A pub has been awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site status, putting it right up there on the celestial map.

The aptly-named Y Star Inn in Dylife, near Llanidloes, is part of a new astro-tourism trail by The Dyfodol Cambrian Futures Project.

It is one of six sites across Mid Wales which have been recognised as one of the UK’s top spots to go star-gazing.

Dafydd Wyn Morgan, project manager, said: “The Cambrian Mountains is one of best places in the world to view dark skies. The clear skies offer incredible views of the Milky Way, meteor showers and the International Space Station when it passes over.

“By day the astro-trail allow you to discover a community woodland brimming with wildlife, the UK’s tallest reservoir, a 12th Century abbey and mining heritage stretching back to Roman times.”

The trail, which covers a driving distance of just over 50 miles, can be visited over the course of a few nights for a glimpse of Orion, The Great Plough and the North Star.

“The fact we have many pubs and restaurants near the astro-trail should help soothe things. If it’s a bit cloudy or cold, people can pop in for a meal while they wait for crystal clear dark skies,” Dafydd added.

Other locations are at Coed Y Bont; Pontrhydfendigaid and the Arch near Devil’s Bridge; Llyn Brianne car park, Rhandirmwyn and Llanllwni Mountain; and Pont ar Elan at the Elan Valley. The new sites have been added to the Cambrian Mountains’ three previous established night sky locations of the Dolgoch and Ty’n Cornel Hostels and at the National Trust’s Llanerchaeron property.