Mach Loop

The system of valleys lies 13 km (8 mi) east of Barmouth between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south, from the latter of which it takes its name.

[1] Aircraft seen in the area include Royal Air Force Airbus A400M, Typhoon, Hawk, F-35A/B jets and Texan T1s, as well as U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles which are based at RAF Lakenheath and MC-130 and V-22 Osprey from RAF Mildenhall.

[3] In December 2018, a recommendation was circulated within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which resulted in a reduction in the number of aircraft using the Mach Loop.

In addition to this, all non-UK based aircraft are also prohibited from using the Loop unless part of a UK exercise.

[4] The Mach Loop is particularly popular with plane spotters and photographers, as it is among the few places in the world where visitors can see combat aircraft flying below them.