Mach Loop Wales still worth visiting?

In this video, I discuss whether the Mach Loop is still worth visiting in 2022!
I document and film a random 3-day period so you guys can see whether you still feel the Mach Loop is worth visiting in 2022
A lot has happened to the traffic that flows through the loop over recent years. The RAF still use the location for low-level flying but nowhere near as much as they used to. Whilst other countries still use the Loop, it's fair to say that the amount of low-level activity is a lot less these days compared to four or five years ago.
Having said that, just catching a glimpse of an F15, F16 Hercules, Osprey or even a Hawk is still a magical thing. Even if you've seen it a thousand times before!
So the question is, is it still as magical as it used to be?
Please watch the video and feel free to leave a like 👍👍
ATB
Gary
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[@65gtotrips]

Forget the camera…just being there would be fantastic ! It’s not just the sight but it’s the sound that REALLY makes it cool 😎

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍👍

[@RikFreemanPhotographer]

Fabulous video Gray. Thanks for posting it. I have been promising myself to visit for year but just not around to it due to the unpredictability. For sure going and drawing a blank would not be ideal but I have no problem meeting new people and chatting. The comparison to fishing is spot on, and, I do sometimes end up in places with even less predictability and at times walk away with nothing but a good day chatting , learning and no doubt having a few laughs with other folks along the way. Sounds good to me.

[@Maxley..]

Lord knows I'm late to this. But I have to say this is a superb video. Thank you Gary. Firstly, as you well know, you take absolutely excellent photos of the aircraft in the Loop. But what makes it so, so much better is the extra stuff. The videos (which, although impressive, frankly can't hold a candle to your still shots). The onsite pieces to camera. And those less noisy hours spent waiting in one of the most beautiful places in Britain. You turned a trip to see aeroplanes into a story. And you told it, shot it, edited it beautifully. I came here to see hardware thump around the Mach Loop, but I got so much more. Best wishes and please post more. Ta.

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

A Great video Gary, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Day before yesterday, I flew the Mack Loop in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Boy was that fun. I flew from RAF Vally, flew to Bala Lake, and then followed the road, includin the shortcut through Brithdir, untill I came to the Cross Foxes, I then followed the road to the Mach Loop, flying down and over Tal-Y-Llyn lake, and then flew the vally as far as Tywyn, befor turning North and flying to RAF Mona to land.

[@AdamSmith-fh8gn]

Just a quick one to say thanks Gary, great video, amazing footage and fantastic stills. Extremely useful and honest info too. We are yet to make our way to the loop (will be a long trek for us from up north) and after watching your videos we’re definitely on for it. Thanks again

[@GaryGough]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers Adam. I created this page. All the info and more. www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop/

[@arthenry498]

I LOVED it all. AND I appreciate your opinion!! Thanks for all your work in gathering and editing all this wonderful information. YOU have provided some of THE best aircraft shots and THE best information and advice of any one. I really enjoyed this a lot. I really doubt I could navigate those hills and such but I certainly had a blast through YOUR lens. Thank you again for taking me along. Cheerio mate!!

[@GaryGough]

Kind of you to say, cheers Henry 👍👍

[@barryjohnson8194]

Love your stuff Gary and would love to see more of the locations around the Mach Loop and general setting for prop and jets, keep up the great work you produce

[@MrsMinx50]

Brilliant tutorial would be interesting to know techniques , compositions settings etc for a place like this Gary great images as always very interesting 👍

[@AirlinersLive]

Great video. Fantastic info! Been up there and blanked many times but still love the view! The aircraft are a bonus!

[@terrygoyan3022]

Thanks for this great overview of the Mach-Loop. I plan on visiting Star Wars Canyon later this year. Visiting Saline valley for the first time 12 years ago, I took the south entrance. Driving through the grape vine, two F-18's passed over my truck. They were so low that I didn't hear them till they were onto of me. Total shock as they were so close that my truck was buffeted by their exhaust and could feel the heat! Amazing. I didn't know then that they regularly practice air combat in the valley.

[@tedward8200]

This video is absolutely amazing, the camera skills is great, not to mention the structure of this video is perfect. And your point at the end of the video about the unpredictability of the loop is true in every way, I have only been twice now and I love the anticipation, the first time I went, I stayed in the pods near cad east and i got there with enough time for them to still be flying, admittedly I didnt see anything the day I got there but just sitting there, staring at flight radar was still fun, and then i had a whole day there where I got a single pass from an F-15 right in the closing 30mins of the loop.

[@GaryGough]

It was a successful day then 👍👍

[@Michael_W007]

I loved this. And thank you for sharing the links to all of the gear you use!

