Yr awyr dywyll
Stargazing at Llwynbwch
Our starry skies…
With a 80 acre site, located between the Bannau Brycheiniog International Dark Skies Reserve, and Dark Sky Discovery Sites at National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanllwni Mountain, and dramatic Llyn Brianne, Llwynbwch Farm is the ideal spot for your own private stargazing adventure.
On a clear night you can see major constellations, the Milky Way, bright nebulas, meteor showers and when the conditions are right - the Northern Lights, Aurora.
The star-filled skies here are truly awe-inspiring, particularly when you’ve arrived from the bright lights of a town or city!
Dark Skies for wildlife
Protected Dark Skies play an important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions - as well as supporting a huge variety of nocturnal creatures who need to feed, hunt and migrate by the cover of dark nights.
They are particularly important for species in decline, like hedgehogs and moths. Artificial light alters the routes of bats, and reduces their ability to avoid predators and hunt.
Our site is deliberately designed to support nocturnal creatures - we use torches and light the site thoughtfully.
Dark Skies for Wellbeing
Our own cicadian rhythm is reliant on the pattern of natural light. When light pollution is reduced, our body clock is able to function effectively and our physical, and mental wellbeing improve.
But that’s not the only reason experiencing starry skies has a positive impact on wellbeing….
Immense, breathtaking star-filled skies are awe-inspiring.
And there’s good evidence to show that experiencing awe is also key to our wellbeing - whether its the incredible aurora we’ve seen recently - or taking in the night sky from your cabin deck or night time walk - or simply being in stunningly beautiful places, like the Carmarthenshire landscape, the Bannau Brycheiniog - or the beach!
“The psychological benefits of experiencing awe are well documented – it has been proven to lower heart rate, increase the presence of oxytocin and reduce inflammation – and it's one of the reasons that stargazing is so good for our mental health.” BBC Travel
“When we chose the name Under Starry Skies it was all about that sense of awe, of belonging - that we are part of the world and not separate from it - realising we are just tiny specks in our vast galaxy, feeling humble and connected with each other, our surroundings, and the natural world.”
So, stargazing: where to start?
Well, clear skies are a must! And darkness around you is key - but that does’t mean you can’t have a torch, or light on in your cabin. Simply step outside on fine clear night and look up. The skies here are big and beautiful and can take your breath away. You might want to sit down on the deck, and get the blankets…
If you have a camera or a phone try taking a photo on a longer exposure or using your phone’s special ‘night’ setting. Check out the skies using the binoculars stored inside - the moon looks pretty cool up closer! There are some great apps now to help you ID what you’re looking at - try Photopills or Stellarium
Stargazing Spots at Llwynbwch
Our 80 acre reserve is here for our guests to explore nocturnally and can be a great adventure, particularly for children. There are lots of spots to take in the dark skies at Llwybwch - from the nearby fan (hill) to the meadows, to the woodlands.
Safety first - familiarise yourself with where you are headed in the daytime, take a torch - and beware of uneven ground, running water / ditches - and keep an eye out for Llwynbwch nightlife - deer, bats, owls and hedgehogs!
Have a chat to us and we can guide you to the best spots.
Northern Lights at Under Starry Skies!
When the conditions are right you can take in the Aurora at Llwynbwch Farm. And 2024/2025 has been an particularly good time to take it in because we’re at the peak of the sun’s 11 years cycle of activity. These shots were taken on New Years Day 2025 and show the distinct red pillars, green and purple glow of the Northern Lights, right here in Carmarthenshire! They are taken using a long exposure to capture out the full beauty of the Aurora - with Llwynbwch Barn in the foreground and the striking silhouettes of bare Winter trees.
Bannau Brycheiniog
Wales’ first and only International Dark Skies Reserve
In 2012 Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park became the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Wales - and the fifth national park in the world to be accredited and protect their unique dark skies. The designation means that wildlife can flourish, carbon emissions are reduced and these amazing dark skies are conserved for future generations.
Stargazing trips out…
We are also surrounded by Dark Sky Discovery sites - accessible places for the public to stargaze - here at Llwynbwch - so if you feel the need to travel to a mountain top for your stargazing experiences you’re in the right place. Brandt Guides showcases the best locations around here - including Llanllwni Mountain near Brechfa.
Familiarise yourself with the place beforehand, take a torch and let someone know where you’re going if it’s remote!
