Did you know that the Snowdonia National Park’s dark skies are officially protected?
The whole area has been designated as a Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association. Put simply, it means that the National Park has extremely low levels of light pollution, allowing a fantastic view of the stars and planets. Communities also work to reduce light pollution by installing features such as shaded lamp-heads to prevent light being shone upwards.
Similar designations occur in Northumberland, the Galloway Forest Park, Exmoor, the Brecon Beacons and the Elan Valley.
The Snowdonia Way goes right through the best and most protected bits of the Reserve. What this means for you as a Snowdonia Way walker is that, should you head out after dark, you could well be in for one of the best views of the night sky in Britain.
Snowdonia Way walkers can also help the National Park determine the level of light pollution by taking readings of the night sky using their smart phones.
You can read more about the Snowdonia Dark Sky Reserve on the National Park Website.
