Cad West, in the Mach Loop, is a great location if you want a ‘topside’ or ‘level-pass’ view of aircraft. You also get a decent amount of time to prepare following the initial shout of “incoming!”, as the aircraft approach from your left. If you are lucky, they will sometimes take a left in to Corris Corner, potentially giving you the opportunity for a second pass. There is plenty of room for parking, with a steadily advancing climb as you make your way up the hillside.
Cad West
Latitude: 52:42:31N
Longitude: 3:50:42W
Approximate climb: 300 feet
Car park distance: Half a mile
Nearest Post Code: LL40 2SH
Cad East
Latitude: 52:42:13N
Longitude: 3:50:38W
Approximate climb: 400 feet
Car park distance: One mile
Nearest Post Code: L40 2SH
Cad East, in the Mach Loop, is a the place to visit if you want a ‘topside’ view of aircraft, stunning views as far as Bala and Mount Snowdon on a clear day. The aircraft pass from your right, with plenty of time to prepare. The ascent is relatively lengthy (in Mach loop viewing location terms), but it is worth the effort.
This images above are intended purely as a rough guide to finding your way to Cad West and cad East. The arrows provide you a general flow for the climb – be sure to take care and follow the safest route for you.
Photos taken from Cad West or Cad East: Coming soon!
If you would like to share your photographs taken from this location, please drop us an email to photos@machloop.co.uk. We will gladly provide acknowledgment and a link to your portfolio for any that are used.
Respect and consideration!
Please remember that the majority of these locations fall on privately owned land, so take care if crossing fences or gates – and please do not leave any litter.
The same should also be said to parking your vehicle in a considerate and unobstructive manner.
Can anyone give an Ordnance survey grid ref for the Cad East viewing point my attempts to convert long lat coordinates have frustrated me
Grid ref SH755133
Heading away from the cross foxes look out for a yellow sign at the road side ‘Cycle Path 225 Yards/225Llath, followed by a sign 75 Yards/75 Llath’ this will lead you to a farm gate, on a very narrow road (wide enough for one vehicle only), go through that gate and drive up the road to a second gate, pass through that one and there is a small area for parking (enough for 4-5 cars) on the left hand side just before the third gate, the lower shelf is a very easy 5 minute or so walk from the car park, and the upper shelf is probably again a 5-8 minute walk from there. Please remember to close all gates on the way in and out of the viewing area as this is privately owned land, and we are allowed there only by the good grace of the land owner, take any litter away with you, as you will notice the area is used for grazing sheep.
if the first car park is full there is another one about 100 yards past the third gate on the right hand side.
Loving this. Is there a timetable for 2018 anywhere please. They fly low over our house, we live on the border of Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Shropshire.
Would love to get into Wales for some of these views.
There is no timetable, you can see jets passing through anytime from 7am to 7pm providing enough light is available, thee is NO guarantee of seeing anything but the climb and wait is worth it just for one pass !!
Chris