A new astro-tourism trail of ideal star-gazing spots has opened in the Cambrian Mountains in Wales, incorporating six new sites that have been awarded official ‘Dark Sky’ status.

The trail, which covers just over 50 miles, can be visited over the course of a few nights for a glimpse of Orion, The Plough and the North Star.  

The six new Dark Sky Discovery sites are away from the worst of any local light pollution, provide good sightlines of the sky and are generally freely accessible at all times.

They have been awarded the status as the UK’s best spots to witness celestial goings on – adding to three existing sites in the region.

Dafydd Wyn Morgan, leading the project, said: ‘The Cambrian Mountains is one of best places in the world to view dark skies. 

‘The clear skies offer incredible views of the Milky Way, meteor showers and the International Space Station when it passes over.

‘By day the astro-trail allows you to discover a community woodland brimming with wildlife, the UK’s tallest reservoir, a 12th century abbey and mining heritage stretching back to Roman times.’ 

The astro-trial is scattered with pubs which planners urge people to ‘pop inside for a meal’ if cold and cloudy skies present themselves.  

Mr Morgan added: ‘I now aim to encourage local people as well as visitors to the Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

‘The land of the Cambrian Mountains is amazing by day and sky just waits to be discovered by night.

‘An SQM is taken. Sky Quality Measurement to assess light pollution. All the sites are locations that have achieved Milky Way tier status i.e. you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

‘Sites are 10x10m in area and accessible to all 24/7. They will be in rural locations.’

The nine sites are all accessible with a stunning view of the night sky visible from their car parks – for those who may not be able to trek to a remote location.

A low level of light pollution from cities or street lighting makes the area perfect for viewing a normally washed out night sky.

A study by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that only two per cent of the UK were able to gaze at ‘truly dark skies’ while 57 per cent struggled to count more than 120 stars.

Many people in major cities – London, Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester – were unable to view a single star at all.

Emma Marrington, dark skies campaigner at CPRE, said: ‘It’s deeply disappointing that the vast majority were unable to experience the natural wonder of a truly dark sky, blanketed with stars.’

Adding: ‘Light doesn’t respect boundaries, and careless use can see it spread for miles from towns, cities, businesses and motorways, resulting in the loss of one of the countryside’s most magical sights – a dark, starry night sky.’ 

If you’re not near Wales these sites, which are all wheelchair-friendly, are free from most light pollution and boast great sightlines so you can enjoy the best panoramas possible:

South east: Near London, the South Downs National Park boasts no fewer than seven recognised stargazing spots, including Ditchling Beacon, Butser Hill, Old Winchester Hill, Iping Common and Devil’s Dyke.  

Midlands: The Peak District is blessed with truly dark skies and has three recommended spots at Surprise View, Parsley Hay and Minninglow. They’re all easily accessible and have information panels that help to guide you around the night sky. 

North: The North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland national parks all have many stargazing spots. The Kielder Observatory holds stargazing events including family astronomy nights.

North west: If you’re near Blackburn, Preston or Lancaster then head into the Forest of Bowland. There are five designated dark sky sites there, including the Beacon Fell Visitor Centre.

West Country: Exmoor National Park is also a Dark Sky Reserve, which means light pollution is at a minimum. If you’re further south, near Newquay, try Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps where the Kernow Astronomers  periodically hold events.

Scotland: Take your stargazing really seriously north of the border in the Scottish Highlands.

The Cairngorms and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs national parks are unrivalled on the mainland, or if you’re very adventurous try the Isle of Coll in the Inner Hebrides. It’s been named a Dark Sky Island by the International Dark Sky Association, as it has some of the darkest skies in Europe.

Scotland is also host to Europe’s first ‘dark sky town’ in the form of Moffat in the Annandale valley. Thanks to special street lights that minimise light pollution, the stars are visible right in the centre of town. You can see at least 17 of Orion’s 30 stars, whereas in most towns you will only see six. 

Cotswolds: It’s not just the national parks that enjoy unpolluted night skies, but also the designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty all over the country. The Cotswolds has a particularly suitable location at the Rollright Stone Circle near Chipping Norton, where you can watch the heavens with these Neolithic sentinels. 

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-7621455/New-astro-tourism-trail-created-Welsh-mountains-links-six-locations-awarded-dark-sky-status.html