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Subject Topic: Dark sky camping Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMik889
via mobile 30/7/2023 at 6:41pm
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Hi,

I'm looking to do some camping out of season in a Dark sky area for star gazing, can anyone recommend and sites that are open out of season, preferably at a decent altitude?

Thanks
Mike


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PersonFiona W
via mobile 30/7/2023 at 7:23pm
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Plenty in Galloway where there’s UK’s first Dark Sky Park. But a campsite at a “decent altitude” (whatever that is)? None that I can think of.
However, if you’re walking or cycling with a tent, the access legislation would allow responsible camping at the top of The Merrick (not quite a Munro) or any other hill in the area.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonDevonatheart
via mobile 30/7/2023 at 10:31pm
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What country/county are you thinking of?


PersonBernie47
30/7/2023 at 10:31pm
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Kielder Forest in Northumberland is a dark sky area and they have an observatory and a campsite.

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Bernie


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PersonDot P
via mobile 31/7/2023 at 9:17am
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Derwent at Edmundbuyers also in Northumberlands lists as a dark skies site
https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=17074


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PersonFiona W
via mobile 31/7/2023 at 9:18am
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Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 30/7/2023
Kielder Forest in Northumberland is a dark sky area and they have an observatory and a campsite.

Maybe same problem for the OP as my Galloway suggestion though - the Kielder sites are not at a “decent altitude”.


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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonMrs. Bonce
via mobile 31/7/2023 at 9:34am
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You don't need a decent altitude, I have never seen so many stars as at Salcombe in Devon.


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PersonHedgehugger
31/7/2023 at 10:37pm
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Drumroamin campsite is wide and open, good dark skies - not high up, but sky views are impressive. Don't know when they open in spring but they're open until end of October. https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=6108

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Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!


PersonBernie47
31/7/2023 at 11:07pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 31/7/2023
Quote: Originally posted by Bernie47 on 30/7/2023
Kielder Forest in Northumberland is a dark sky area and they have an observatory and a campsite.

Maybe same problem for the OP as my Galloway suggestion though - the Kielder sites are not at a “decent altitude”.



I don't think they would build an observatory if it was not in a suitable position for observing the dark sky.

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Bernie


PersonFiona W
via mobile 01/8/2023 at 9:59am
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I agree totally. Stargazing clubs come to a particular car park in Galloway because it’s readily accessible & gives panoramic views; it’s at the sea shore.
It would help if the OP could add a bit of detail to the need for decent height. They could pitch up at a number of lower sites in Dumfries & Galloway & climb the Merrick. (D&G has policies for no street lighting outside towns, so there’s almost no light pollution.) Or camp at the south end of Arran & climb Goat Fell.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


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PersonSpeaker12
01/8/2023 at 11:51pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Hedgehugger on 31/7/2023
Drumroamin campsite is wide and open, good dark skies - not high up, but sky views are impressive. Don't know when they open in spring but they're open until end of October. ]


Lovely site and I can confirm it's brilliant for stargazing. I don't know if it's still the case but they used to have a night sky event there in late October.

When I was there there was a meteor shower and a lightning storm way in the distance so it was pretty spectacular.


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PersonFiona W
via mobile 03/8/2023 at 8:02am
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Quote: Originally posted by Speaker12 on 01/8/2023
Quote: Originally posted by Hedgehugger on 31/7/2023
Drumroamin campsite is wide and open, good dark skies - not high up, but sky views are impressive. Don't know when they open in spring but they're open until end of October. ]


Lovely site and I can confirm it's brilliant for stargazing. I don't know if it's still the case but they used to have a night sky event there in late October.


Indeed. The big lay-by that I mentioned is on the opposite side of the Firth to Drumroamin (yes, cracking site) at the shore near the Castle Cary caravan park; it’s off the road & screened from the vehicle lights by trees, looking west. It’s used by astronomy clubs because it’s accessible by a number of cars or a coach.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.



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