Lossiemouth (RAF)

1East side approach

If they are landing on runway 28, which is uncommon, this is the spot to be. Take the exit from the A941 onto the B9135 towards Kineddar until you see the runway. Be aware that parking is not allowed here. It is best to do that on the Drainie Road and walk to the spot.

2Southern HAS site

This spot is good for checking out the former 617 sq HAS site. When leaving the A941 onto the B9135 towards Kineddar, take the road to the left named Drainie road. Take the road to the right to arrive at a crashgate for the unobstructed view. You also have a good view onto a taxi track. Continue on Drainie Road to pass another crashgate. From here, you will have a good view of the former 202 sq ramp and washing area.

3Runway 05

Spot 3 is great for morning photography with runway 05 in use. It can be found to the right of a small road and leads to a crash gate. From here, you will have a good view of any traffic while photography is possible with about 300 mm. Position yourself along the road leading towards the beginning of the runway for your type of shots.

4Southwest side approach

Spot 4 is fine but the road is a little narrow. Park at either Spot 3 or it is better to park round alongside the taxiway just northeast of this spot, as they taxi right along the fence. There are two lay-bys to park cars on the northwestern side of the taxiway and it is a great spot for photos over or through the fence. The fence is quite low near the threshold. Depending on the position of the sun, you can position yourself north or south of the runway. Especially in the afternoon, some very nice shots can be taken by moving north along the road as the taxiway is right in front of you and close by and somewhat lower than the road you are standing on.

5West side approach

Continuing north, you will pass two roads to the right, which both lead to crash gates. These are roads leading to farms and parking on them is not recommended and in any event you can see the aircraft near the former 12 sq HAS site from the main road. In the event they are landing on runway 10, it will be possible to photograph the aircraft from the crash gate at the southern lane.

6Northern HAS Site

Along the road to the north, there is another road to the right, leading to a crash gate. Have a look at the former 12 sq HAS Site if needed.

7North side

At the crossing with the B9040 East Road, go right and drive along the road towards Lossiemouth. If you take this small road to the west, you will be able to spot some planes.

8Runway 23 approach p.m.

This spot, if available, is superb for afternoon shots with aircraft passing very close in front of you while aiming for runway 23. You can see the planes up to 20 km out over the sea here. You can also see the whole base from this location, including most aprons. The spot itself is on a small road along the fence, south of the B9040. This road now starts behind a construction site for what appears to be a new base entrance with parking lot.

9Runway 23 approach a.m.

This spot is just as good as the previous one but a little further away and ideal for morning shots. There is an old air-raid shelter, a good place to stand on to get the best of shots in the morning, but that may not be allowed due to it being on the golf course. You will also have a good view of the visitors ramp and across to the former 15 sq ramp from this location.

10Gate Guard

Return to the B9040 and take the B9135 towards Elgin. After a roundabout, you will arrive at the main gate, which has a Tornado as gate guard and it can be seen from here.