The Cambrian Mountains destination of Wales has an astro-tourism trail recognising its accolade as one of the UK’s top spots to go star-gazing. Nine stellar places have been awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site status, putting them right up there on the celestial map.
The trail, which covers a driving distance of just over 50 miles (80.5 km), can be visited over the course of a few nights for a glimpse of Orion, The Great Plough and the North Star. It is accompanied by an illuminating Cambrian Mountains and Elan Valley Dark Sky Guide which details what to look out for throughout the year with a pair of binoculars or telescope.
Clients can find Dark Sky Discovery Sites in nine locations at
- Y Star Inn Car Park, Dylife, Powys
- The Arch, Cwmystwyth
- Pont ar Elan Car Park, Cwm Elan Valley, Powys
- Coed Y Bont, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion
- Hostel Dolgoch, Tregaron
- Hostel Ty’n y Cornel, Llanddewi Brefi
- Cronfa Ddŵr Llyn Brianne Reservoir, Rhandirmwyn, Carmarthenshire
- Mynydd Llanllwni Mountain, Llanllwni, Carmarthenshire
- Llanerchaeron National Trust
Not only is the trail suitable for night viewing, but it can also be enjoyed during daylight hours, where walkers can discover many things on route including the UK's tallest reservoir, mining heritage dating back to Roman times, and a 12th century abbey.
Visit the Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies website which also includes ten best places to see the sunset and top ten places to discover the natural world during the day and at night.
