In the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park, darkness falls at around 11.15pm. On 19th May, astro-darkness ends and all-night summer twilight begins, which means the Milky Way and fainter celestial objects becomes more difficult to see. 

An all-sky view of the constellations from 12am in May from in-the-sky.org

Facing south from midnight, you will see the constellations of Virgo, Libra, Boötes and Corvus. Leo and Cancer marches westwards and Gemini begins to set in on the western horizon. The summer constellations of Corona Borealis, Hercules and Lyra are well-placed in the east, with Cygnus, Ophiuchus, Sagitta and Aquila rising on the eastern horizon.

The Full Moon occurs on 12th May and New Moon on 27th May.

The Planets in May

Venus is currently an early morning object, rising at 4.24am at the beginning of the month and 3.25am at the end. You won’t miss it as it appears as a bright star in the east. If you have a telescope to hand, try looking at it before the Sun rises as you will be able to spot this planet in the waxing crescent phase. To see this, you will need a 3-inch telescope at around 120x magnification.

On 1st June, Venus will be at greatest western elongation.

Saturn is a morning object and rises in the east at 4.50am at the beginning of the month and 2.50am at the end.

Jupiter appears low in the western sky and sets at 11.45pm at the beginning of the month and on the 23rd May, can still be seen very low on the north western horizon, setting at 10.30pm. After then, the skies are too bright for it to be seen.

Mars appears high on the south-western horizon at the beginning of the month, setting at around 2.40am on 1st May and 1.30am on 31st May.

Conjunction of the Moon, Venus and Saturn

On 23rd May, for early risers, there will be a conjunction of the Moon, Venus and Saturn all situated low on the eastern horizon. The Moon will appear as a thin waxing crescent and earthshine or ‘ashen glow’ can be seen on its shadowed face.

Spot Lunar X and V

On 5th May, you can spot the Lunar X! This is a special effect created by the sunlight bouncing off the rims of craters of Blanchinus, Purback and La Caille. This can be seen in the early hours of the morning at 1.14am. Scan the southern third of the Moon’s terminator until you see an ‘X’ pop into view. Move northwards along the terminator to nearly halfway up and you will also see a ‘V’ appear in the eyepiece.

Constellation of the Month

Each month, we will feature a constellation and the mythology behind it.

There are 88 IAU recognised constellations in the night sky and around 36 that are observable in the northern hemisphere. Some of the names of the 88 IAU recognised constellations are several thousands of years old.

With the advent of science and rational thinking, and more of a focus on the observable world, stars are no longer used for the farming calendar, for navigation or conveying social or religious values.

Get outside and see if you can spot these constellations. The best time to see each constellation we feature is around 90 minutes after sunset.

Constellation of the Month – Corvus

Corvus is a small constellation which lies low on the southern horizon between March and June.

This trapezium of stars represents the white-feathered crow or raven which belonged to Apollo according to Greek mythology.

Apollo was suspicious about one of Coronis, one of his lovers, and instructed his pet crow to watch over her and guard her from becoming too wayward.

He obeyed, but one day, Coronis fell in love with Ischys, who was mortal but Corvus failed to prevent this. He reported this to Apollo, who became furious and scorched his feathers black as punishment – creating a legend of the origin of why corvids have black plumage.

The Babylonians also associated this constellation with MUL.UGA.MUSHEN, associated with Adad, the god of rain and storms.

The ‘Star Gate’ Asterism

RA: 12 h, 35 m, 59 s | DEC:  -12° 03′ 09″
An asterism is a collection of stars that are formed into a familiar pattern – this is how we learn the constellations of the night sky. Some asterisms are created just for fun and can add a bit of light relief when searching for fainter objects. Some resemble numbers, letters, jewellery, a coat hanger and even a stargate!

Situated between the constellations of Corvus and Virgo, this asterism’s shape is unusually geometric and was recently named after the fictional stargate in the 70s science fiction television program ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’. This isn’t an open star cluster as there are vast distances between the five stars and are not in the same ‘neighbourhood’.