[@iandavidbrown7667]

Incredible timing Gary, I am sat in a cottage tonight 1 hour away from the Mach Loop looking at your vlog in readiness for my trip in the morning. Went last year and had one good day and one bad, so fingers crossed, as I am going tomorrow (Monday) and Thursday. Thanks again for another brilliant video.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Ian. Hope you have a cracker m8 👍👍

[@kanzeon7729]

Thanks for your work! Always exciting footage and very well made pictures!

[@neilcollins5930]

Gary first timed I’ve viewed your videos, wow super professional and loved the content. Never been to the ML but now after watching this I think its time .

[@BrianWMay]

Thanks, some spectacular pictures there. I used to fly tactically on the Hercules CMk1 and 3 (flight engineer) and flew the Mach loop (we didn't call it that then) but it's smashing to see these.

[@GaryGough]

Very cool! Ex RAF myself. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍👍

[@skw6410]

Spot-on assessment in my opinion, Gary. I went up on 15 March to CAD West, waited, chatted and admired the view with new friends made on the day from 0800-1310... then 4 F15-Es from Lakenheath made our day! That's all we saw but it was a flippin great day and as you rightly say, new friends made in a beautiful place with even better views. If you want to go there with guarantees of aircraft, the Loop ain't for you. Great video, Gary.

[@Joe-B1]

Another wonderful vlog Gary and thanks for sharing it. Some wonderful photos as well. Been planning on doing this for quite a few years now but never seem to get around to it. Maybe one day lol. Love your work mate so keep them coming.

[@dereklee9972]

Thanks a lot Gary, very interesting and a totally different kind of photography than I'm used to watching on u tube, enjoyed it so much! In fact I didn't even know about the 'MachLoop' , and would love to know more.

[@michaelkimber6203]

Awesome footage. Thanks Gary 👏👍

[@alonzohollingsworth7712]

Being a retired veteran I want to say those are AWESOME, AWESOME shots and clips. Although I've never been to the Mach Loop I would agree, it's a location to continue visiting. Not only for the possibility of getting shots of magnificent aircraft, but the beautiful landscape scenery. This video ranks in the top 5 of your videos I've watched. Thank you and keep'em coming.

[@GaryGough]

Will do and that's very kind of you to say, thank you 👍👍

[@leepritchard7061]

Where to in wales is this to is it up in Brecon Beacons

[@peterfromaustria724]

Thanks for this great Video! Surly the Mach Loop is on my bucket list for ever Every Aviation Geek/Spoter knows that when you go watching airplanes its mostly a wating game, often in harsh conditions (hot, cold, windy - all above) which test your resiliance quite fast.

[@elbows66]

Keep them coming,tips and videos Gary,very useful

[@paulmilovich2982]

Wow, great work Gary, those photographs were pin sharp!! Must of been tough to follow those aircraft moving that fast.

[@stevenkaskel3469]

This and the Isle of Man TT motorcycle races are probably 2 of the most spectacular spectacles one can see in this part of the world. I am going to the airshow today in KC to see the Thunderbirds and many other aircraft flying. Can't wait!!!!!! thank you for not only spectacular video and stills but also for being so informative about it all as well!!! I loved the fishing comparison too as I go fishing a lot and have the same attitude. Being out there and sharing with friends is great and if we catch fish, it's a bonus.

[@alantwinney8829]

Hi Gary, I was with the group with you on the Monday, we did the Blwch Exit Route on the Tuesday, so we obviously saw the same aircraft as you. We returned to Cad East on the Thursday and was as busy as Tuesday, Texan's, Hawks, C130's and Ospreys, a fantastic day.

[@timrosenburgh9485]

Hi Gary. What a brilliant video. Brilliant footage by yourself and slow mo from Gary. Stunning image's mate. I haven't been there yet, but hopefully soon. I would love to see a video on techniques, camera settings etc on how to photograph the Mach Loop. Again absolutely brilliant.

[@Cowley46]

I always find that time passes very quickly at the Mach Loop whether planes turn up or not. Just being up there is very relaxing and I enjoy listening to other chatter on the scanner and, like you say, the buzz of what 'might' be coming. I guess its not for all though. One tip I would give is if you are there just to watch planes and not to take photo's don't be disheartened when all the photographers pack up and leave as they might be leaving due to fading light or cloud cover which doesn't make for good photos but I've seen plenty of aircraft come through late on in the day when everyone has gone home. That was a really good video and paints a perfect picture of the loop. Thanks.

