Thanks agent , found it now, how frequently do they fly through the valley? Won't be able to get any time off this month
I visit the Loop regularly. There is no way of knowing whats going to fly thru unless you you have contacts at the air bases. Don't go unprepared good quality warm clothing with good waterproofs as well, walking boots are a must all year round for grip and ankle support and plenty of hot drinks and food. The weather up there can change in an instant from good to bad. There was a guy up West last week in trainers (Idiot) he must have fallen over half a dozen times going down, even hiking trainers are not suitable this time of the year infact never really as there is no ankle support and you walking on 45 degree sloes with hidden rocks mud, ice, snow etc
As for walking distance none of the locations are very far but not easy to get too its very steep and slippery Cad west is probably the easiest walk although the longest maybe half mile depending how high up you go the first part is easy enough but this time of the year its very muddy so I don't come back down that way preferring the old original path other side the fence, If its not muddy then its fine the second part is steep but very steady
Bwlch is a much shorter climb but more demanding (my favorite point) very slippy on the rocks when wet no real defined path to middle level ( better path but even longer and harder to top level and the exit)
Leave a good hour before dusk to get down as you don't want to get lost
Traffic wise be very prepared for nothing at all and if anything comes thru this time of the year it's a bonus
Not the best time of the year to plan your first visit unless you're with others that know the area
Enjoy yourself and please close all gates behind you and take your rubbish back home with you
Saw Hawks and Tornados last time I was there.