This asterism comprises six stars and are between 285 and 486 light years away.

Credit: Mark Johnston

Use your small telescope and 100x magnification and higher to spot this asterism.

Noctilucent Cloud Season Begins

This month heralds the beginning of Nocilucent Cloud season, commencing around the 23rd May.
Also known as ‘Night Shining Clouds’, or polar mesospheric clouds, these are composed of tiny ice crystals and sit from 47-53 miles high up in our atmosphere.

The sun sets above 16 degrees below the horizon and some of that light shines into the sky all night (astro-twilight). That light will also illuminate these clouds which lie on the northern horizon and shimmer with an ethereal light.

The best time to see these is between 90 to 120 minutes after sunset or 90 to 120 minutes before sunrise.

The cause of these clouds is still being debated, but recent studies have explored the effects of Space Shuttle exhaust emissions, dust particles from micro-meteors or volcanoes and even a recent increase of methane emissions reaching the upper atmosphere; the molecules then producing water vapour contributing to the cloud displays

All you need to observe these are your dark-adapted eyes and warm clothing. To keep an eye on the forecasts, visit www.spaceweather.com and keep up with user updates.

Credit: Slava Auchynnikau at unsplash

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Join us for a day celebrating our precious woodlands at the Elan Valley. Experience demonstrations of traditional woodland skills including blacksmithing, leather tanning, and horse logging. Take part in a guided walk through the woodland, indulge in forest bathing, and discover more about our Celtic Rainforest.

This project is funded by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government.

Find out more

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Cwm Clyd Bunkhouse

Experience the perfect group accommodation at Cwm Clyd Bunkhouse, designed to help you make the most of your stay in the breath-taking Elan Valley. Our spacious, purpose-built bunkhouse welcomes you with comfortable, self-catering facilities that allow you to unwind after a full day of adventure. After exploring the great outdoors, relax in our thoughtfully designed spaces or enjoy a peaceful evening in the garden, complete with outdoor seating and a cob oven.

Our bunkhouse complex consists of three buildings:

The main building features a fully equipped, heated kitchen with a Rangemaster oven, a cosy dining area with a wood burner, a wheelchair-accessible bedroom and showers and bathrooms. Please note that we do not have separate men’s and women’s facilities.

The Carthouse accommodates six guests across two rooms.

The Longhouse provides space for 14 guests in three lockable rooms.

Together, these buildings offer accommodation for up to 21 people in six rooms, including a wheelchair-accessible bedroom.

For flexibility, different groups can book the Carthouse and the Longhouse separately while sharing the kitchen, dining area, and bathroom facilities. However, if you prefer exclusive use of the entire site, we offer special rates—just get in touch for details.

Ideally located, Cwm Clyd Bunkhouse provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, and fishing. It is also a fantastic spot for stargazing in the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, our bunkhouse offers the perfect retreat in a stunning natural setting.

This accommodation is ideal for groups of outdoor adventurers, friends or families looking to enjoy quality time together in a beautiful and peaceful location.

Terms and Conditions

Special Offer

If you wish to book the whole site, we offer a special offer of £405 per night. We also require a refundable breakage deposit of £100. You can initially book the whole site using the calendars above.
When you have done this, drop us an email and we can apply the discount price of £405.

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Tynllidiart sleeps four people and is a delightfully quaint detached farm cottage located above the Garreg Ddu reservoir with fine views of the surrounding Welsh landscape. This property is full of character with original beams, wooden partitions and exposed stonework, plus a large inglenook fire with log burner for those cosy autumn/winter evenings.

It holds a secluded spot in the Valley without encroaching domestic neighbours and is a great spot to wander out of your doorway for short walks, hikes, cycling, bird watching, fishing, astronomy or maybe all of the above! 

This cottage is off-grid and is run by generator and solar power, with a private water source. There is no mobile signal or Wifi so you can have that tech-free holiday! There is a payphone in the cottage to keep in touch with your loved ones.  

