In may 2019, me and my friends came to Mach Loop for 4 days, to maximize our chances. We drove from Romania 2000 miles, and 2000 miles back. So, we got very very lucky. We knew what to expect, but we had 4 days of sunny days, with no clouds, everyday we had planes flying, and ... we were prepared for rainy days, and left Mach Loop with sunstroke. :)))
Hi Gary it’s Alan Gough from the Isle of Man I made it to the loop last year for one day rewarded with Texans A400M,s and the only jet was the Embraer !! But still what a day with like minded enthusiasts
Always wonderful videos. Our dad was a WWII Navy pilot, so I have always been in love with military aviation. Even though some days may be “washouts”, the scenery can be beautiful and the comradery enjoyable.
Absolutely love these videos. So much effort into a real depiction of what the Mach Loop can be like. When I went for a few days, 1 day completely rained off, the day previous, 12 passes and completely stunning sunshine. Shame I spent that day exploring the valley... Won't make that mistake again... Thankyou for keeping it completely honest, to portray it, how it really is. Also wow, those images are so sharp... Perfection!
What an absolute blinder of a video Gary. I love seeing your video's of the loop and the excitement in your voice when the planes go by. Absolutely stunning image's and super sharp as usual. Catch you on the next one.
Another great video from you. The road through the Mach Loop my wife and I have travelled many times, our eldest son and family live in North East Wales and my wife and I live in South West Wales, so the shortest rout for us to visit them was via the Mach Loop.
Going for the first time leaving tomorrow for a 4 hour drive, in hindsight only going to the loop for 1 day makes our chances low but I’m still optimistic, planning to go to Cad West but will go to the beach to get something out of the day if it turns sour, Thanks Gary for the advice
WOW !!!!! Going to an airshow this coming weekend in our province of Nova Scotia to celebrate 100 Years of the RCAF. Your Red Arrows will be there along with our Snowbirds. Now after watching your posting and the photos, I am so looking forward to the event. Thank you Gary for getting the adrenaline pumping.
Great video and a very accurate portrayal of what it’s like in the Loop. I was there that day on West, thanks to your video a few years ago, so thanks. I though something might be happening when I turned up early only to find the car park busy already and by the time I got my boots on the car park was full. Seams like a lot of people were expecting something to happen. In fact, I am in one of your shots 12.40 to 12.42, top left red jacket, grey trousers. I have the cockpit shot of the same aircraft which is why I prefer West over East. Thanks again.
Great vid, and info. Anyone who's sat all day at at a military base and watched grass grow will know how little they fly these days, so it's always going to be pot luck if you get anything up there. My only visit to Valley back in July found everything planted firmly on the tarmac bar one Texan doing touch and goes. I was going to visit the loop, but gave it a miss in the end, which was a good move as only a handful of aircraft were heard the whole time I was in the area, and the weather was, well not great shall we say.
Love the updated video Gary. Your first guide gave us the bug! Remember to protect this place folks: park considerately, take only pictures and leave only footprints 🙂 See you up there 👍🏻✈️🇬🇧
Finally a real video!, I was down 2 days last year, 3 days a couple of weeks ago, in 5 days total I've seen one typhoon through the loop ( 1 pass ). And a few texans. Not as prolific as the videos make out.
Yeah, it gets like that sometimes. I see people leave the place really disappointed. People are constantly bombarded with great pictures on social media from the loop and assume it’s amazing every day. TBF I post too so I’m as guilty and everyone else.
Wow.👍 ✈️ I watched one of your videos years ago which inspired me to go to the Mach loop. We had a fantastic day watching them fly through. We went back the next day on the other side of the mountain so we did Cad East and West. After watching this cracking video i have to get back up there. 👏👏👍
Amazing shots, you absolutely nailed the F35 climbing up and barrel rolling out of the Loop. I remember one did this for his last year and it took us all by surprise.
One other thing to mention. Gear really does matter. Long lenses and fast burst rates. You don't need a Z9 but you need something fairly quick and you also need to know how to Pan. A side note. There is more than one mach loop. We have one in Cumbria. Thirlmere gets regular fly throughs so if you plant yourself half way up raven crag you'll get some great shots.
Regarding the gear, you're right, but not everyone goes there to take photographs. Some people like to video them too, in which case, a decent smartphone will do the trick. I've been to Thirlmere, it's cracking, but it's not quite the same :)
This is a good Reailty video Gary. Most people starting out in Photography think you just go out and click. this goes for any type of Photography. subbed. Would love to visit mach loop someday. I am based in N Ireland
Amazing Video once again Gary. I’ve been to the Loop with 4hr wait between aircraft. Still very much worth it for the adrenaline!! Would also love to see more on the AutoAI or 3D focus from the Nikon Z8 especially for aircraft…. Can only find details on YT for birds.
