MACH LOOP - The Official guide to Cad West - 1st TIME? WATCH THIS

[@mickb474]

Thanks for the guide Gary, some stunning pictures there, so clear!

[@jimtinamx5]

Also like to add a big thankyou to Gary for this guide, brilliant. !!!

[@GaryGough]

My pleasure! Cheers 👍👍

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Gary. Superb ! If I hadn't been to Cad West, I'd have learned everything I'd need to know from watching this. This is a very comprehensive guide and I'm glad you've covered all of the key bits that don't include photography (parking, litter, appropriate clothing etc.). It's fair to say that the climb up the ridge shouldn't be underestimated and as you rightly say, the path's a challenge in even the driest weather. You're also spot on in saying that some days are a bust - my last visit, on a freezing day in April, had no flybys all day and then just as I got back to the car (after slipping and getting a wet backside) a pair of Hawk trainers flew over !! Oh how I laughed !! This is a fabulous video, packed fun of great information and some stunning images Gary. A great follow up to your Cad East guide. Many thanks for sharing.

[@ModelNerd]

A great guide and really inspiring photos - thank you for taking the time to put it together. I've definitely got to head there one day soon!

[@HappySquiddy]

Wow! That F-15 at 7:17 looked like it was coming right at you, bet the pilot enjoyed that one. Cheers for all the invaluable content, I'll hopefully be making my first trip to the loop when the weather permits.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you. I have compiled even more info here... www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop-wales/mach-loop/

[@billsbuilds5961]

Thank you so much for putting this video together, a trip here is definitely on my “ Bucket List”!

[@rob16495]

This is exactly what i've been looking for! Hoping to visit for the first time very soon, thank you for the video

[@GaryGough]

You’re welcome 👍👍

[@h3llrayzor59]

My God! What an absolutely BRILLIANT video! You, sir, are an amazing photographer! The close-ups were practically close enough to read their call signs on their helmets. The Mach Loop is now officially on my "Bucket List!! I know it has to be a lot of hard work putting this video together. I hit the subscribe button before the video was even played through. This video made my day. Thank you, sir.

[@GaryGough]

And it's comments like this that make it all worthwhile. Thank you very much 👍👍👍👍

[@old4004]

Fascinating!! Thanks for taking us on the tour, Gary.

[@GaryGough]

You're welcome, thank you 👍🏼

[@andrewgriffiths1142]

Hi Gary , another great video, thanks . Hoping to try Cad West tomorrow so fingers crossed for good weather and lots of flying 🤞🤞

[@GaryGough]

Hope you had a good one! 👍👍

[@scotty4418]

Quite simply...... stunning images Gary and a very informative video as well. Thank for sharing your experiences with us

[@GaryGough]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it

[@BlackOps-Ent]

This is just incredible. I get all giddy when I watch video and stills from the Mach Loop. It would be extremely out of character for me to make a trip across the pond just to photograph jets - YOLO!! I would have to start up that mountain @ 3am... to have a chance for the next day. Nice video and another subscriber.

[@glennturnbull8568]

Cheers Gary - Fantastic! That made the hairs on my arms stand up. I'll have to arrange a trip Wales sometime soon.

[@eatbug4free2]

What a beautiful scenery!

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍

[@aquarioamico6604]

Another winner, Gary! Loved it!!!!

[@GaryGough]

Thank you 👍

[@jgreg82]

Fantastic guide Gary thankyou. This is now on the to do list

[@GaryGough]

Glad it was helpful! I have compiled this info about the Mach Loop. Everything you'll ever need www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop/

[@placerinoporteno3544]

This is one of my "must do before I die!" experience. Thanks for the video, excellent! :)

[@douglasclayden4941]

Its been on my bucket list for a good few years so with your inspiration i shall have to plan a visit sometime soon.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Douglas 👍

[@sgtdave9617]

Some of the best video's and still's I've seen from the Mach Loop. Keep up the great work Gary.,.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you, very kind of you to say 👍

[@peterbxxx]

Thanks for this Gary. Very community minded.

