Low Flying Jets - The Mach Loop, Wales

The Mach Loop (also known as the Machynlleth Loop) refers to a series of valleys in west-central Wales, notable for their use as low-level training areas for fast jet aircraft. The system of valleys lies 8 miles east of Barmouth and is nestled between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south, the latter of which it takes its name from. The training area is within the Low Flying Area (LFA) LFA7, which covers most of Wales. Aircraft which use the training area include Royal Air Force Tornado, Typhoon and Hawk jets, as well as US Air Force F-15E jets, which are based at RAF Lakenheath.