Carding Mill Valley named among UK’s top spots for stargazing ahead of partial solar eclipse this Saturday
A popular beauty spot in the Shropshire Hills has been named one of the UK’s top spots for astro-tourism - and a perfect place to spy a spectacular partial solar eclipse later this week.
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Set to be visible on Saturday (March 29) from 10am to 12pm noon, the partial solar eclipse will not disappoint stargazers.
And according to research by Planet Cruise, one of the top spots for the best views is right here in Shropshire.
Carding Mill Valley, known for its beauty and proximity to the breathtaking Long Mynd, ranked ninth on the company's recent list for astro-tourism hotspots.
The team behind the research said they considered key factors such as latitude, average elevation, light pollution levels and the number of Instagram posts mentioning the Northern Lights in their ranking.
They said the area comprising Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is renowned for its dramatic hills and expansive views and offers a serene and secluded environment perfect for stargazing.
With low light pollution and an elevation of 280 metres, visitors can witness breathtaking displays of stars, constellations, and even meteor showers on clear nights.
The valley’s natural beauty, combined with its dark skies, makes it a popular spot for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a truly immersive night sky experience.
The Natural Trust site fell behind a few nearby beauty spots - just over the border, in Wales, Snowdonia topped the UK list.
With an elevation of 700 metres and extremely low light pollution, Snowdonia is said to offer breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and even meteor showers.
Here is the full list of the best destinations for astro-tourism in the UK, according to Planet Cruise:
Snowdonia, Wales
Wasdale (Scafell Pike), Cumbria
Derwentwater, Cumbria
North York Moors, Yorkshire
Yorkshire Dales (Richmond), Yorkshire
Shetland Islands, Scotland
Black Down, West Sussex
Cambrian Mountains (Llanidloes), Wales
Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd, Shropshire
Brecon Beacons, Wales
