Dark skies

Some of the darkest skies in Europe.

Sitting under a blanket of stars, seeking out the constellations and catching a shooting star as the Milky Way stretches out into the distance is an awe inspiring and humbling experience. Sandwiched between the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park and the Brecon Beacon’s Dark Sky Reserve (about 12 and 10 miles as the bat flies), Lofftwen shares some of the darkest skies in Europe. This means that on clear nights you can set your clock by the emerging planets, watch the constellations rotate during long nights around the campfire, play shooting star ping pong and marvel at the Milky Way…all with the naked eye. On rare occasions you can even see the Northern Lights.

Although not needed, a camera, binoculars, spotting scope or telescope will get you even closer to the stars.

There are also various Dark Sky events & safaris run by both the Elan Valley and Brecon Beacons if you want some specialist expertise and training in how to read the night skies.