KILN MOTO

Planes Spotting at the Mach Loop: A Quick Biker’s Guide

On a somewhat cloudy summers day, four bikers rolled out with a simple plan: ride into Wales, head to the Mach Loop, and see if we were lucky enough to catch an aircraft tearing through the valleys below us. We weren’t disappointed. In fact, it turned into one of those rides that stays with you long after the engines cool, and it’s the reason I’m already planning a return trip this year.

So what makes the Mach Loop unique – in short, military aircraft use this area for low-level training, flying through the valleys at incredible speed, often below the height of the surrounding hills. That’s what makes it so special: you’re not looking up at planes, you’re watching them fly beneath you.

Up on the hills above the Mach Loop

Three of us left from the Potteries and then met Mark in Shrewsbury, the route took us through to Welshpool where the riding becomes far more engaging, the scenery opens out and the roads become much more characterful, especially as you head north-west towards the Mach Loop. The A470 is a popular route, but it’s worth dipping onto the smaller roads whenever you can too. They’re quieter, more technical, and far more rewarding on a bike.

We parked up near one of the popular viewing areas, climbed to the top of the hill, where we joined a handful of others already scanning the skies. Even without any aircraft, it’s a stunning place to stop. The views across the valleys are worth the ride alone. Then, without much warning, we heard it. The sound came first, echoing through the hills, followed by the aircraft swooping through the valley below us.

Although only modest in size, seeing a plane fly through the hills beneath your viewpoint is something you don’t forget in a hurry. Despite getting it on video, it still doesn’t quite capture how impressive it was in real life. I can only imagine what it would be like to see the fighter jets taking the same trajectory through the valley.

This ride out reminded me exactly why Wales is such a favourite for motorcyclists. Brilliant roads, epic scenery, and experiences you simply won’t get anywhere else. With memories of jets flying through the hills beneath us, it’s no surprise I’m already looking forward to returning to the Mach Loop again this year.

Thinking of visiting the Mach Loop yourself?

Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to catch aircraft in action.

As for directions, the Mach Loop is located in mid-Wales, in the southern part of Snowdonia, near the town of Dolgellau in Gwynedd. The loop itself runs through a series of valleys around Cadair Idris, with nearby villages such as Tal-y-llyn, Dinas Mawddwy and Bwlch.

Here’s a Google Maps link to the Mach Loop:

What Three Words – Suggested Parking and Viewing Locations

Digging around in forums, I found a few suggestions for locations to park and view:

Other useful links

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