I love all your stuff Gary. But I particularly love your mach loop videos. I work on fighter jets everyday as a mechanic and would love to make it there one day. Cheers from Canada.
Amazing images and your perseverance speaks volumes. At some point you need to invite a few of those pilots for a beer (or three) 😅 … they know what those men on the hill are looking for. Cheers and have a good weekend 😊
Between your videos and Elwyn R’s videos it looks fantastic. Of course with my photography luck (as in I have none) I could sit on top of those hills everyday for a week straight and just end up with pictures of mosquitoes. 🤷🏼♂️🙄
Wow stunning pictures and video Gary. I planned to visit the Mach Loop with you on the 3rd of July but had to cancel due to illness of my wife. But I definitely will go in the near future.
Love the video Gary. Can I ask what shutter speed you use when photographing prop aircraft so that you get a bit of prop blur rather than freezing the motion totally? I’ve some great photos from airshows but the prop is totally frozen.
Still on my bucket list of places to photograph. Im hoping to get there at the end of October. Out of interest, and I have a number of lenses up to 200mm, is there a minimum focal length you think could work? I do a lot of motorsport panning but really like doing wider angle panning shots at around 70mm. Do you think that would work or would 200mm on the hillside be wide enough? Great video as always and I love your Mach Loop videos.
I think if you are a military aircraft lover and you know your stuff about how the military operate. You’ll prob know the best times to goto the loop. I mean I wouldn’t go when LakenHeath wouldn’t be flying. Over an American bank holiday weekend on the following Monday. I would have my scanner with all the air to air freqs and atc ones in.
Terrific photos!! Especially of the large one at the end coming towards you! What shutter speed did you use for that (and the small one) as opposed to the jets?
On my way home from a week in North Wales,last year,I came down the back of the Mach Loop along the A470.Up on the right was a photographer wearing an orange HiViz...presumably for the ""Help" or "I'm with this idiot" messages. 👍
Amazing mate - great video / vlog - them photos at 4 mins perfect - great shutter speed of the propellers. the photos at 12mins total phenomenon mate!!
But this is problem with flying connected to the RAF; lots of sitting around and then action for 20 mins. Used to fly at Royal Air Force Gliding and Soaring Association, Keevil airfield. Flying is great sitting around is not. When at RAF Valley looked over a Vulcan B2 and Lightning F.3 -- would have like a flight in them for sure rather than the Bulldog T Mk 1.
In may 2019, me and my friends came to Mach Loop for 4 days, to maximize our chances. We drove from Romania 2000 miles, and 2000 miles back. So, we got very very lucky. We knew what to expect, but we had 4 days of sunny days, with no clouds, everyday we had planes flying, and ... we were prepared for rainy days, and left Mach Loop with sunstroke. :)))
Dedication
Love it 😁 and I went in June and experienced wintery conditions. Go figure 👍
The fact that most videos on youtube feature like 2 or 3 planes says enough.
So I was prepared for long waits. Still worth it!
Hi Gary it’s Alan Gough from the Isle of Man I made it to the loop last year for one day rewarded with Texans A400M,s and the only jet was the Embraer !! But still what a day with like minded enthusiasts
Everytime I see you videos on the Loop. it gets me excited about my trip next year from down under
Cheers 👍👍
Always wonderful videos. Our dad was a WWII Navy pilot, so I have always been in love with military aviation. Even though some days may be “washouts”, the scenery can be beautiful and the comradery enjoyable.
Beautiful still shots Gary.Thanks for persevering.🤙
Absolutely love these videos. So much effort into a real depiction of what the Mach Loop can be like. When I went for a few days, 1 day completely rained off, the day previous, 12 passes and completely stunning sunshine. Shame I spent that day exploring the valley... Won't make that mistake again... Thankyou for keeping it completely honest, to portray it, how it really is. Also wow, those images are so sharp... Perfection!
What an absolute blinder of a video Gary.
I love seeing your video's of the loop and the excitement in your voice when the planes go by.
Absolutely stunning image's and super sharp as usual.
Catch you on the next one.
Cheers Tim 👍👍
Always love it when you post video from the Mach Loop.
Another great and honest video Gary. Thanks for sharing.
Another great video from you. The road through the Mach Loop my wife and I have travelled many times, our eldest son and family live in North East Wales and my wife and I live in South West Wales, so the shortest rout for us to visit them was via the Mach Loop.
Thanks for sharing, Going to the Mach loop is no easy task.
Going for the first time leaving tomorrow for a 4 hour drive, in hindsight only going to the loop for 1 day makes our chances low but I’m still optimistic, planning to go to Cad West but will go to the beach to get something out of the day if it turns sour,
Thanks Gary for the advice
Weather decent tomorrow. Good luck 👍👍
This place would be great to get to for a week or so I wish they had somewhere like this north scotland,well done bud
WOW !!!!! Going to an airshow this coming weekend in our province of Nova Scotia to celebrate 100 Years of the RCAF. Your Red Arrows will be there along with our Snowbirds. Now after watching your posting and the photos, I am so looking forward to the event. Thank you Gary for getting the adrenaline pumping.