[@GrahamHolt-rl9ei]

I’m going in September for the first time. Your video has been a great help. Even if we see no aircraft the views will be fantastic, thanks

[@FTStratLP]

Stunning photos!

[@GaryGough]

Thank you

[@chuckyzzz]

Perfect timing. I am locking this in for my next trip to Wales.

[@PhantomRC1959]

This one is on top of my bucket list 😀

[@GaryGough]

I hope you make it one day. Thank you 👍👍

[@MechaJayZilla]

Thank you, Gary. This is superb!

[@obeardedone5439]

About to go the loop myself. But with a few health conditions was worrying about climbs etc. Very informative video and put my mind to rest on some things . thank u

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍

[@mikeknight8282]

I went up in September 2018. Wish I had watched this video before going. Yes you need to be quick, saw a F15 but didn't have my camera ready. Two hours later a Tornada flew past, didn't have the right settings on my camera. Driving away two Hawkes and a C130 flew low overhead. Just proves the need to do some homework and be prepared to wait. Your photos are excellent and the advise is first class. Maybe I will make the trip again sometime, but the old knees aren't getting any better. Thank you.

[@tonyjames5444]

Very helpfull thanks, great pictures, love the effect of the moisture in the air on the aircraft, much better than clear sunny days.

[@GaryGough]

tony james - glad you liked it Tony 👍🏻

[@darrenblight9854]

Top effort Gary! Thank you for brining us this. Somewhere that has always intrigued me. Planning to go soon. This info is invaluable. Thank you!

[@martienhoogebeen8434]

Just two words: absolutely brilliant!

[@k.t.1641]

7:18 reminds me of Superman flying through the hills. So awesome. One of the best shots ive seen of the Mach loop. Nice! And thanks!!

[@GaryGough]

And it's comments like this that make it all worthwhile. Thank you very much 👍👍👍👍

[@JohnCBurzynski]

Thanks for the video. I haven’t seen the Mach Loop, since I am an American and have only been to England once. But your videos have given me a few must see places when I go back.

[@GaryGough]

Glad you liked it John. I have compiled more info here too... www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop-wales/mach-loop/

[@algardner2391]

Thanks for the guide Gary!

[@antonoat]

A really helpful video and fantastic photographs, thanks a bunch Gary for sharing this, cheers.

[@christopherjones4604]

Excellent guide Gary, I was there for an hour last week, just passing through and managed to see 4 hawks and a Tornado all from the road or carpark ☺ The noise was fantastic!! By the way there must have been 50 plus cars in the lay-by plus 20 on the roadside, it's getting very popular!

[@GaryGough]

lol How lucky were you :) You'll have to park up and head up next time

[@jerryhutchinson2543]

Thanks Gary. That was excellnt and I love the advice all through. Couldn't agree more about being respectful to the land owner. My philosophy is to travel respectfully and leave no trace! I'll be doing just that to go to Cad West. Cheers!

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Jerry

[@Archibald_Quincy_Stanton]

Spectacular Gary👍 The sight and sound of freedom. Well done. Also appreciate the mention of respecting other peoples land.

[@tonibriensify]

This is a great video, super informative on the location & great shots. You've covered everything!! Thanks again for coming to Batley Camera club last night for your presentation & I enjoyed our chat on waterfalls :-)

[@GaryGough]

Thank you for having me :) Cheers

[@gurleyhardin6370]

Greetings from México Gary! Thank you for this very informative video and beautiful photos.

[@davidpinder4587]

Excellent work Gary. It's been on my to do list for a while. 👍🏻

[@GaryGough]

Thank you David 👍

[@keithdriverphotography]

A great guide, thanks. Had never heard of this place until your first video on it. Now packing for my third trip down in three weeks :)

[@Libertybill714]

Definitely on my Bucket List.

