The Cambrian Mountains have been confirmed as one of Wales’ darkest places.

The Tranquillity and Place-Dark Skies report recently published, highlights how incredible the night skies are in Wales.

Commissioned by Natural Resources Wales, it confirms that the county of Powys (93.1 per cent) is the darkest local authority, with the Cambrian Mountains landscape (99 per cent) being second only to the Epynt Plateau (99.8 per cent) in terms of light pollution-free night skies.

Ceredigion is not far behind Powys, with 92 per cent of the county being classed as dark.

The report also published a dark skies and light pollution map of Wales with the Cambrian Mountains standing out as a truly a dark sky destination.

The report strengthens the work of the Cambrian Mountains Initiative recently to establish the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail.

The trail includes nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites spanning the length of the mountain range from Brechfa Forest and Llanllwni Mountain in the south to the former lead mining community of Dylife and Foel Fadian in the north.

“It’s wonderful to read this report and see confirmation of how dark a place the Cambrian Mountains are,” said Dafydd Wyn Morgan from the Cambrian Mountains Initiative.

“We’re working with a variety of communities to increase awareness of the importance of low light pollution to humans and wildlife,” Dafydd confirmed.

“Astro-tourism has seen a surge since the establishment of the trail and local communities and visitors alike are making the most of the Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies.”

Pre-covid, star parties and stargazing events have been organised in the Cambrian Mountains too. Accommodation providers are also seeing an increase in visitors making the most of the dark skies with many providing information on stargazing, astronomy equipment and providing warm blankets for those cold nights under the stars.

The Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail was established by the Cambrian Mountains Initiative project Dyfodol Cambrian Futures and part-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Ceredigion, Powys and Carmarthenshire County Council and receives support from Cefn Croes Windfarm Community Trust, Aberystwyth University and the Elan Valley Trust.