[@trevordavies2277]

Good to meet you on East on Monday, Great video and sums the loop up very well, I agree with you a lot of it is the anticipation and of course meeting other people and having enjoyable conversation. By the way you should have stayed another day it was a great day there on Thursday.

[@DLWELD]

Love those long shots! They show what the mach loop is all about! We can get close to these planes any time, but to see them at 500knots - in the landscape - is amazing

[@robbieallcock]

A great watch - deffo on my to do list! Also more Mach Loop vids please Gary!! 👍👍👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Robbie 👍👍

[@xanderwood7410]

Great insight, exactly what I was looking for!

[@LeeJane2009]

Fantastic and thank you, really enjoyed that 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@ronreese930]

I just stumbled upon your video. I was glued to it from beginning to end! Excellent and informative commentary. The same goes for your vids & pics! GREAT JOB MATE! Keep up the good work/"FUN"!

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Ron 👍👍

[@pathogan4854]

great video its on my bucket list !

[@cathoutdoors523]

That was awesome Gary. Thanks for sharing 👍🙏😊✈️

[@GaryGough]

Very welcome, cheers 👍👍

[@traceybartlam5940]

I’d love to go. I adore wales so being in that scenery would be great, adding in the planes would make it fantastic!

[@cruxtonhouse7846]

Gary that was fantastic. I would love it if you did a beginners guide on how to take photos to capture the movement in the propellers especially. We go to RAF Cosford and I am more of a novice at taking those type of photos. Absolutely love the video footage and Cad East and Cad West are somewhere I would really like to visit. Thanks as always for fab videos 😀

[@seanpassant3174]

Thanks for this video Gary, really enjoyed it and learned a lot. My 14 year old really enjoys watching fast jet aircraft, this gives me plenty of information to talk to him about.

[@GaryGough]

Oh that's awesome. Cheers Sean 👍👍

[@johnwheeler5271]

Thankyou Gary for your advice,tips and photos.Great videos.J

[@GaryGough]

No worries, cheers www.shootsmart.co.uk/mach-loop/

[@MrJoewilke]

Love when you post these videos I could look at those pictures all day I hope you do more videos like this in the future:)

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Joey 👍👍

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

I must have got less patient as I have got older. I used to love going fishing in a Naval blue whaler on the river Dart with my late father. Now, I think I would be bored. Your patience is admiral. The photo's, well, as expected, stunning.

[@pexeu1966]

Aye aye Gary , I’ve watched all you Mach Loop videos numerous times over the last 4/5 years and every time I promise myself I’ll give it a go so hopefully this year will be the year for me but any and all tips regarding shooting the loop will be gratefully received… thanks again for the amazing content ..

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Barry 👍👍

[@jamespruitt3159]

Thanks for identifying the different planes!

[@andyjsmith1981]

Wow Gary! What a place!! Awesome images and cinematography!!! Thoroughly enjoyed that!!!

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks! cheers Andy 👍👍

[@timbuchkoski3745]

I just stumbled accross this video and i must say WOW! What a beautifull place and to be at eye level of aircraft flying by would be an awesome sight. Love the photos of the aircraft. Thanks for sharing.

[@jrobinson503]

I’m heading to the Mach loop tomorrow for a couple of days thanks for all the info!!

[@GaryGough]

Have fun! Hope you have a great few days 👍👍

[@mikebrownhill4662]

Thanks for the video - I really enjoyed it. As for the 1 minute condensed version of your fruitless first day - I watched it and I enjoyed it. Then again - I photograph birds and wildlife most of the time, so hanging around for hours and/or days on end with a bunch of like-minded people is pretty much what I do. I'll get to the Loop one day, but I say that every year...

[@pamelafayesmith1130]

Ty Gary for a lovely informative video. I have over the years wanted to visit the loop but never got around to it. And now at 73 3/4 I am unable to do that climb up the mountain so I will have ro make do with yours and others videos. I have always enjoyed photographing aircraft and am going to the RIAT display in July and very much looking forwards to the day.. Once again ty for your lovely video

[@jonathanwilliams4348]

Subscribed, thank you fir beautiful images!

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Jonathan 👍

[@joelmspencer]

I went for the first time last week on a Friday, and got there just after lunchtime, so I wasn't expecting to see many, if any planes. I saw one - a Hawk T2, standing at Cad West. I'd love to go back to the Mach Loop and spend a couple of full days there because the way I look at it is that to drive from where I live, in Leicestershire, just for one day, isn't really worth doing, as that could be a day where there is no flying, and it's a 6 hour round trip. But if I go there for a couple of days and stay over night then I've got more chance of seeing at least something between the two days. Great video.