[@GaryGough]

Libertybill714 - well worth a visit 👍🏻

[@jgphotography3365]

I'm planning to go to the Mach Loop at some point this year (2023) and will be travelling from Somerset. Can't decide wether to take my Nikon D800 or my D7100. Might end up bringing both with me, as well as a flask filled with tea. Excellent video Gary!

[@davidmiller9674]

Did cad West today after watching your video which was a great help. Managed to snap an A400 and a couple of Hawks. Not the best pictures but I'm new to photography and I'm happy I got some at least.

[@scottthompson2481]

Thumbs up and subscribed , many thanks , great camera advice , i shy away from using my DSLR but you have given me the confidence to give it another go .........

[@GaryGough]

Glad you've been inspired Scott - More info here f you need it... www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop-wales/mach-loop/

[@ToxicChillz]

Went to the Mach loop a week or so ago and this guide would have helped a ton. I missed out on going up to cad west on the only good day we had, and the next day we got rained off with 0 visibility through the loop. Maybe next time! Can't wait to go back!

[@TimHill1]

Having seen this video Cad West is well up on my photography to-do list, more cars in the carpark :) Thanks Gary, love your images in the video!

[@johndoherty6973]

Another great video, hopefully we will meet at some point, love the reference to the farmers and being considerate by taking all rubbish home, as they say “leave only footprints “👍🏻

[@GaryGough]

Thank you John 👍🏻

[@markcandlin6421]

Really well made little film Gary, thanks for the info

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Mark 👍

[@peterwillstein198]

Gary Fantastic video; loaded with information and ideas. As a pilot, hopefully some day I'll make the trip across the pond. Also a pleasure to watch a volg with new and exciting content. Thanks so much Peter

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Peter 👍

[@craigrdunlop]

Hi Gary FANTASTIC vlog I love the shot at 9.30 thanks for the info on where to park, its now on my bucket list hope to see you there. regards Craig

[@GaryGough]

Glad you liked it Craig, cheers 👍🏻

[@darrellpoole5707]

Brilliant garry,the detail in the pictures is great and video.going up in September so I will introduce myself there if your there.👍

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Darrell 👍

[@deanlewisbengy]

Really enjoyed watching this. Iam planning on doing this .thanks you .✈✈👍👍

[@GaryGough]

Nice one Dean 👍👍

[@deanlewisbengy]

@@GaryGough Finally got to go to Cad west .Me and the family had a fantastic time. We will be going back again. Thank you ✈✈.👍

[@johnlewis8049]

A little bit behind when you released this but thinking of going for my first time, avid climber avid aeroplane spotter yet never been….thanks Gary might see you big thumbs up for this video

[@peterdovey5182]

45 degree climb ! that would be the end of me Gary, but many many thanks for putting this film together for us and what stunning images.

[@slim4711]

Thanks for the information , and awesome videos and photos too

[@robslusarphotography]

great stuff again Gary. the loop is on my bucket list. really keen to head out there. thanks for the content

[@dirkboy07]

Great videos Gary. We are coming up next week. Hopefully get to seeing something, good weather and not fluff my settings as I’m a newbie to photography and my DSLR. Great setting tips

[@GaryGough]

Good luck - Let me know how you got on please

[@J.O.J.61]

Hi Gary, thanks for this guide, this is certainly one of my dreams of one day being able to go to Mach Loop to watch planes go by. When I go to visit my daughter in London I have to schedule a visit to Mach Loop, if possible, with this guide of yours the task is a little more simplified, I love your page, I have learned a lot about photography. Thank you!

[@markboweringphotography4408]

OMG those photos are awesome. Thankyou so much for sharing all the info. If ever I am up that way I will definitely take a detour to this place.

