Why stargaze? Dark Sky Friendly

Few people have seen a truly dark sky, but here in the Look out for these logos – when you see them you can be North Pennines, where there are few people and low levels sure of a warm, stargazing-friendly welcome. of light pollution, we’ve got some of the darkest skies in Stargazing England, making it one of the best places in the country for stargazing. in the North Pennines Big telescopes give the best views of the planets, distant galaxies, comets and other astronomical phenomena. You can use these at regular events held in the North Pennines. However, everyone can enjoy stargazing with a pair of binoculars and some basic information on how to get started, including star maps. Find out more

Enjoy one of our evening stargazing events at Bowlees For more information on stargazing in the North Pennines Visitor Centre or simply take in the unforgettable sight of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, go to: the pristine night sky from one of the remoter sites like Grassholm Reservoir – just you and a few million stars! stargazingnorthpennines.org.uk Places and events in the North Pennines, downloadable resources, apps and social media feeds for the latest information plus other information to help plan your trip.

thisisdurham.com/darkskies visitnorthumberland.com/darkskies Plan your trip in and around the North Pennines AONB

Why are dark skies important? darkskydiscovery.org.uk Downloadable star maps and other helpful information. Light pollution in our towns and cities is blocking our view of the stars, to the point where it is beginning to #NPennDarkSkies creep further into even the more remote areas of our Search on Twitter for the latest news and information protected landscapes. Here in the North Pennines we from the North Pennines AONB Dark Skies. are taking steps to keep our skies dark by encouraging communities and developers to implement measures that will reduce light pollution. Find out how you can make a difference by visiting: www.britastro.org/ Supported by: dark-skies/pdfs/CfDS_guidelines.pdf

Remember, when you go stargazing, use a red-light torch to help you see more stars, as white light makes it harder to see. Photography: © Cain Scrimgeour and Gary Lintern Haydon A69 Corbridge Haltwhistle Bridge Hexham Great places to see stars A69 Brampton 7 There are lots of great places to enjoy the night sky in the B6306 North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Some A68 of them have star maps in place to help you find key stars 15 Allendale N 9 and constellations and often there are places to eat and stay 5 A686 1

B6295 close by. The sky you see from each place is the same, but A689 14 each one is different. Alston A68 A689 Allenheads Some of them have been officially designated as ‘Dark Sky 2 M6 A686 Discovery Sites’ (DSDS) because they are especially dark. 13 B6277 Stanhope Tow Law 6 Wolsingham Crook B6278

1 Allendale Golf Course 5 Knarsdale Village Hall Penrith A68 NE47 9DH CA8 7NP 8 11 A688A689 Signposted from the B6295 Knarsdale is on the A689 4 A66 Middleton-in- south of Allendale Town in the between Brampton and Alston. Bishop East Allen Valley. The village hall is in the centre Auckland 16 10 of the village and the DSDS is B6276 North Pennines in the car park, at the back of Appleby-in- A688 2 Westmorland 3 12 Observatory the hall. Brough A67 North Pennines AONB NE47 9HR A67 Barnard Castle Observatory at Allenheads Burnhope Reservoir and UNESCO Global Geopark A66 Bowes A66 6 Hadrian’s Wall Contemporary Arts (ACA), DL13 1DJ Kirby Stephen the Old School House. Take one of the minor roads Reservoirs 17 Open by arrangement. westwards from Cowshill or Contact: 01434 683 517 / Wearhead. Park at the layby at www.northpennobservatory. the northern end of the dam 9 Millshields 11 Hamsterley Forest 13 Parkhead Station 16 Selset Reservoir org.uk and the DSDS is just through DH8 9PT DL13 3NL DL13 2ES DL12 0PR the gate. Millshields is signposted off Follow brown signs to Turn off the B6278 3 miles Signposted from the the B6276 the minor road that follows Hamsterley Forest from the north of Stanhope. south west of Middleton-in- 3 DL12 9UX Allen Banks the north shore of Derwent A68. The DSDS is located by Teesdale. The DSDS is in the 7 Reservoir, just east of Derwent the new bridge, below the Pow Hill Country Park car park at the northern end of Take the minor road from the NE47 7BP 14 B6277 at Romaldkirk and follow Signposted from the A69 Reservoir Sailing Club. cafe. DH8 9NU the dam. signs to Balderhead Reservoir. between Haydon Bridge and Signposted from the B6306 Bardon Mill. between Edmundbyers and 17 Tan Hill Inn 10 DL12 0PW 12 DL12 9UR Blanchland. DL11 6ED 4 Bowlees Visitor Centre Follow signs from the B6277 Take the minor road from On the border of the North DL12 0XF 8 DL12 0HX just north of Mickleton. The the B6277 just north of RSPB Geltsdale Pennines and the Yorkshire Take the B6277 from Middleton- Turn off the B6277 at Langdon entrance to Grassholme is on signposted Hury 15 CA87 2NJ Dales. It is signposted from the in-Teesdale towards Alston. Beck and follow signs to Cow the right. The DSDS is in the and Blackton reservoirs. The Turn off the A689 at A66 Bowes to Brough road. Bowlees Visitor Centre is about Green Reservoir. car park. DSDS is in the car park on the Hallbankgate in front of the three miles along this road on north side of Hury Dam. Belted Will pub. Follow this road the right. The DSDS is in the car to the RSPB Geltsdale reserve park – follow the brown signs. car park.