Peak District

[SwampStar]

Hi all.

I'm thinking of heading out to one of the Peak District Dark Sky sites over the next couple of weeks - maybe Surprise View at Hathersage. Has anyone visited any of these sites? Is it worth the journey? I'll be travelling a fair distance to get there so wouldn't want it to be a wasted journey if I could be spending the time observing in the garden!

So - just an enquiry. Any local advice gratefully received!

Cheers,

Andy

[Alkaid]

Admittedly I haven't observed from the Peak, but I have a dark sky map.  Looks like magnitude 5.00 skies with naked eye, a bit better than where you are in Cheshire (4.25 - 4.75).

If it's better on the map - give it a go I'd say!

Now...if you went west instead into Wales, that's much better with magnitude 5.75 skies once you're past Wrexham.

[SwampStar]

Yeah...good idea. Know any decent spots?

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[Alkaid]

I'm more familiar with Snowdonia, but that would be a bit far perhaps.

Have a look on Google maps, always good for spot searching.

[SwampStar]

I'll give it a go. Cheers.

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[faulksy]

I'll give it a go. Cheers.

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bala way is good

[estwing]

around Longnor is good as you are looking south and hardly any LP for about 20miles...any further north and then you've got Buxton in the way

[SwampStar]

This is all very helpful. Cheers.

Thing is, I'm new to this 'Leaving the Garden' lark. What do you do when you get there? Just set up by the road? Find a layby? Car park? Trek across fields???

Really need some help here, boys and girls!

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[animal666]

I always found it a mare finding a astro spot. setting up all your expensive gear in the middle of nowhere.

Found a few good spots in the peak but setting up on my own, na.

The police or a random sometimes turn up with headlamps blazing.

Best if you can get someone to go along

The peak isn't far for me.

Would prefer Wales one night though? A lot darker.

Join a local club and arrange an outing?

Darren.

[Plantins]

Are there any decent dark sky maps that you can put in a location and it tells you how good or bad the skies are?

Just a thought.

[SwampStar]

Hi Animal. Wouldn't be going on my own, that's for sure! There's a couple of us looking for a trip. Wales is also a serious option for us, too. Might have a ride out past Wrexham one evening just to see what's about. Have spied a couple of possibles on Google Earth. I'll let you know.

Hello Plantins. Been looking for something like that. Not found owt yet!

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[SwampStar]

After a bit of investigation, I might need to change the title of this thread. Heading to Wales instead!

Just need the clouds to sod right off now!

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[animal666]

I found this map on a forum, but can't remember which one. Some are worth a check out. (Some I've tried)

maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=214914528703394167983.0004d37f21c8474de29e7

[animal666]

I found this map on a forum, but can't remember which one. Some are worth a check out. (Some I've tried)

maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=214914528703394167983.0004d37f21c8474de29e7

[SwampStar]

Just had a look at those maps. Looks good. Possible site spied in Wales. Cheers.

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[Scott]

I lived in Edale around 25 yrs ago, unless things have changed drastically, I'd say they were the darkest skies I have seen in the uk. having said that, I've not been to any recognised dark sky sites here