Runway Photography - RAF Valley Viewing Guide

This is a guide that I have put together to illustrate some of the spots I utilise for my photography at RAF Valley. This may be slightly different to some of the other Valley Viewing Guides on the web, but these are the places I regularly shoot from. If anyone can add any spots, please do not hesitate to contact me using the Contact link opposite.

I have created a Google Earth kmz file with the numbered places referred to in this guide. Hopefully this should enable you to find the spots yourself. You can download the file here - Google Earth KMZ File (Click Open With - Google Earth - it will save into your Temporary Places)

Where possible I have also included a photograph taken from the described position. I will also try to include some details of the focal length shot at, and these will be detailed below the image (You will need to click the individual image to see the caption)

Point 1 - The Spotter's Car Park
This area has been provided for the spotter/photographer at Valley. The area is useful is Runway 01 or 19 is in use - although better when 19 is in use, when close landing shots are possible. Being relatively light aircraft, if they are taking off from 01 they will be quite high by the time they pass, but 19 Squadron aircraft may taxi right up the end of the runway past you.

If another runway is in use, you can pick up the serials of 19 Squadron aircraft from here

Point 3 - The Rock
One of the most popular spots when Runway 14 is in use, and when 32 is in use. There is plenty of parking, unless something special is due in, such as the Reds, but on an ordinary day there will be plenty of space. The rocky outcrop provides an nice elevated view and is good for taxiing shots/landing shots and reading off any visitors on the VAS apron to your right.

Point 2 - Runway 19 Threshold
Not a great spot for photography and you will have to walk around from the Spotter's Car Park to get here. Gets you nice and close to landing aircraft though.

Point 4 - SAR Crash Gate
Leave the car and follow the fence line under the approach and towards the dunes. Keep to the fence line, over the dunes and continue to your left. Soon you will reach a Crash Gate which overlooks the SAR Helicopter apron. You may also see Griffins and Squirrels here and they will often take off directly over your head.

Point 5 - Runway 01 Threshold
From the crash gate, keep treking in the direction you have been heading. It may seem like a long way to go - but if 01 is in use, some of the photo opportunities are un-paralleled. You will need to come off the beach up onto the top of the dunes and it will give you a panoramic view of the airfield, the Runway 01 in the foreground.

Point 6 - "The Rhosneigr End"
As you get towards the rickety looking bridge over the river, you will note a smooth parking area to your left. Park here and head to any of the following points on foot. Point 6 is the Car Park, the landing aircraft will come right over your head. A bit far off though for any close up take off shots.

That's about all from this end, if Runway 32 is in use, you will need to get back to the A55 and head for the village of Rhosneigr. As you enter the village look for the Golf Club on the right, and just past the car park is a rough track - take this, it leads down towards the Threshold.

Point 7 - Runway 32 Threshold
Over the bridge by foot and towards the fence-line. Aircraft come in very low here, an 18-55mm lens will be fine for landing shots. Mind your ears!

Point 8 - Up The Dunes 1
Follow the fence to your left. Keep close to the fence line and follow it right round the sharp right turn and head towards the first sand dune directly in front of you. There is a nice flat area here, ideal for sitting or having a picnic.

Point 9 - Up The Dunes 2
If you want to get a little further along the runway, or somebody already has the nice flat spot at Point 8 (!), then keep walking to the next dunes down. You will get passable views at a few points down here - but best to climb the dune near the dummy Hawk used by the Firecrews.

Point 10 - Up The Dunes 3
Head back in the original direction you came - toward the car and Point 7. Instead of turning right to cross the bridge back to the car, continue to follow the fenceline. The curved path here provides numerous vantage points for taxiing aircraft here, but I prefer to climb the first dune in front of you - looking right back down the taxi-way to 208 Squadron's apron.

I hope some of you find this guide of use, and if you end up shooting some from a position you picked up off here and didn't previously know about, please let me know and share your pics!