CUMBRIA LFA17
A low flying guide to the Lake District
📸 Top Low-Flying Military Aircraft Photography Locations in Cumbria
Capture the Thrill of the Fast Jets Against the Lakes and Fells
Cumbria, with its rugged fells, remote valleys, and wide-open skies, isn’t just a haven for landscape lovers—it’s also one of the best places in the UK to witness and photograph low-flying military aircraft. From Typhoons and F-35s to Chinooks and A400s, the Lake District and surrounding areas offer stunning backdrops and thrilling flypasts.
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a photographer chasing the perfect fast jet shot, here are some of Cumbria's top low-level flying hotspots:
✈️ 1. Dunny Shop (Lowther Valley)
Grid Ref: NY 490 217
What to Expect:
Just south of Penrith, this area often sees fast jets navigating the Lowther Valley. The vantage points near Dunny Shop offer sweeping views of the valley floor—perfect for catching aircraft as they scream through tight contours.Photography Tip:
Bring a telephoto lens (300mm+). Aircraft often hug the treetops, offering the chance to shoot them level or even slightly below you from higher vantage points.✈️ 2. Muncaster Fell (Eskdale Area)
Grid Ref: SD 110 985
What to Expect:
Tucked between Ravenglass and Eskdale, this lesser-known location can yield dramatic passes—especially during exercises involving helicopters or transport aircraft.Photography Tip:
Scout higher ground for silhouettes or try low-light sunrise/sunset shots with long exposures to capture the jet trails against mountain ridgelines.✈️ 3. Honister Pass
Grid Ref: NY 22465 14133
What to Expect:
An iconic Lake District setting—Buttermere and Crummock Water offer some of the most photogenic low-flying passes, with occasional appearances by Typhoons, Hawk T2s and F15s/F35 navigating the ridges.Parking: Pay £5 to Honister Mine café and you can stay there all day.
Photography Tip:
You are good at this location until 1pm in all seasons but may have to move across the other side after lunch.✈️ 4. Thirlmere / Helvellyn Corridor
Grid Ref:
NY 30380 19331 – Smaithwaite Banks
NY 30407 18850 – Raven Crag
NY 31382 18760 – Great Howe
What to Expect:
While not as busy as North Wales’ Mach Loop, this corridor does get used, particularly by rotary aircraft and RAF support flights. The narrow gap between Helvellyn and Thirlmere makes it ideal for dramatic close passes. It’s used weekly for both RAF and USAF low flying. Bear in mind where the sun is and suggested locations – you might need to move in the afternoon.Photography Tip:
Overcast conditions? Try high shutter speeds to freeze prop motion and use the moody fells for contrast.✈️ 5. Alston Moor (North Pennines AONB Bordering Cumbria)
Grid Ref: NY 719 462
What to Expect:
Although just east of Cumbria’s official border, the Alston area often sees overflights from RAF Spadeadam training ranges. You’ll spot Chinooks, A400Ms, and even USAF tankers.Photography Tip:
Wider landscapes and more open terrain allow you to experiment with environmental compositions—aircraft dwarfed by vast moorland skies.
C-17 Globemaster III
The Mini 3 Pro can give you some unique angles and photographs that you couldn't get with a DLSR camera on the ground. This resource to add to my arsenal is amazing as it can really enhance what you can get from images.
✈️ 6. Todd Crag – Ambleside
Grid Ref: NY 36640 03903
What to Expect:
Anything that comes through LFA17 you will see coming down Windermere from this location. They will either turn left and head up Kirkstone Pass or come right over you. The location can be accessed by parking on Under Loughrigg after the double yellow lines.
Photography Tip:
Great location for head on shots for A400s and sometimes Typhoons if they bank around Ambleside.
✈️ 7. Silver Point - Ullswater
Grid Ref: NY 39572 18201
What to Expect:
Aircraft approach from the left and bank around this location and you’re able to get either land locked shots or water locked shots. Can be difficult getting to this location in summer with the heigh of the bracken.
Photography Tip:
Be prepared for some fast panning shots!
✈️ 8. Low Birkfell
Grid Ref: NY 40812 19026
What to Expect:
Another great place to photograph jets from or the odd A400. It’s a bit of nightmare to get to in summer with the height of the bracken. You can park at Sandwick – as there’s room for another ¾ cars failing that park back at Hallin Fell car park near the church.
Photography Tip:
Great location for head on shots for A400s and sometimes Typhoons if they bank around Ambleside.
👀 Tips for Spotting & Shooting
Stay Safe: Always respect private land, stay on rights of way, and keep a safe distance from flight paths.
Parking: Park sensibly and respectfully – lots of free places to park but at car and display please pay and help the economy!
Use a Scanner or App: Apps like ADS-B Exchange, FlightRadar24, 360 Radar can sometimes help anticipate activity—though not all military aircraft will appear.
Be Patient: Low-level training routes are unpredictable. Sometimes it’s quiet for hours—then you get a flurry of flybys in minutes. There’s no timetable for flying times please don’t ask for one!
Weather Watch: Jets often fly low in marginal weather. Cloud breaks and misty fells make for dramatic compositions—just bring waterproofs AND warm clothes. I’ve been known to put a coat on then hours later suncream!
🧭 Essential Gear for Aviation Photography
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast burst mode.
Lens: At least 300mm; 400–600mm for tight, crisp shots.
Tripod/Monopod: Optional but handy for long stake-outs.
📅 Best Times to Visit
There’s no fixed timetable, but Tuesday to Thursday mornings are statistically more active. Military activity dips during public holidays and school breaks. Even though Bank Holidays take place and normally bases close - this year in 2025 we’ve seen the USAF fly on Good Friday and May Bank Holiday- I don’t understand either!
Final Thoughts
Cumbria isn’t just a landscape photographer’s paradise—it’s also a hidden gem for military aviation photography. The key? Be ready, stay alert, and embrace the unpredictability. The moment a Typhoon tears past at treetop level with the Lake District as its canvas—it's pure magic.
Don’t ask for timings just go climb a fell and expect nothing and you might be lucky.
