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Y Bwa / The Arch - Cymystwyth

Y Bwa / The Arch - Cymystwyth

Cymystwyth, Aberystwyth, Dyfed, SY23 4AB

Best time to visit

This lovely car park and picnic area offer access to a nearby spectacular old masonry arch that sits by the side of the road from Devil’s Bridge. The structure makes for an excellent foreground item of interest for astrophotographers. With walking trails to explore by day, the location comes alive at night with wonderful dark starry skies. Location recommended by Cambrian Mountain Dark Skies website.

Y Bwa / The Arch - Cymystwyth is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Most such locations have overnight parking (sometimes with a fee); however, many do not allow overnight camping. There may or may not be toilet facilities.

Location events organiser

Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies

Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies organises events at this location

Please contact Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location

Email: [email protected]
Website: Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies
Twitter: @visitcambmtns
Facebook: Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies

Weather forecast

  • 11/05/26

    13° 0%

  • 11/05/26

    13° 0%

  • 11/05/26

    11° 0%

  • 12/05/26

    7° 0%

Weather forecast for Aberystwyth (11.8 miles away) updated 11/05/26 at 12:01. Powered by Met Office data.

Local light pollution

Y Bwa / The Arch - Cymystwyth is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a dark site location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.

The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.

Light pollution map of Y Bwa / The Arch - Cymystwyth

Best time to visit

The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.

The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.

Moon phase on Mon 11th May

Mon 11th May

Third Quarter
39 % illuminated
Dark from 21:36 to 02:30
Dark for 4h 53m
Moon phase on Tue 12th May

Tue 12th May

Waning Crescent
29 % illuminated
Dark from 21:38 to 02:41
Dark for 5h 2m
Moon phase on Wed 13th May

Wed 13th May

Waning Crescent
19 % illuminated
Dark from 21:41 to 02:39
Dark for 4h 57m
Moon phase on Thu 14th May

Thu 14th May

Waning Crescent
11 % illuminated
Dark from 21:43 to 02:37
Dark for 4h 53m
Moon phase on Fri 15th May

Fri 15th May

Waning Crescent
5 % illuminated
Dark from 21:46 to 02:34
Dark for 4h 47m
Moon phase on Sat 16th May

Sat 16th May

New Moon
1 % illuminated
Dark from 21:48 to 02:32
Dark for 4h 43m
Moon phase on Sun 17th May

Sun 17th May

New Moon
0 % illuminated
Dark from 22:00 to 02:29
Dark for 4h 29m

Find more dates

If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!

Calendar

Events nearby

Display nearby events on a calendar

  • Mid-Wales Astronomy Society meeting and observing

    Saturday 13th June 2026 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Plas Dolerw, Newtown, SY16 2EH (23.2 miles away)

    More info

  • Night Photography: Perseids Meteor Shower

    Wednesday 12th August 2026 from 21:30pm to 23:30pm

    Strata Florida Abbey, Pontrhydfendigaid, SY25 6ES (6.2 miles away)

    More info

  • Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – August 2026

    Friday 14th August 2026 from 16:00pm to Sunday 16th August 2026 12:00pm

    Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY (12.8 miles away)

    More info

  • Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – September 2026

    Friday 11th September 2026 from 16:00pm to Sunday 13th September 2026 12:00pm

    Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY (12.8 miles away)

    More info

  • Night Photography: Milky Way

    Friday 11th September 2026 from 19:00pm to Saturday 12th September 2026 22:00pm

    Strata Florida Abbey, Pontrhydfendigaid, SY25 6ES (6.2 miles away)

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Dol Swynol Glamping

    Lisburne House, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Dyfed, SY23 4LA (6.2 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info

  • Hafren Forest Hideaway

    Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7DB (11.4 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info

  • Cwm Clyd Bunkhouse

    Claerwen Valley, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HF (11.4 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info

  • Belan Bluebell Woods Camping & Glamping

    Pantmaenog Farm, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6QL (11.4 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info

  • Dolgoch Hostel

    Abergwesyn, Ceredigion, Dyfed, SY25 6NR, Wales (12.3 miles away)

    Dark Sky Discovery Site, Stay & Gaze

    More info

  • Elan Village

    Elan Village, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP (12.3 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info