Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
IMY BRIGHTY-POTTS DISCOVERS THE BEST SPOTS TO HAVE YOUR EYES ON THE SKIES
GAZING up at a star-filled sky before falling asleep in your tent beneath the Milky Way is one joy of summer.
To see the stars in all their glory, there are a few simple things to remember. Jonathan Knight, UK manager of outdoor stays provider Hipcamp, says: “Your eyes need time to fully adjust to the darkness of the night sky, but your night vision can be ruined by one flash of bright light.
“Turn your headlights off, put out that campfire, and avoid using any flashlight with white light. Instead, use a red-filtered headlamp or flashlight to navigate in the dark and save your eyes from frequent adjustments.”
Downloading a star map app might also be a good idea, he suggests.
Feeling inspired? Here are some special spots to enjoy gazing at beautiful stars in a clear sky.
1. TEIDE NATIONAL PARK, TENERIFE
This site has been recognised as a “Starlight Tourist Destination” by the Starlight Foundation, an organisation which aims to protect the night sky. Light pollution is controlled and visitors should have excellent conditions for stargazing.
Lisa Francesca Nand, travel journalist and host of The Big Travel Podcast (thebigtravelpodcast.com) says: “With moonscape mountains and clear skies, Tenerife’s interior is one of the world’s best stargazing destinations.
“For breathtaking vistas of the constellations, there are several round-trip tours offering professional guides to help explore the stars, stories and myths of the universe.
“Or stay over at the Parador de Las Canadas del Teide, a mountain lodge with spectacular views.”
Wild camping is not permitted but Lisa says there are dedicated campsites offering awe-inspiring views.
2. ANY OF THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS
Scotland is the most remote part of the UK and has the darkest skies.
James Warner-Smith, camping expert at Hipcamp, advises: “Head out to the islands and glamp somewhere remote like Runach Arrain or try Badrallach Campsite, which is eight miles from the nearest main road and a 14-mile hike from the nearest shops so can guarantee you minimal light pollution.”
3. SCANDINAVIA
A great spot to see The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, Scandinavia has vast expanses of unpolluted land and skies.
The Danish islands of MØn and Nyord are some of the best places in the world to stargaze, according to the International Dark-Sky Association.
Wild camping is highly restricted in Denmark but there are campsites on both islands with tent and van pitches in gorgeous rural spots.
Similarly, Kiruna is the northernmost town in Sweden and is home to the Esrange Space Center, the Institute of Space Physics and Spaceport Sweden. Camp Ripan, a popular campsite there, has an on-site restaurant and spa.
4. NORTHUMBERLAND
Northumberland National Park was named England’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association. James says: “Walkmill Campsite is a great option there, nice and secluded and back to basics with no light pollution but also a good campsite in its own right with good access to Warkworth and the coast.”
Head to Kielder Observatory in summer to see star clusters, shooting stars and the moon’s surface.
5. VALENTIA ISLAND, IRELAND
Valentia Island, off the south-western coast of Ireland, has very low light pollution, and is a tranquil spot to see the stars. Part of the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, it is one of the best places to see the night sky.
Travel guide The Irish Road Trip advises checking the position of the moon before you visit, saying: “The moon’s cycle is 28 days, so each month has only seven dark nights with no moonlight to interfere with your view of the heavens above.”
Check out Valentia Island Caravan & Camping Park, situated at the top of Knightstown village.