When it all comes together the resulting images are just fantastic. 🤩
Totally agree! Cheers 👍👍
Great video and a very accurate portrayal of what it’s like in the Loop. I was there that day on West, thanks to your video a few years ago, so thanks. I though something might be happening when I turned up early only to find the car park busy already and by the time I got my boots on the car park was full. Seams like a lot of people were expecting something to happen. In fact, I am in one of your shots 12.40 to 12.42, top left red jacket, grey trousers. I have the cockpit shot of the same aircraft which is why I prefer West over East. Thanks again.
I mix it up between West and East. They both have so much to offer 👍👍 See you up there
Good story. Thanks.
Great vid, and info. Anyone who's sat all day at at a military base and watched grass grow will know how little they fly these days, so it's always going to be pot luck if you get anything up there. My only visit to Valley back in July found everything planted firmly on the tarmac bar one Texan doing touch and goes. I was going to visit the loop, but gave it a miss in the end, which was a good move as only a handful of aircraft were heard the whole time I was in the area, and the weather was, well not great shall we say.
Love the updated video Gary. Your first guide gave us the bug! Remember to protect this place folks: park considerately, take only pictures and leave only footprints 🙂 See you up there 👍🏻✈️🇬🇧
Haven't put me off yet.... That last photo was sublime. Love your work, thank you.
Thanks Lisa 👍👍
Great place to visit of you love aircraft. Gary has some excellent videos for anyone whose never been before. Enjoy
Cheers 👍👍
Thankyou for sharing
I love the shot at 11mins and 57 seconds especially the sign on the road :)
Awesome Gary. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Malcolm 👍👍
You got to put in the work. And you sir obviously put in the work!!! Thank you!❤
best in-flight shots i've seen, thank you for that!
Stills fantastic. Thanks
Those F35's and F16's with LN on the tail are from my local airbase in Suffolk .. the Raptor F22's were here the other week
Finally a real video!, I was down 2 days last year, 3 days a couple of weeks ago, in 5 days total I've seen one typhoon through the loop ( 1 pass ). And a few texans. Not as prolific as the videos make out.
Yeah, it gets like that sometimes. I see people leave the place really disappointed. People are constantly bombarded with great pictures on social media from the loop and assume it’s amazing every day. TBF I post too so I’m as guilty and everyone else.
What a great adventure! Thanks for sharing.
Wow.👍 ✈️ I watched one of your videos years ago which inspired me to go to the Mach loop. We had a fantastic day watching them fly through. We went back the next day on the other side of the mountain so we did Cad East and West. After watching this cracking video i have to get back up there. 👏👏👍
Gary, Another great video. Thanks for you time and efforts with sharing your photography experience.
Great video Gary. Bucket list item for me one day. Just wondering how you decide which side of the hill is best to set up on for a given day?
Its on my bucket list Gary someday someday !! fantastic images
Amazing shots, you absolutely nailed the F35 climbing up and barrel rolling out of the Loop. I remember one did this for his last year and it took us all by surprise.
Awesome and informative. Thx from Ft Lauderdale
One other thing to mention. Gear really does matter. Long lenses and fast burst rates. You don't need a Z9 but you need something fairly quick and you also need to know how to Pan.
A side note. There is more than one mach loop. We have one in Cumbria. Thirlmere gets regular fly throughs so if you plant yourself half way up raven crag you'll get some great shots.
Regarding the gear, you're right, but not everyone goes there to take photographs. Some people like to video them too, in which case, a decent smartphone will do the trick. I've been to Thirlmere, it's cracking, but it's not quite the same :)
Wow! Stunning photos, great video, love it!
Thanks so much! 👍👍
Awesome photos Gary!
Brilliant and thank you so much. Fantastic shots and beautiful scenery but watch out for the bad weather 😎🤘.
Great video of the Mach Loop i always enjoy watching . A place ive never been but hopefully i will get one day .
Cheers Stephen 👍👍
Well done for showing some of the reality, I've stood there hours and hours and not seen a single thing... it's worth it when you do get lucky though
Fantastic video Gary, coming next week with my son for the first time, Wednesday Thursday Friday, wish us luck!!
Hope you have a good one. Buy a pop-up tent. There about £40 👍
@@GaryGough already done 😁
Brilliant Gary and well worth the wait(s) I think!! That F35 sequence was outstanding 👌 👍🏼
Cheers Robbie 👍👍
Fantastic shots.
Thank you for letting us share your sky with our UK cousins. 🇺🇸
Great day, and great video!
My skills are not at the point I could capture much but to just be there to watch would be awesome!
