Corris Corner
is located at the south western end of the Tall-Y-llyn pass, almost above the lake. From here the aircraft have 2 options, they can either go straight on over the lake or turn sharp left and follow the valley to Corris offering excellent topside views with the sun behind you. Take note, this location could be tricky in the afternoons due to the sun being in front of you especially during the winter hours.
There's a few more locations in Wales, including Heartbreak Hill which is located between the Bala and Dolgellau valley, the A5 Pass which fly's over Lake Ogwen, and the Dyfi Valley which is a new location north east of Dinas village. Another location is BlueBell hill which is located just east of the Bwlch.
Direction of flow - Right to Left
Hillside faces - North to South West
Type of shot - Topside
Grid Ref : SH734106
Latitude : 52:40:44N
Longitude : 3:52:26W
Distance from Carpark : 0.55mile
Height Climbed : 327ft
Cad East
sits in the shadow of the massive Cadair Idris at the beginning of the Tal Y Lyn valley. From the top its possible to see all the way to Snowdon and towards Bala, so approaching aircraft can be seen very early. The car parking is also very good as it shares a large layby with Cad west. There is an access road that runs up the back of Cad East which does have very limited spaces for parking.
Direction of flow - Right to Left
Hillside faces - North-West (Aircraft pass from East to West)
Type of shot - Belly shots, head on, level pass
Grid Ref : SH755133
Latitude : 52:42:13N
Longitude : 3:50:38W
Distance from Car park : 0.90mile
Height Climbed : 422ft
Cad West
or the 'Fence' as it is also know is a very popular location. The stunning views combined with the opportunity to spot incoming aircraft with plenty of warning can make the 'Fence' almost irresistible to hill climbers. There is enough parking for approx 20 cars and a clearly marked path to the location. This location offers a number of 'Entry' points into the Mach Loop that pass via Cad West and onto Corris Corner.
Direction of flow - Left to Right
Hillside faces - South
Type of shot - Dramatic topside or level pass
Grid Ref : SH754139
Latitude : 52:42:31N
Longitude : 3:50:42W
Distance from Car park : 0.40mile
Height Climbed : 307ft
The Bwlch
is situated five miles east of Dolgellau on the A470 road to Dinas Mawddwy. The Bwlch was the first place I used for shooting low level video. When looking down the valley from the main viewing location you get a fantastic view of the aircraft as they snake there way through the twist and turns of this very narrow valley. The aircraft usually come in from the east and can either turn left towards the Cad pass, straight on for Dolgellau or turn right and head up towards Bala
Direction of flow - Right to Left
Hillside faces - North-East (Aircraft pass from East to West)
Type of shot - Topside or level pass
Grid Ref : SH802167
Latitude : 52:44:06N
Longitude : 3:46:30W
Distance from Car park : Top Ledge 0.40 miles. Middle Ledge 0.29 miles.
Height Climbed : Top Ledge 423ft. Middle Ledge 236ft
