Snowdonia National Park Dark Sky Status: A Guide to Stargazing in North West and Mid West Wales

Introduction: Snowdonia National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve and is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. This guide provides an overview of the park, the best times and locations for stargazing, and useful information for visitors.

Snowdonia Overview Snowdonia National Park covers an area of 823 square miles across North West and Mid West Wales. It is home to Snowdon, the highest point in Wales at 1085 meters. The best stargazing spot in the park is Llyn y Dywarchen, and the best time for stargazing is from September to March.

Snowdonia's Dark Sky Status Snowdonia National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, the second in Wales, in recognition of its low levels of light pollution and the high quality of its dark skies. There are only twelve Dark Sky Reserves in the world, making Snowdonia one of the most magical places on the planet to observe the stars.

Stargazing in Snowdonia Snowdonia offers many opportunities for stargazing from its mountains and foothills. Here are some of the best places to see the stars:

*Bwlch y Groes: located on the minor road linking Dinas Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn, and one of the highest tarmacked passes in Wales.

*Llyn y Dywarchen: located above the village of Drws y Coed in Dyffryn Nantlle, near Rhyd Ddu. It is a popular fishing lake and has a car park nearby.

*Llyn Geirionnydd: a popular lake in the Gwydir Forest above Betws y Coed, with a car park and public conveniences available during the summer.

*Llynnau Cregennen: two popular lakes in south Merionethshire on the foothills of Cader Idris, with a car park and public conveniences near the largest lake.

*Tŷ Cipar, y Migneint: a former Gamekeeper’s house located between Llan Ffestiniog and Ysbyty Ifan, within the Special Protected Area of Migneint and Arenig Dduallt.

Snowdonia National Park is a stargazing paradise with its International Dark Sky Reserve status. The opportunities to admire the night sky from the mountains and foothills of Snowdonia are abundant, and visitors are encouraged to come experience the dark skies for themselves. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, Snowdonia's dark skies are waiting to be explored.

Snowdonia National Park Dark Sky Status: A Guide to Stargazing in North West and Mid West Wales

Snowdonia National Park is one of the most stunning areas in North West and Mid West Wales, boasting an 823 sqm coverage, with its highest point being Snowdon, towering at 1085m. In 2015, it was named as an International Dark Sky Reserve, the second area in Wales to be designated as such.

With just twelve of these magical reserves in the world, Snowdonia National Park is a special place where on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way, all the major constellations, nebulas (bright clouds of gas and dust), and shooting stars. The prestigious title allows us to protect the environment, enhance the biodiversity and dark skies of the area, and raise awareness of the cultural significance of the stars.

Best Time for Stargazing

The best time for stargazing in Snowdonia National Park is from September to March. During this period, you can witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the night sky.

Best Stargazing Sites

If you want to make the most of Snowdonia National Park's amazing dark skies, here are some of the best places to see the stars:

1) Bwlch y Groes - one of the highest tarmacked passes in Wales, it lies on the minor road linking Dinas Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn.

2) Llyn y Dywarchen - located above the village of Drws y Coed in Dyffryn Nantlle, near Rhyd Ddu. It is a very popular fishing lake, and has a car park nearby.

3) Llyn Geirionnydd - situated in the Gwydir Forest above Betws y Coed. During the summer months, it is popular with picnickers as well as those who take part in water sport activities.

4) Llynnau Cregennen - two of the most popular lakes in south Merionethshire, they lie on the foothills of Cader Idris. There is a car park and public conveniences near the largest lake, and fishing is allowed with the appropriate permits.

5) Tŷ Cipar, y Migneint - a former Gamekeeper’s house, located between Llan Ffestiniog and Ysbyty Ifan. It is one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Wales.

Come Experience Snowdonia's Dark Skies for Yourself

The opportunities to stargaze and admire the night sky from the mountains and foothills of Snowdonia are abundant. With several designated dark sky areas, you can explore the park by night and experience the magic of the universe like never before. Don't forget to visit Llyn y Dywarchen, which is regarded as Snowdonia's premier stargazing spot.