The darkest region in Wales, which has the country’s only International Dark Sky Park, is set to become an astro-tourism destination.
Mid Wales' darkest region title is based on a recent report by Land Use Consultants for NRW, which also revealed that the Cambrian Mountains and the Epynt Mountain were the darkest landscapes.
Being so rural and often remote, tourism and hospitality businesses in this part of Wales are best positioned to benefit from the astro-tourism boom.
Food, drink and craft businesses are already capitalising on this growing trend with the recent production and launch of Dark Skies Rum, Dark Skies Preserve and Dark Skies chocolates.
In Rhayader, which fringes the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park, accommodation owners are beginning to capitalise on astro-tourism by using night photography and starry timelapse videos to highlight how amazing a place it is to discover the wonders of the night sky.
Astro-tourism specialist Serydda has supported more than 25 accommodation providers so far.
Both the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons offer views of planets, constellations and galaxies. Even our own galaxy, the Milky Way, can be viewed with the naked eye. Visitors can also photograph these celestial events with basic smartphones or even special cameras.
“Nothing beats breathing in the cool mountain air at night,” said Dafydd Wyn Morgan, owner of Serydda.
His company provides 60-minute stargazing sessions to visitors to the area as well as one-to-one and group night photography sessions in partnership with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.
Recently, Serydda launched the Alyn Wallace Big 5, an astro-marathon of visiting locations made famous by late photographer Alyn, himself a regular visitor to the Elan Valley.
Dafydd believes there's much more to come from the astro-tourism trend.
“People want to reconnect with nature,” he said. “By stargazing, they can do that and create mini adventures at night that will leave them wanting more.
“By using special apps on phones, budding stargazers can discover more about the night sky including identifying what they can see and planning when special celestial events will happen, including meteor showers and the Aurora Borealis”.
Local mountain bike company Riding with Pippa works with Serydda to offer astro-cycling opportunities along the Elan Valley Trail at night.
Cyclists enjoy a dark sky spectacular culminating with a visit to the Alyn Wallace Art Installation, erected in his memory in March, following his death in 2024.
The Elan Valley also celebrates 10 years as an International Dark Sky Park in June with numerous events.
