Stellar line up of dark sky places to visit
A new astronomy tourism trail has been launched in mid Wales for those planning visits when the lockdown ends.
A Cambrian Mountains Partnership, which has worked hard over the last few years to encourage visitors and locals alike to stay longer and enjoy the starry night skies of Wales, has also launched a new website, signposting the best places to stay.
Funded by the Regional Tourism Engagement Fund , the Elan Valley Trust and Mynyddoedd Cambrian Mountains combined their efforts to create the website to highlight star quality accommodation providers in the area and encourage them to recognise the benefits of dark sky tourism, to provide a much needed boost after the pandemic.
The Cambrian Mountains comprises 460 square miles in Mid Wales which means that visitors will be spoilt for choice with where to watch the sun set, stargaze or see nature. To that end, they have selected a stellar line-up of the top ten best places to visit.
A new astronomy tourism trail covers 50 miles and links nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites, also featured on the website. These sites are easily accessible and stargazers can gaze in wonder at the Milky Way, watch meteor showers and soak in the pristine quality of a night sky, free from man-made light pollution.
“The Cambrian Mountains is one of best places in the world to view dark skies and the website was created to get people out to enjoy this quiet part of Wales once the restrictions are lifted,” said Dafydd Wyn Morgan, project manager of Mynyddoedd Cambrian Mountains.
“Visitors can enjoy a day walking on the hills, watch a fiery sunset and then wrap up warm for a night of star gazing in the Cambrian Mountains. The fact we have many grade-listed pubs, restaurants and places to stay near our Top 10 Places makes the Cambrian Mountains an ideal destination to get outside.”
“We are delighted to have been involved in this exciting project,” said Charlotte Harley, Deputy Estate Manager for the Elan Valley Trust.
“We hope that people will find the website useful to plan their stay to enjoy the beautiful night skies we have to offer, here in the picturesque heart of the Cambrian Mountains.”
The Elan Valley Estate comprises 72 square miles of reservoirs and upland in Mid Wales. In 2015, it was awarded International Dark Sky Status by the International Dark Sky Association for its exceptional or
distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment.
An online event will celebrate the launch the new website on Sunday ( 31st January), from
6.30pm. Tune into Elan Valley Dark Sky Day Online by watching Astro TV Earth live on Youtube or joiningthe Zoom event: https://zoom.us/j/98109497781.
Visit cambrianmountainsdarkskies.co.uk.
