday the whole day and Friday most of the time only till lunch time. No Activities at the weekends.
Security	There are no problems with the military, police or security services normally. However, you should always be at secured points only and don’t risk steep spots and ways at cliffes and edges. Take care when climbing and rather wear stable hiking shoes! Also if you camp in a tent up the hill, choose a safe spot and secure everything well as it can be windy!

	Spot #1 – Bluebell
WHERE	This location is the eastern most here and can be found on a hill’s northern side. Park your car at the lay by of A470 (marked on the map), get to the gate and climb the footpath along a brick wall up the hill for like 90 vertical meters till you reach your favourite spot. However, this hill is step and doesn’t offer a lot of place to stand safely.
WHAT	Good light till later noon.
TIME	Good light till later noon from sunrise on.
MISC.	Please bring everything you need for a long journey. Be careful when climbing as it is steep and there isn’t a lot of space. Good and stable shoes needed.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-600mm recommended

Unluckily, we can’t provide any example pictures taken from here yet. However, don’t hesitate to send us your ones.

	Spot #2 – BwIch
WHERE	BwIch is among the most famous positions at Mach Loop as it is located right by the “entrance” of the LFA7 valley. You can find a parking by the roadside of A470 again and then take the paved footpath up the hill. However, after a few steps you have to decide whether you go to lower or upper Bwlch. Option a – lower Bwlch: Turn to the left at the first y-junction and you will get to a nice position for side-side shots after a steep 60 vertical meters Option b – upper Bwlch: Keep to the right at the first y-junction and make the long way all up the steep hill  for approximate 45 minutes to 1 hour (120 vertical meters) as marked to have an elevated view onto the fly-bys.
WHAT	Low level action of military jets/helicopters right in front.
TIME	Good light till later noon from sunrise on.
MISC.	Please bring everything you need for a long journey. Good and stable shoes needed.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-600mm recommended Hercules = 190mm; A400M: 110mm, F-15: 2500m. For the Texan and Hawks you will need up to 500mm as they are really small.

Option a – Lower Bwlch:

LFA7-Spot2a

LFA7-Spot2a

LFA7-Spot2a

Option b – Upper Bwlch:

LFA7

LFA7

LFA7

LFA7

LFA7

LFA7

	Spot #3 – CAD East
WHERE	CAD East can be found east of the narrow valley where the aircraft fly thru. Park your car at the offical parking. On the opposite side you will see a ladder to climb over the fence to get on the path. Take the ~1,5km  and 120 vertcial meters footpath as marked on the map up the hill. A part will be on a asphalted road which is the same way if drive up by car (see next part). Once you reached the small car park just walk along the trees to the plateau which offers a fantastic view. It is exactly on the opposite side of the offical parking. If you don`t wanna walk you can also drive up to the location on a asphalted road. You can reach this road next to a farm (Stabal Holiday Cottage on google maps). Open the gate (AND CLOSE IT!!!!) and drive up to the top (several gates will follow) until you see a small parking for a handful of car to your left, next to the beginning of a forest.
WHAT	Low level action of military jets/helicopters directly in front closely.
TIME	Good light till later noon from sunrise on.
MISC.	Please bring everything you need for a long journey. ALWAYS CLOSE THE GATES! Parking space is limited on the top. Drive up early to find a place!
FOCAL LENGTH	100-600mm recommended A400 = 160mm;  Tucano = 450mm, Apache 350mm

LFA7-Spot3

LFA7-Spot3

LFA7-Spot3

LFA7-Spot3

	Spot #4 – CAD West
WHERE	This spot can be found west of the narrow valley the aircraft fly thru. Park your car at the offical parking and take the 750m footpath as marked on the map up the hill. This will lead you up like 90 vertical meters easily and smootly to a flatter hill side on the western side where you have a big area to search your favourite position in.
WHAT	Low level action of military jets/helicopters directly in front closely.
TIME	Early afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	Please bring everything you need for a long journey.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-600mm recommended F15 = 220mm;

LFA7-Spot4

LFA7-Spot4

LFA7-Spot4

	Spot #5 – Corris Corner
WHERE	The southernmost spot is located close to the village of Minffordd and only requires a smooth 80 vertical meter climb. Park on a lay by at of “Rhiw Gwgan” and from the parking continue by foot for approximate 100 meters until you see a gate. Open it (and close it!) and walk up the paved footpath up the hill till the postion.
WHAT	Low level action of military jets/helicopters.
TIME	Good light till later noon from sunrise on.
MISC.	Please bring everything you need. Always close the gates!
FOCAL LENGTH	Up to 600mm recommended

Unluckily, we can’t provide any example pictures taken from here yet. However, don’t hesitate to send us your ones.