Wattisham (RAF)

1Northwest side

In Wattisham village, take Crowcroft Road to a crash gate. From this spot you can view the taxiway and runway from the north side. Early morning distant views of the ramp can be had. But especially the Apaches do not permit reading from a kilometre distance unless you have excellent lighting conditions.

2West side

To get closer to the large maintenance hangar and approach you have to follow the fence on foot.

3Southwest side approach

Should you wish to take photographs of aircraft and helicopters on approach to runway 05, you have to bring your walking shoes and continue past the threshold even further south. From the aforementioned crash gate, this is just over 1 km.

4North side ramp view

To have a go at the ramp in the afternoon, proceed from Wattisham village on Weir Road that becomes Ware road, to Charles Tye. This road follows the base perimeter fence along the old 74sq HAS area. Just after that, there is a crash gate. About 400 metres down the road, just past the road that forks off into Charles Tye, there is another crash gate with a slightly better angle and more room to park your car out of the way. Again, excellent late afternoon lighting is compulsory as well as strong bins. But you will be noticeably closer to the ramp and just opposite the 22sq hangar.

5North side approach p.m.

From spot 4 continue on Ware Rd towards Ringshall. About 500 metres east of spot 4 you will be northwest of the 23 approach and could be good for afternoon photography if you bring a ladder.

6Northeast side approach a.m.

From spot 5 again continue on Ware Rd towards Ringshall. At the T-junction make a right to Ringshall and just before the road bends left into this tiny village, make a sharp right towards the fence. About halfway down seems to be the best spot for photographing approaching aircraft with the sun in the back in the morning.