Where to go Stargazing in Snowdonia
Starry Starry Night* Credit: Kevin Jackson https://astrocookbook.com/
Did you know… Wales is the country with the highest percentage of its land with protected dark skies status, in the world?
The evenings really close in early at this time of year, not long now till the shortest day. This also means the longest nights and for some people it's the time to stay indoors... warm and cosy.
Others go outside and look up to the skies. Here in Snowdonia, we have some of the darkest, clearest, most unpolluted skies in the world.
Stargazing is free for everyone
To enjoy the magic of the skies above us, you don’t need to be an expert with very expensive equipment. On a clear night, find the darkest place near you, look up and be amazed how much you can see with the naked eye. If you wish to capture it on a photo, even with a standard digital SLR camera, you can do so. Some people even manage to get great pictures with their mobile phones. All you really need is warm clothing, binoculars, a torch (with red filter if possible), mobile phone or camera.
But how do you know what you’re looking at? The skies change every hour, every day, every season… it all depends on when you look up. To give you some guidance, have a look at Guide to the Stars
Where is it dark enough?
We are very lucky to have some of the darkest spots only a short drive from Dolgellau:
Llynnau Cregennen - two of the most popular lakes just a couple of miles outside Dolgellau. They lie on the foothills of Cader Idris, overlooked by the crags of Tyrrau Mawr to the south east, and Pared y Cefn Hir to the north. There is a car park and public conveniences (only open during the day) near the largest lake […] (Grid Reference: SH 657 143)
Bwlch y Groes lies on the minor road linking Dinas Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn, and is one of the highest tarmacked passes in Wales. The view from the pass encompasses the plain of the Dyfi valley, Cader Idris and Aran Fawddwy, and the Berwyn Mountains to the north-east. (Grid Reference: SH 913 232)
But to be honest, whenever you drive away from a built up area, park up in a lay by or safe place, switch off the lights and enjoy what you see.
For more information, visit the following sites:
