Project NOS

Project NOS Overview

  • Project NOS Overview

  • Coverage: North Wales
  • Size: 1,117 sqm
  • Highest point: Yr Wyddfa
  • Stargazing hotspot: Llyn y Dywarchen
  • Best time for stargazing: March-September

We have created Prosiect Nos - The North Wales Dark Sky Partnership to help create the largest area’s of protected dark skies in the world! We are made up of the Snowdonia National Park Authority and the AONBs of the Isle of Anglesey, the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley and the Llŷn Peninsula

Snowdonia

We believe our dark skies are worth protecting that’s why we are on a mission to gain official status from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). 

Here are some reasons why...

  • We will be protecting our night skies for future generations - Currently only 2% of the UK’s population receives a truly dark sky.
  • It will have a positive impact on the areas biodiversity
  • It will give the local economy a boost during the quieter season It will reduce light pollution and CO2 emissions in the area
  • 60% of our biodiversity depends on darkness to survive.

Best stargazing sites

Llyn y Dywarchen

Llyn y Dywarchen is 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.

Useful Information

  • Parking: Up to 6 vehicles
  • Nearest phone: Rhyd-Ddu (SH 569 529), 1 mile
  • Facilities: None on site

Bwlch y Groes

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.

Useful Information

  • Parking: Up to 10 vehicles
  • Nearest phone: Llanymawddwy (SH 902 189), 2 miles
  • Facilities: None on site

Dark Skies Actvities

The amazing dark skies of the National Parks provide wonderful night sky viewing opportunities for stars, planets and the moon all year.

KAstrophotography

Put your coat on, grab your camera and dip into the exciting world of night-time photography.

RNight and Twilight Walks

Be tempted into the dark by moon beams and starlight, grab your coat and put a toe into the into the twilight zone

JAstronomy

The amazing dark skies of the National Parks provide wonderful night sky viewing opportunities for stars, planets and the moon all year.

TShooting Stars and Comets

On a clear night, gaze up at the sky for long enough and, you will see shooting stars and maybe even spot a comet.

Dark Sky Reserves

Build your unique 24/7 holiday. Discover epic dusk till dawn adventures in the tranquillity, splendour and seclusion of the wonderful landscapes of Wales.

Snowdonia

Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park is the second area in Wales to be designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. There are just twelve of these magical reserves in the world, and on a clear night in Snowdonia you can see the Milky Way, all the major constellations, nebulas (bright clouds of gas and dust) and shooting stars.

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Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Coast

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has a necklace of dark sky discovery sites. Pembrokeshire’s wild and rugged coast and countryside benefits from some of the best dark sky opportunities in the country, where it is possible to observe the spectacle of the Milky Way or the constellations such as Orion with the naked eye.

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