Plane Spotting in Anglesey
Plane spotting in Anglesey is great, particularly if you are in to military aviation. The major training base of RAF Valley is located on this stunning island. Moreover it has regular movements of the Hawk training aircraft as well as more powerful and exotic visitors.
The Hawks are usually training day in day out Monday to Friday dependant on the weather. RAF Valley does not usually have any flying at weekends or bank holidays. As expected no flying schedule is issued to the public for security reasons.
When plane spotting in Anglesey you will notice a decent amount of Hawk movements. Not just at RAF Valley but passing over most areas of the island. What is great about RAF Valley are it’s visitors from the RAF and the US Air force. Again you really never know when they will arrive but its special when they do.
Visiting aircraft to RAF Valley are usually fuelling up as part of excersises. RAF Eurofighter Typhoons are one of these visiting aircraft. That said you will also see American F15’s and recently the new special forces Ospreys have been on the base. Some of these will be on low level training through the mach loop in mid Wales.
Once a year the base holds RAF Valley’s family day. Civilians are not able to enter the site but will still get a free Air show! Both modern and classic planes attend and if they are available the Red Arrows will put on a display.
The great thing about plane spotting in Anglesey is RAF Valley’s location. The sand dunes which back on to the airfield give great elevated views of the runway. This allows you to see all aircraft take off and land. Moreover near the base entrance there is a large free carpark next to the opposite side of the runway.
On the west side of the runway is the town of Rhosneigr over which the planes fly. There are some grassy areas where the aircraft fly right above you. Shoreside caravan and camping park sits directly underneath the flight path. It’s literally the best alarm clock ever as the jets scream overhead.
You can’t miss the plane spotters carpark just outside of RAF Valley, you can find it at LL65 3NX. It is also home to the Valley Aviation Society, https://www.valleyaviationsociety.co.uk/
At the opposite side of the runway is Rhosneigr which has plenty of free on road parking. Toilets, shops and cafes etc are here if you need anything. Some stunning places to stay or let too.
On a side note you will also see some helicopter movements at times and at weekends too.
Check it out, it’s worth a visit and the surrounding areas are fantastic too.
