There are two main areas where aviation enthusiasts gather near RAF Valley. The main and well known area is just over the railway bridge, close to the main gate and offers a clear and excellent view of operations on the airfield, particularly on Runway 19.
Runway 14 demands more intimate knowledge of the area and no fear about reversing along narrow country lanes if confronted by a tractor!
This viewing area also carries more responsibility, particularly if your party contains small children as the location is close to the undershoot for the runway and generally you should not linger in this area. You should also notice the presence of an Emergency Vehicle Exit Gate and not obstruct it, or its approach with your vehicle.
Runway 32 traffic is best observed from the Rhosneigr area which is about a nine mile drive from the Station to reach the area close to the Anglesey Golf Club (don't park in their car park, there is a large lay-by half way up the hill into the village which offers an elevated view of the aircraft on approach).
There is also access to the beach and sand dunes which offers a nice view of proceedings.
Only fit enthusiasts need attempt to gain a view of Runway 01! Take a walk along the beach to reach the sand dune area adjacent to the Runway 01 threshold, which is about the only area to see the aircraft landing.
Be advised that this is RAF Valley's most under utilised runway and due to the lack of navigational approach aids we would change to another runway as soon as conditions permit.
Helicopter operations are difficult to observe as their training requirements seldom require them to use the airfield. Areas of operation include the Snowdonia mountain area and, closer to home, the Holyhead harbour and Holyhead Mountain areas.
To chance a great view of RAF Valley aircraft in full, low flying mode, go to what's known as the Machynlleth loop. Pilots often follow a flow system which takes them south up the A4787 and back north up the A470 in the Dolgellau area.
Another popular route used by the RAF base is the Ogwen Valley loop. During training, pilots will follow the A5 northwst up through the Ogwen Valley before pulling up just south of Bethesda.
Much of the flying sequences in Combat Pilot were filmed in these two locations.
Please take noteRAF Valley are happy for enthusiasts to watch their activities, but please remember that:
Aircraft can approach the runways suddenly from different directions and may startle you.Jet aircraft can be noisy so take appropriate precautions.Control animals so that they do not enter the airfield.Do not feed birds - RAF Valley take many precautions to ensure that they do not mix birds with aircraft.In the unlikely event of an emergency, please remain well clear of the area.
your comments
Marion Keyte, Weybridge
My father and I viewed the original site for Valley during the last war and Charles Jackson was in charge of operations there. I have fond memories of Anglesey and return each year having one or two old friends there.
Mon Sep 8 09:58:07 2008
James Duczak from Rochdale
I found RAF Valley one of the best RAF airfields in the country. Easy access, great location, beach, shops, very photo friendly. First time up there on a Thursday, just the amount of Hawk sorties, & the choppers, but also seeing a pair of F-15 doing low level passes. Amazing. I love standing over runway 32... they got to be like only 40-50 feet above you. Amazingly loud. I found Mona airfield busy as well.
Mon Aug 20 10:27:36 2007
twn tatw
I go to RAF Valley everyday to see the planes and take my dog for a walk on the sandunes. I love to see the planes fly low. Once the pilot beebed his horn at me.
Fri Jul 20 09:40:12 2007
Dan, Granny's Bay.
I don't like war planes, their bombs kill indiscriminately. 'Thou shalt not kill' your lord once said. Should we change that to 'thou shalt not kill, unless your government tells you to'?
Mon Jun 26 10:26:18 2006
Andy Williams, Maenan
I live in the Conwy valley and love to see the planes flying up the valley. Particularly the Hercules. Please keep flying and try and get a bit lower if you can. You might see me waving to you from my garden.
Thu Jan 19 10:03:18 2006
Matthew from Leicestershire.
I went on holiday to Wales and was amazed when sunbathing on the beach to come across a Hawk above me. I went to check it out and it was wicked. At one point there was 6 jets in flight. When I'm older I want to be the pilot of a Nimrod or something big. Hope to visit soon.
Wed Nov 23 20:11:41 2005
Dave, Lyneham
The best view of RAF Valley is when it's in your rear view mirror!
Wed Aug 3 20:51:14 2005
Damien, RAF Valley
I Live In RAF Vally and once you get used to the noise it is amazing living here. It's not just the RAF here, the beach is spot on - just got to get them pilots to remember when they drive a car it is not a hawk and to SLOW DOWN! Other than that, amazing place to live.
Wed Jun 29 23:38:37 2005
If you're missing RAF Valley's fast jet pilots on the little screen, here's a few tips on how you can see them exercise their wings for real, in the skies above north west Wales.