[@davidblackburn432]

Some good info. Thanks Gary.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you, David. I have compiled even more info here you might find helpful... www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop-wales/mach-loop/ Cheers

[@1894mcfc]

Looking to get to the loop this year, I have wanted to get there for years Gary. Hopefully will feel well enough this year 👍

[@GaryGough]

I'll be making a video there next week. Look out for it 👍👍

[@Dulmenfoto]

Thank you Gary super video and fantastic shots.

[@GaryGough]

Very kind, thank you 👍

[@ianrichardson7389]

Another cracking informative blog Gary. 👍🏻

[@GaryGough]

Thank you kindly Ian. Coming next time?

[@ianrichardson7389]

Gary Gough See how I’m fixed, need a bit of notice tho.

[@johnvoss2565]

Metal bird photography, awesome.....

[@GaryGough]

john voss - lol cheers John 👍🏻

[@DeltaCharlie78]

Thanks for the great guide Gary, I must have watched it a dozen times. Finally found the time for my first visit. Going up tomorrow and spending most of Thursday and Friday waiting to see what happens. Not expecting to see much given the weather but it'll be a good scouting trip if nothing else!

[@GaryGough]

Oh that's great. Did you see anything?

[@DeltaCharlie78]

@@GaryGough Sadly not. I wasn't really expecting to with the weather being far from ideal. It was a good scouting trip though and I still made the trek up the mountain in the freezing cold and high winds. I'll certainly be going back. (I mentioned you to Huw at the campsite)

[@AdamJonesPhoto]

Hi, was up Cad West yesterday, Jan 2024. One thing to consider is wind speed! It was -3 degrees yesterday but due to windspeeds of 22-30 knots the temp up Cad West was -10 degrees. Just something to bear in mind. Great day though, Texan and Hawks galore.

[@keithlinforth4585]

Fantastic Gary, must be a real rush to see those magnificent machines and pilots in action let alone photograph them!

[@2ChukBuk]

The stills of the F15 starting at about 9:10 are extraordinary...almost look like paintings. Thumbs up.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Teddy, very kind 👍

[@jimtinamx5]

I take it you are finishing your pics off with some software Gary ?

[@nfinnigan]

Fantastic pictures

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Nick 👍🏼

[@alanc.eganphotography3058]

Thumbs up Gary, Spectacular as always. Hoping to go June 30th Friday and see some planes.

[@GaryGough]

Fingers crossed for you Alan 👍👍

[@alanc.eganphotography3058]

@@GaryGough Cheers mate

[@alanc.eganphotography3058]

One time visit so do you think east or west?

[@bicaknoll]

What a wonderful video! Thank you, so very much. Am now planning a completely different vacation than I had ever imagined . . . thanks to your video. The pictures are fabulous, especially of the F-15. What I want to do is set up my multi-channel DSD recording gear and capture the magic and majesty of the sound. Again, thank you for this video. Michael, over in Seattle, USA

[@GaryGough]

So glad you enjoyed the video. There is more info here too... www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop-wales/mach-loop/

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Brilliant Gary Superb shots The official guide is here !!! :-)

[@GaryGough]

Darren J Spoonley Photography - lol cheers Darren

[@alexandergardner2396]

Thanks very much for this. I've been trying to schedule a visit and shoot with a work trip from Australia for 3 years. A few things have prevented me from getting over but this Feb is looking very good. Dress for the 'warm' weather seems like a good idea this time. 🤣

[@Optikification]

I really want to do this, ex RAF so jet engins just make we wet myself (nearly) as they roar past. You got some awesome shots. I should be ok with my 80D and tamron 150-600 and 18-400.

[@GaryGough]

Perfect with either of those lenses. I'm ex RAF too :)

[@jasonkennedy2045]

Fantastic video mate... great info and some epic shots!! Looks incredible... cheers Jase

[@Chris-NZ]

How cool is that !!!! Great photos Gary, so sharp. Wish my dad was still around (he was a WW2 Commonwealth Pilot in the UK) he would have very much enjoyed your video.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Chris, and sad too :(

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

I am so wanting to go. Went once no fly. If I spot you I will be defo saying hello. Your images are so sharp

[@deegerry]

Awesome... I will be at the Mach Loop in October, the last time was 2015 & we had the Red Arrows fly through

[@GaryGough]

You might be a good omen :)

[@Cowley46]

Absolutely stunning photos Gary. I'll be up there on Monday but will probably try Bwlch as I was up at Cad East earlier in the year. Great vid and well done for mentioning taking litter home.