Take plenty of snacks and hot coffee 👍👍
Just Brilliant 👍
This is a good Reailty video Gary. Most people starting out in Photography think you just go out and click. this goes for any type of Photography. subbed. Would love to visit mach loop someday. I am based in N Ireland
Great sequence of the F-35 going inverted on a climb out, I’m back there in Sept for a few days
Excellent photography Garry. Cheers from Canada!
outstanding video Gary
Amazing Video once again Gary. I’ve been to the Loop with 4hr wait between aircraft. Still very much worth it for the adrenaline!!
Would also love to see more on the AutoAI or 3D focus from the Nikon Z8 especially for aircraft…. Can only find details on YT for birds.
I tend to use 3D focusing so I might create a video on it's use. Thank you 👍👍
I love all your stuff Gary. But I particularly love your mach loop videos. I work on fighter jets everyday as a mechanic and would love to make it there one day. Cheers from Canada.
Amazing images and your perseverance speaks volumes. At some point you need to invite a few of those pilots for a beer (or three) 😅 … they know what those men on the hill are looking for. Cheers and have a good weekend 😊
Suoerb Gary, the Nikon Z8 doesn't moss a beat, awesome photography 👏👏👏
Yeah, it's an incredible camera, Cheers 👍👍
Thaniks for making Jack and Scruffy RUclips stars!!
Cheers Jon. I'll give you a shout when I'm there next 👍👍
it's absolutely wonderful!!!
Great and realistic portrayal of trips to the Loop. What I'd really like to know is how the get onto the "Grapevine" that said a VIP plane was due!
Between your videos and Elwyn R’s videos it looks fantastic. Of course with my photography luck (as in I have none) I could sit on top of those hills everyday for a week straight and just end up with pictures of mosquitoes. 🤷🏼♂️🙄
You and me both David :)
Wow stunning pictures and video Gary. I planned to visit the Mach Loop with you on the 3rd of July but had to cancel due to illness of my wife. But I definitely will go in the near future.
Love the video Gary. Can I ask what shutter speed you use when photographing prop aircraft so that you get a bit of prop blur rather than freezing the motion totally? I’ve some great photos from airshows but the prop is totally frozen.
Very cool!
Cheers 👍👍
Still on my bucket list of places to photograph. Im hoping to get there at the end of October. Out of interest, and I have a number of lenses up to 200mm, is there a minimum focal length you think could work? I do a lot of motorsport panning but really like doing wider angle panning shots at around 70mm. Do you think that would work or would 200mm on the hillside be wide enough?
Great video as always and I love your Mach Loop videos.
200mm is cool. I like panning wide too. It’s certainly worth giving it a go 👍👍
I think if you are a military aircraft lover and you know your stuff about how the military operate. You’ll prob know the best times to goto the loop.
I mean I wouldn’t go when LakenHeath wouldn’t be flying. Over an American bank holiday weekend on the following Monday.
I would have my scanner with all the air to air freqs and atc ones in.
Holy cow, no wonder you sounded like you had just discovered the secret to eternal life, lol. Great stuff Gary! Cheers.
I imagine that the Z8 autofocus helps a little bit!
Terrific photos!! Especially of the large one at the end coming towards you! What shutter speed did you use for that (and the small one) as opposed to the jets?
F8 - 1/160 - ISO100 - I lay down as it was coming towards me for stability. Hope this helps
On my way home from a week in North Wales,last year,I came down the back of the Mach Loop along the A470.Up on the right was a photographer wearing an orange HiViz...presumably for the ""Help" or "I'm with this idiot" messages. 👍
this was from Cad East.... Cad West gets you the topside images - which do you prefer?
Both have their good and bad points
Another great video Gary Do you still use the alternative access to Cad East, through the two gates; is it still accessible?
Yes, absolutely
I want to go again 😢
The photos.... WOW! Just WOW !!!
Fan-bloody-tastic
it’s on my list 👌
Amazing mate - great video / vlog - them photos at 4 mins perfect - great shutter speed of the propellers. the photos at 12mins total phenomenon mate!!
Great video , just to say the car park that everyone uses is closed from the 9/9 to the 26/9 .
Yep, good shout 👍👍
Has anybody fallen off the edges as they photograph? That would surely be severe injury or worse.
My first time at the loop a hawk came through 5 minutes after sitting down 😂
Cool.
I saw 2 f15s In snowdonia
Fabulous Gary 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
love it gaz 👌
OMG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
Great vlog 👍, awesome images,😊
But this is problem with flying connected to the RAF; lots of sitting around and then action for 20 mins. Used to fly at Royal Air Force Gliding and Soaring Association, Keevil airfield. Flying is great sitting around is not. When at RAF Valley looked over a Vulcan B2 and Lightning F.3 -- would have like a flight in them for sure rather than the Bulldog T Mk 1.