Tynllidiart Farmhouse is accessed via a private single track from close to Penygarreg Dam and below Penbont Tearooms, which is less than a mile from the property. Tynllidiart Farmhouse is approximately a 15 minute-drive from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre and just a 20-minute drive to the nearest town, Rhayader.

Terms and Conditions

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Penglaneinon Farmhouse comfortably sleeps six people and offers a self-catered stay in a traditional farmhouse with breath-taking, panoramic views. Nestled on a working hill farm in the heart of the Claerwen Valley, this charming 19th-century home sits amid woodland, rolling pastures, and traditional hay meadows. A steep track, approximately 0.4 miles from the main Claerwen Valley road, leads to the farmhouse, ensuring both privacy and a sense of adventure. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre and Café is just a short three-mile drive away. Meanwhile, the town of Rhayader, just 6.5 miles away, provides convenient access to shops, cafés, a post office, a museum, and a leisure centre with a swimming pool.

Inside, the farmhouse feels warm and inviting, featuring central heating throughout and a cosy wood burner in the living room. Guests can enjoy the added comfort of firewood and kindling, provided to enhance the relaxing atmosphere. For extra convenience, the property includes a ground-floor twin bedroom and a shower room, though guests should note that single steps lead to the ground floor.

Perched in a secluded spot overlooking the stunning Caban Coch Reservoir, Penglaneinon Farmhouse stands as the only home in sight, offering an idyllic retreat. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful countryside escape, a scenic walking adventure, an opportunity for birdwatching, or a night under the stars right from the doorstep, this farmhouse provides the perfect setting to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Terms and Conditions

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Y Beudy, the lower part of Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse, comfortably sleeps five people. This Grade II* listed building dates back to the 16th century and still showcases much of its original charm. In 1999, the property underwent a careful restoration that preserved many traditional features. Today, it serves as two self-catered, semi-detached accommodations—Hen Dy (Upper) and Y Beudy (Lower).

Nestled near the Dôl y Mynach Reservoir in the scenic Claerwen Valley, Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse offers easy access to the main Claerwen Valley road. The property sits just 7 miles from Rhayader, approximately 4.5 miles from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, and 6 miles from the charming Penbont Tearooms.

Historically, Y Beudy functioned as the livestock section of the Longhouse. To adapt the space, builders added a first floor in the late 16th or early 17th century. Today, the property boasts stunning original features, including cobbled and flagstone flooring, exposed timber beams, and traditional wooden structures.

Because of its uneven cobbled flooring, this property may not be ideal for young children or individuals with mobility concerns. Additionally, during July and August, the bats become particularly active, creating scratching noises and frequently flying in and out.

For those seeking a true escape, Y Beudy offers an off-grid experience. A generator provides power, but there is no phone signal or WIFI, allowing guests to fully disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the enchanting Elan Valley.

Terms and Conditions

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Hen Dy, the upper part of Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse, comfortably sleeps six people. This Grade II* listed building dates back to the 16th century and retains much of its original charm. Restored in 1999, the property carefully preserves its traditional features while serving as two self-catered, semi-detached accommodations—Hen Dy (Upper) and Y Beudy (Lower).

Nestled near the Dôl y Mynach Reservoir in the scenic Claerwen Valley, Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse offers easy access to the main Claerwen Valley road. The property sits just 7 miles from Rhayader, approximately 4.5 miles from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, and 6 miles from the charming Penbont Tearooms.

Historically, Hen Dy served as the residential section of the Longhouse, and today, it proudly showcases its heritage. Guests can enjoy a traditional inglenook open fireplace, authentic flagstone flooring, exposed wooden beams, and a distinctive stone staircase that winds unevenly upward.

However, due to the uneven flooring and twisting staircase, this property is not recommended for those with mobility concerns or for young children. Additionally, during July and August, the bats can be quite active, creating scratching noises and frequently flying in and out.

For those seeking a true escape, Hen Dy offers an off-grid experience. A generator provides power, but there is no phone signal or WIFI, allowing guests to fully disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the enchanting Elan Valley.

Terms and Conditions

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