The Durham Dales, packed full of dark sky locations. A perfect part of the country for stargazing and/or taking great pics of the night sky.
In fact did you know that The North Pennines has more Dark Sky Discovery Sites than anywhere else in the UK.
It was a clear cold night and so I excitedly headed into the dark of these Dales to Low and High Force, fantastic natural landmarks on a great walk, sights to behold at any time of the day.
These photos are not perfect by any means at all, but for me it was the timing of being there, all alone, in the middle of a starry night.
I am the kind of person that never lets things beat me. I wanted to practice and practice some night sky photography. And what better landmark to use than High Force.
A fun evening in a great place where I could learn and only get better from now on. Stargazing is not just about photography, it was learning about the universe around us, you can see/learn so much even with the naked eye or a telescope/binoculars.
What made the whole experience absolutely amazing was the milky way being absolutely in the right spot. At one point it rose directly above the waterfall of High Force. A moment to remember.
As I was saying, I have the bug, and now knowing the Durham Dales has many sites to stargaze then I shall be back more and more.
There are 16 designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the North Pennines. It includes spots like Cow Green Reservoir in Teesdale, Pow Hill Country park in the Durham Derwent Valley and many other quiet spots that are easily accessible. For example like Bowlees Visitor Centre which is close to here at Low and High Force.
Then there is the little known but incredible Observatory in the dales.
I couldn’t believe how fast time was going. You know how it goes when you are enjoying doing something. I had done miles it seems whilst looking upwards in amazement.
Low Force, High Force and back again. The night sky just kept on giving.
High Force and Low Force also has a whole new sound and feeling in the complete darkness. I have visited on busy weekend days and this was eerily far different. Not another soul to be seen.
Such a wonderful part of the world. I can’t wait to get back!
Let’s Go!
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