ACCOMMODATION providers in a remote yet stunning area of Powys are being encouraged to join a WhatsApp group so they and their guests can photograph the astounding northern lights.
As the sun reaches its solar maximum between January and October 2024, the Cambrian Mountains range’s tourism businesses are gearing up to take full advantage of this stunning natural night-time phenomenon, and are being urged to sign up to the Cambrian Mountains Aurora WhatsApp group.
With the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky as far south in Wales as Mynydd Llanllwni near the Brechfa Forest in Carmarthenshire, local communities and visitors to the Powys area stand a very good chance of seeing and photographing nature’s most beautiful light show.
“Over the next 12 months Cambrian Mountains accommodation providers can certainly promote the area as a destination where seeing the Aurora Borealis is a possibility,” said the Cambrian Mountains Initiative’s project manager Dafydd Wyn Morgan.
“As we’re seeing an increase in opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis above the dark skies of the Cambrian Mountains, we’re encouraging accommodation providers to join this community-based WhatsApp group.
“Downloading the relevant apps as well as joining the group will increase the likelihood of locals and visitors seeing and photographing the spectacular aurora displays.”
If providers join the group they’ll get live updates of any aurora activity in the night sky above the Cambrian Mountains as they happen, encouraging them and their guests to get outside and view or photograph the northern lights.
You can share images in the WhatsApp group and encourage group members to get outside when this natural night-time phenomenon is happening in your part of the Cambrian Mountains.
Don't forget to download the Aurora Watch UK app to your smart device too.
Kerena Pugh of Lôn Lodges, based just outside of Rhayader, near Nantmel, has already signed up and encourages other accommodation owners to follow suit.
“We think joining the group is a great idea,” said Kerena, who has identified astro-tourism as a popular reason why people are staying in her family’s luxury self-catering accommodation.
“We can’t wait to share the Aurora Borealis with our guests,” said Nicol Gwynne, from the Hafod Hotel, in Devil’s Bridge.
With the establishment of the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail in 2019, 2024 could be one of the best years to visit the trail to do both stargazing and aurora chasing.
For more details of how to join the Cambrian Mountains Aurora WhatsApp group, visit www.thecambrianmountains.co.uk/blog.
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