The Astro Trail by day
There’s plenty to do in the Cambrian Mountains in daylight hours
One of the most popular areas in the region is Devil’s Bridge/Pontarfynach, which is about 19km east of Aberystwyth. “It’s one of the ultimate destinations for anyone with an interest in the night sky,” says Cambrian Mountains Initiative project manager Dafydd Wyn Morgan. “It’s got everything you need, from accommodation, attractions and activities to places to eat and drink.” There’s a Victorian vibe here: Devil’s Bridge Falls (devilsbridgefalls.co.uk) in Rheidol Gorge has been visited since the 18th century, with William Wordsworth counted among the sightseers. Enter the turnstiles to reach the path, which also gets you the occasional view of three bridges built one on top of the other. Reach Devil’s Bridge car-free via the Vale of Rheidol Railway (rheidolrailway.co.uk) from Aberystwyth – between March and November. Opposite the station is Sarah Bunton Chocolates (sarahbunton.co.uk), whose goods include ‘Dark Skies Chocolate.’
During a trip along the Astro Trail you’re likely to come across Hathren Dark Skies Galaxy Brownies (hathren.co.uk), Dà Mhìle, Dark Skies Rum (damhile.co.uk) and Radnor Preserves’ Dark Skies Preserve (radnorpreserves.com), which uses silver flecks in the gin distilled by In the Welsh Wind to represent star-studded nebulae. Burn off the calories on the 200-hectare Hafod Estate (hafod.org), a mecca for hiking, or by climbing Pumlumon Fawr, a 752m-peak in the Cambrian Mountains.
Cyclists are also catered for. Rent a bike in Rhayader or from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and set off on trails around the estate. Intrepid riders can tackle the mountain road between the Elan Valley and Aberystwyth (National Cycle Network Route 81), through the Ystwyth Valley.
Meanwhile, bird-watchers can enjoy Cors Caron National Nature Reserve (natural resources. wales ), a wetland with aboard walk between Pont rh yd fen dig aid and Tregaron in Ceredigion, and the Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Station (gigrin. uk) near Rhayader where you can make use of your binoculars or a long lens.