[@DflyDude]

Stunning shots, so cool!

[@anthonygough9714]

Great information n great photography..

[@GaryGough]

Thanks a ton

[@SheriffCartman]

Thanks for uploading this guide. Having spotted aircraft low flowing occasionally on trips to the coast from the midlands I never knew of the Mach loop or it’s use as a regular training ground. I go through this area when going to the coast so would be good to try one day to see if a plane can be spotted. I have just two questions please. 1) I know sometimes aircraft may never pass, however typically is it one aircraft per day, or could there be many throughout the day? Just wondering if one is seen then is that it and can move on, or if there is potential to see more of you stay a few more hours etc. 2) You mention it’s private land. Is permission required or does the owner not mind as long as we’re respectful and therefore don’t need to ask permission first? Thanks.

[@carlos1982]

Why is there 6 unlikes on this 🤔 this is what ppl need to watch before going up causing havoc with parking. Top vid no doubt see u up there 1 day 👍🏼👍🏼

[@62shello]

Excellent info, many thanks.

[@jimcooke5590]

brilliant vlog gary, after watching this vlog its giving me great forward planning to visit this area hopefully soon, awesome images.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Jim 👍

[@richardpearce4079]

Inwales this week for a break away. We’re off up there today so fingers crossed. Thanks for a great tutorial. 👍

[@GaryGough]

Hopefully something will zoom through. If not it’s a pretty special place to have a picnic 👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnwhitehead4809]

nicely presented gary,very informative,will get there one day.

[@midean6005]

Very informative video thanks for taking the time to share

[@GaryGough]

You're welcome. Thanks for taking the time to watch it too :)

[@mikeymarmalade]

As always, a great video Gary. I will visit there one day.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you kindly

[@martinstokes5596]

Cheers Gary..great info...somewhere I will definitely be heading for one day..

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Martin

[@whiteheatredhot5341]

Thanks Gary. Best wishes from Tennessee.

[@GaryGough]

Thank you 👍 👍

[@nonconformist0189]

very good video, you are the official one :) thx for upload.

[@GaryGough]

lol thanks Mark

[@YOJIMMIE]

Our version of the Mach Loop is out of China Lake up the Panamint Valley near Death Valley, Had a crash today even some tourists were hurt, and have not heard about pilot.

[@GaryGough]

Hope it's all good news Hugh. What happened?

[@YOJIMMIE]

@@GaryGough unfortunately no The jet hit at full speed the top side of the canyon

[@GaryGough]

@@YOJIMMIE Oh no that's sad. Were any onlookers hurt?

[@YOJIMMIE]

@@GaryGough yes they say maybe 7-8 but not serious I saw picture of site It was quite large I guess at about 550 or so not much reaction time

[@PeterLavender]

Thanks for the video. Hoping to get there in July/August 2020.

[@hamishpeeti3642]

Thanks for the heads up Gary

[@GaryGough]

You're welcome 👍

[@markpursglovephotography]

Fantastic video, excellent images. 😊

[@GaryGough]

Thank you Mark 👍

[@mannipearce3357]

Brilliant advice

[@GaryGough]

Thank you. I have more info here too... www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop-wales/mach-loop/

[@neklamp2431]

Great sharp photos!!!

[@richardsmith8115]

Cracking. I was just about to ask about camera settings when they popped up at the end. Hope to give it a go next year when I visit Wales.

[@elbows66]

Really is hit and miss, been three times and only seen two hawks and a tornado, great day out and take something to drink and eat, great video Gary!!