Military AviationEGQSMoray, Scotland

Lossiemouth.

Home to RAF Typhoons and maritime patrol aircraft, RAF Lossiemouth offers some of Scotland's most exciting opportunities for military aviation photography.

Location Overview

Fast jets. Close encounters.

RAF Lossiemouth is one of BTB’s military photography locations, offering opportunities to capture Typhoon departures, maritime patrol aircraft and visiting military traffic.

These directions and lens recommendations come from BTB’s own photography visit. The guide covers two main positions and three distinct viewpoints.

MilitaryDeparturesApronOverheads

Field Guide

Preferred positions.

Two positions explored by BTB, with directions, lens recommendations and first-hand shooting notes for each.

Preferred Position

Departures

BTB's takeoff position near Drainie Road and Covesea Road, suited to Typhoon departures, steep climbs and more distant banking shots. Driving is strongly recommended.

Finding the position

Access and parking

Head towards the junction of Drainie Road and Covesea Road. There is an access road leading to an airfield gate, with room for approximately one car to park without blocking the road.

Keep the access road and gate clear at all times. Parking is limited, so do not assume space will be available when you arrive.

Driving strongly recommended. Parking is limited to approximately one car without blocking the access road.

Lens Guide

18–55mm

Too short

Generally lacks the reach needed for aircraft photography from this position.

70–200mm

BTB recommended

The most useful all-round range for aircraft taking off nearby.

300–600mm

Extra reach

Excellent potential for steep climbs, distant banking shots and tighter compositions.

Quick Reference

Departures

///says.boast.rooks ↗

Position reference

Departures

///says.boast.rooks

Aerial references indicate approximate positions. Use What3Words and local signs to navigate.

Preferred Position

Apron & Arrivals

A walk from Muirtown car park leads to an old bunker viewpoint for apron and taxi photography, with a further ground-level position for low overhead aircraft.

Finding the position

From Muirtown car park

Park at Muirtown car park near the junction of the B9040 and B9135. Walk down Muirtown Crescent, a dead-end street, to the small footpath at its far end.

Follow the footpath beside the base perimeter fence. As you near the far end, an old wartime bunker will be visible up to your right.

Continuing to the runway

If you prefer to remain at ground level, return to the fence-side path and continue following it. Further along, the route brings you into line with the runway for overhead aircraft photography.

02A — Bunker / Apron

The elevated viewpoint offers apron and taxi photography. The structure is old; its safety and public accessibility have not been verified. Do not climb it unless access is permitted and it is safe.

70–200mm

Good

A useful starting range for apron and taxiing aircraft.

100–400mm

More reach

A strong alternative for tighter ground-movement photographs.

150–600mm

BTB ideal

The preferred choice for distant apron detail and maximum flexibility at range.

Quick Reference

02A — Bunker / Apron

///utter.chilling.character ↗

Marked aerial reference for the RAF Lossiemouth bunker viewpoint

Position reference

02A — Bunker / Apron

///utter.chilling.character

Aerial references indicate approximate positions. Use What3Words and local signs to navigate.

02B — Runway Overheads

A ground-level option for aircraft passing low overhead. Longer focal lengths are useful on approach but may be too tight once the aircraft is directly above you.

70–200mm

Recommended

A strong choice for low overhead passes and general photography.

Over 200mm

Approaching shots

Useful at a distance, but often too restrictive when aircraft are directly overhead.

Two lenses

Ideal setup

A shorter zoom for close passes plus a longer lens for aircraft further out.

Quick Reference

02B — Runway Overheads

///mission.hangs.cyber ↗

Marked aerial reference for the RAF Lossiemouth runway overhead position

Position reference

02B — Runway Overheads

///mission.hangs.cyber

Aerial references indicate approximate positions. Use What3Words and local signs to navigate.

Access note

These notes reflect BTB’s experience at the time of visiting. RAF Lossiemouth is an active military airfield: stay in publicly accessible areas, obey signs and restrictions, do not cross fences or gates, and keep access roads clear. The old bunker’s structural condition and access permissions have not been verified; do not climb it unless access is permitted and safe.

From The Field