[@stevenclark1973]

Great video - as per usual. Thankyou.

[@LeeMansfield]

Keep up the great work Gary (tops mate)

[@originafreerangechicken]

Mach Loop is a bucket list adventure for me. Of course the icing on the cake would be watching a jet fly through but I really just want to see and feel that beautiful view for one day of my life. Stunning pics as always. Thank you for sharing as I'll probably never get there to see it in person.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍👍

[@GrymmsPlace]

Loved the video -had to re-watch to actually listed to what you were saying and not just be engrossed in the fly-bys. I live near a base that gets Apache, Osprey and the occasional Chinook, but absolutely nothing like the stunning photos and experience you had. Thank you for posting.

[@MrFlatroofer]

Same here, 2 ospreys, 2 American F35's in one day over our roof. We live 30 miles from the Loop.

[@D.P.R.Images]

Awesome video, I've just started filming them more now rather than photos, in the sunny Lake District and love capturing them, the noise is great and loving the slo-mo's on your video!

[@horatiobeaker]

Great shots. Thanks for sharing these fabulous pics and vids from your beautiful and wonderfully inviting country. I learned a new phrase: “chalk and cheese,” and that “Mach” was short for Machynlleth Loop. So, there we have it. This loop had to play a part in Tom Cruise’s inspiration for the flight path flown in Top Gun:Maverick.

[@apierc1]

Would like more videos on this Gaz, was very interesting, a place to bookmark to visit.

[@lisasimpson9343]

Just got to go there. I love military aircraft especially F15's. So glad you did this video I didn't even know it existed, I do live in Australia.... Wow wow wow. Such awesome images. Thank you.

[@JgHobley]

Great meeting you and chatting on day 2!!

[@NicholasStreet]

Very professional production with the panning time lapse shots. 👍🏻

[@Techsavie]

Those are outstanding images! well done

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks! 👍👍

[@VimyScout]

I'd give my back teeth to visit the loop. For anyone who loves aviation and warbirds in general it definately has to be on the bucket list. Some of the coverage I've come across has been fantastic to say the least. To get that close to these stunning aircraft in flight must be something else. Thank you for sharing a great video 👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍👍

[@gertbotha20]

Same here, absolutely beautiful. Very fortunate to have people like you share your passions with us.

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Sheep time lapses, love it. First I ever heard of the Mac loop, Thanks.

[@lancewalton4807]

Really great to see these aircraft thank you for sharing your interests. Blessings from South Africa. Lance

[@eastwoodsadventures]

Been once on the way through and was fortunate together a good couple of hours F15 action. Need to get back down there sometime. Just don't get enough time off work during the week or holidays to cover all the things I want to see and do. Thanks for another great video

[@markmoon8205]

I travelled up from East Sussex last week with the idea to try and capture a one off photo. I spent a couple of days in the area and spent 5 hours on cad west last Wednesday and a couple of hours the day before scouting the location. I saw one Hawk but felt lucky to of captured that, the not knowing what will happen can be some of the appeal, the guarantee you might not see things make it that bit more rewarding when it happens I guess. I will be back. It does get cold up there mind! More videos on locations, setting etc would be much appreciated. I loved the community spirit up there too.

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Excellent video Gary thanks. Exactly the same when I go to the lakes, completely hit and miss with lots of I can hear em but I can’t see em.

[@stephentravis7416]

thanks for your info !

[@Phil-earnshaw]

Great video again Gary, would love to do the Mach loop

[@JUSTPOOPOO]

Awesome footage and photos. Wish I could have been there.

[@earlblevins1284]

I like the fishing analogy.

[@markg9199]

Second visit for me on July 14. Started with a Hercules at 09:33 followed at 10:42 by the anniversary F-15 and F-35 (on their way to RIAT where I saw them the following day). Finally an Osprey came through at 12:52. Totally agree definitely still worth visiting and will do again.

[@toddfancher7400]

Great video. By all means show more from the Mach Loop. I always enjoy and gain knowledge for your videos and always am looking for ways to take better pictures. I can use your techniques to take better photos of aircraft at out local airshows.

[@etienneb4403]

Great video. A video about shutterspeed setting and panning would be helpful. Thanks.

