
The Cambrian Mountains comprises 467 square miles of Mid Wales and is home to some of the darkest skies in Europe, but don’t take our word for it; the Elan Valley Reserve has been awarded a Silver tier International Dark Sky Park and with over 9 Dark Sky Discovery sites, you will be hard pressed to find anywhere darker in the UK.
The Dark Sky status protects wildlife and plants, and aids in everything from migration to breeding. With less than 10% of the UK population able to open their curtains and experience a truly dark sky, witnessing the stars and the Milky Way first-hand definitely deserves a tick on the bucket list.
Not only does it look amazing, it's good for your health and wellbeing too - Being exposed to articular throws our circadian clock out, and natural darkness helps to reset this - So by visiting the Cambrian Mountains not only will you be getting a fab holiday, but it's also good for your health. Win Win.
Cambrian Mountains & Elan Valley Dark Sky Guide
New to stargazing? no problem. The guide plots the best stargazing spots in the Cambrian Mountains and also some handy tips on what to look out for!
Places to Stay In the Cambrian Mountains
Towns in the Cambrian Mountains

Rhayader & Elan Valley
Rhayader, the first town on the River Wye, is said to be the oldest in mid Wales. Sitting in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains at the upper end of the Elan Valley, Rhayader has a long history as a market town.

Tregaron & Devils Bridge
Devils Bridge is internationally famous for its waterfalls and narrow gauge Steam Railway. The village is situated at the head of the Rheidol Valley amidst the Pumlumon massif in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains. Nearby Pen Pumlumon Fawr, at 752 metres (2,467ft) is the highest peak in the Cambrian Mountains Range and the area is well-known for its forest and mountain walks.

Llanidloes & Clywedog Dam
For such a small town it punches well above its weight, home to the Hafren Forest, Llyn Clywedog and situated in the Cambrian Mountains, Llanidloes has a way of making you feel like you are a million miles from the noisy congested streets of everyday life when you’re only an hour from the Wales/England border.