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My
current camera gear comprises of a Nikon D300 dSLR and a 300mm
f2.8 VR prime lens which I use for shooting stills and a Canon
XHA1 HD camcorder which I use for shooting video. You can find
more information on all my current equipment in the gallery
section.
New HD
flight videos are now up and running. As some of these files can
exceed 100Mb, its a good idea to right click on the link and
'save target as'. These videos are for private viewing only, so
please don't make copies or upload them to hosting sites such as YouTube.
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Living in the heart of Wales, we get a lot of low flying
military aircraft on a daily basis. These fly as low as
250ft at over 450 knots, but in certain area's go as
low as 100ft. One such place is the Mach Loop. This area
is regularly used for low level training and has a few
locations which is ideal for snapping them as they rip
through. |
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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 they get 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
trail. 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 Hawk
trainers.
Most of these locations require an SLR
camera and a good zoom/telephoto lens (around 300mm) to grab
the action close up. I use Nikons
D200 and D300 digital SLR's and a Nikon 300mm f2.8
VR prime lens for shooting stills and
a Canon XHA1 1080i HD camera for shooting video.
Here's a few essentials that are required for a
visit...
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 December 2007, there was a 25mph
wind and the temperature was around -3. 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, I also had on three pairs of warm socks. 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.
As there isn't really a time table for these aircraft,
its an idea to get there early, we usually arrive there for around
7:30am in the summer months and around 8:30am in the
winter. Sometimes you'll get lucky and traffic will
start to come through early but some days you won't see
anything until late afternoon, some days you'll see
anything so be prepared for a blank.
For more
information on my current photographic equipment and
other lowfly essentials take a look at my gallery
section. For further deatails and information you
can also contact me on
markjayne@rcflights.co.uk or by mobile 07805
195393.
Information on just some of the locations which are
situated around the Mach Loop can be found below. |
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The Bwlch
is situated five miles east of Dolgellau on the A470 road
to Dinas Mawddwy. The Bwlch was the first place I used for
shooting low level video. When looking down the valley
from the main viewing location you get a fantastic view
of the aircraft as they snake there way through the
twist and turns of this very narrow valley. The aircraft
usually come in from the east and can either turn left
towards the Cad pass, straight on for Dolgellau or
they'll turn right and head up towards Bala. The Bwlch
is ideal as the sun is mainly behind you all day,
although in the summer months the sun can be tricky
first thing in the morning. |
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Low
Flying Videos
Click on the thumbnails below for
HD videos from the Mach Loop.
My latest video from the Loop shot in July 08
Shot from Cad West on the 15th
April 2008
My first video shot at the Bwlch on a cold day
Shot from Cad East on 28/02/08. A great day
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Cad
West/East are both situated along the A487 3 miles north
of Tal Y Llun and 5 miles south of Dolgellau. The West
side is superb for top side shots whereas the East side
is better suited for underside shots. You have a
fantastic view of the approaching aircraft as they come
in from the north, either exiting the Bwlch or heading
straight in from Bala or Dolgellau giving you just
enough time before they enter the pass swooping past
towards the next Lowfly location, Corris Corner.
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Corris Corner is located at the
south western end of the Tall y llyn pass, almost above
the lake. From here the aircraft have 2 options, they
can either go straight on over the lake or turn sharp
left and follow the valley to Corris offering excellent
topside views with the sun behind you. Take note, this
location could be tricky in the afternoons due to the
sun being in front of you especially during the winter
hours. |
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There's a few more locations in Wales, including
Heartbreak Hill which is located between the Bala and
Dolgellau valley, the A5 Pass which fly's over Lake
Ogwen, and the Dyfi Valley which is a new location north
east of Dinas village. Another location is BlueBell hill
which is located just east of the Bwlch. |
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Here's just a few of my favourite low
flying galleries
Not only are there some fantastic shots of all types of
aircraft that fly through some of the locations, but
also
some good information including equipment and photo techniques.
From left to right there's ABimagery,
Maxpix, Rory Trappe and Prime Images.
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If you don't
fancy climbing 500ft up a mountain to photograph or film
these magnificent aircraft there is an alternative, you
can visit one of the many airfields around
the UK. Some of these have open days which grant
access to the public but its also possible to photograph
and film from outside the field.
Click the
banner above for an Airfield Map and aerial views.
With many airfields
situated over the whole of the UK there's plenty to
choose from. I'm hoping to make my first airfield visit
soon and will probably try out RAF Valley which is
situated in Anglesey, North Wales.
Please note that these are military airfields and
although most of them welcome visitors and spotters its
always a good idea to take extra care when visiting.
Check out the Lowfly site for an in-depth look at
airfield visits.
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