[@garrydelday5816]

Hi Gary, great Vlog once again, I first came across your KZbin channel a few years back now when I was researching the Mach Loop, I knew I would be passing close by on a short break to Wales. Your video back then was excellent. Although I have not made a proper trip yet, I did swing by on our short trip and stopped in the car park at the bottom for an hour or so (had the dog with us) so not practical to make the climb. We did witness two C130’s go through but no fast jets so I regard ourselves as very lucky to have seen them. I would love to make a dedicated trip at some point, my patience would be up to it but my current camera gear may not be 😂 in the meantime I’ll continue to watch your superb photography vlogs 👍📷 Ps some advice on gear needed and methods would be useful to get even reasonable results 🤔

[@jbouza09]

Gary great pix and video. The Mach Loop is on my bucket list along with a visit to Duxford and Biggin Hill to see all the Spitfires. I used to work form Bombardier and made some friends there who send me pictures of the Spitfires. Looks like a cool place.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍👍

[@Twirlyhead]

A day out in the mountains is a wonderful thing even without aircraft for me. So you can't lose.

[@GaryGough]

Exactly 👍👍

[@RyanRuns]

Fantastic images, Gary! I should have travelled there for my birthday by the looks! (25th April)

[@stingray427man]

Would love to travel across the pond again to witness the mach loop. Did my last trip for mostly the historical aspects, London, Stonehenge, Cathedrals, etc. Next time will plan a few days to check out those Lakenheath & RAF fly bois/gals.

[@Chris-NZ]

Loved the view right into the cockpit at 15.46 :)

[@mjojrjr6231]

Thanks for sharing this, hope I can watch this in real too.

[@jamespruitt3159]

Great video!!

[@FredWilbury]

If only 🤔thanks for showing Gary 👌😎☕️ ps great shots

[@weatheroakwanderer5941]

Great vid......!..........btw Gary, any chance of a vid that shows the gear you use and tips to share ?

[@nickchiarello3870]

Great job Gary as usual, would love to see your techniques to blur the back grounds and fast shooting.

[@donniebooth8478]

Thank you for this video it’s awesome

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Donnie ❤❤

[@desertpoj]

I enjoyed the video tremendously. It brought back many memories of whizzing through there in, Hawks, Phantoms and F3s. Unfortunately it’s never going to be as busy as it used to for two reasons. Firstly, there are nowhere near the numbers of FJ aircraft based in the U.K. Secondly, the number of aircraft allowed in the Low Flying Area that the Mach Loop is situated in is much more restricted than it used to be; some types are actually now banned from the Loop. Weather is often a good indicator of traffic, specifically if the forecast is good for Wales and poor in the other areas. Obviously planned exercises can up the ante. In 2019 I spent a week in a cottage on Ullswater and I saw one solitary Hawk. Before they made that lake a one way system it was carnage. Nevertheless, a lovely video and I thought your camaraderie and fishing comments were great. As an aside, one reason Lakenheath and other US crews like going to the Loop is specifically in the hope that one of you chaps will provide one of your fabulous pictures as a momento of flying in the U.K. If only posting the pictures on the internet in the 80s and 90s had been a thing!

[@GaryGough]

A very nice comment. Thank you 👍👍

[@johngrahamcurry1641]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video, Gary. Would really be interested in your technique - particularly the technical side - focusing, focal length of lens, shutter speed, ISO etc. Great photos.

[@peterjohntyers7924]

Great video, would be niceto see more from the mach around you camera settings, lens used and, if any used, the filters used.

[@GaryGough]

Noted! Cheers Peter 👍👍

[@deanrobson7326]

Smashed it, absolutely loved this. 👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Dean 👍👍

[@hillscanlon2717]

Hi Gary fantastic photos and awesome landscape, I would love to go there it's amazing my problem is I've got a very messed up leg and I'm just wondering how difficult is it to get up there, thanks for the fantastic shots.

[@eng9040]

Brill video, I remember one chap saying he had went for first time and saw nothing, I asked him when? He said Sunday.

[@alfiejohnchester8108]

Brilliant. I used to live in Holyhead but i was blissfully unaware that the mach loop even existed, but then i wasn't as interested in aircraft then as i am now.. I now live near to RAF Marham and not too far from RAF Lakenheath but i don't see as many aircraft as i like so please keep the videos coming. Thanks a lot.

[@GaryGough]

Will do, cheers 👍👍

[@jamsag]

Great vid.We're going For 3 day's next week for the first time.

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

think adding exif data to the shots taken would be great another awesome video all the same Gary

[@rhianjones1319]

Mach Loop Wales is definitely worth visiting and I throughly enjoy watching them very much indeed

[@stevenock8308]

Brilliant again gaz , access to others areas Coris ect 👍👍👍

[@GaryGough]

Will do Steve 👍👍

[@donniebooth8478]

Wow you get to see them all that must be awesome

[@PGodin54]

Amazing pictures and videos. 😊👍🇨🇦