Stargazing
Some of the darkest skies in England are found in the North Pennines. Much of the area is remote, wild countryside with little development and the views of the night sky are second to none.
During the winter months (the best time for stargazing) the constellation of Orion can be seen in the sky from almost everywhere in the AONB. Clear views of the Milky Way can also be seen with the naked eye from more remote locations in the area.
In recognition of its spectacular dark skies, the North Pennines AONB Partnership has worked with Edinburgh Observatory to designate 16 official Dark Sky Discovery Sites - more than any other Protected Landscape in the UK. Each of these locations has been recognised as a fantastic place for amateur and professional astronomers to stargaze.
More information on Dark Sky Discovery Sites can be found at www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk
Allendale Golf Club Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp151.jpg?itok=2r302lx9)
Balderhead Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp157.jpg?itok=-QiPcmmD)
Bowlees Visitor Centre Dark Sky Discovery Site
![Bowlees Visitor Centre Dark Sky Discovery Site © Bowlees Visitor Centre Dark Sky Discovery Site ©](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/.jpg?itok=ps3XmVMa)
Burnhope Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© ©](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp158.jpg?itok=1fXDpTd7)
Cow Green Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp159.jpg?itok=fLk0X8bu)
Derwent Reservoir - Walks, rides and wildlife
![Derwent Reservoir © NPAP/Shane Harris Derwent Reservoir © NPAP/Shane Harris](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_22.jpg?itok=ByF0vKIV)
Grassholme Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp161.jpg?itok=jmxk2NZ1)
Hamsterley Forest
![Hamsterley Forest © NPAP/Louise Taylor Hamsterley Forest © NPAP/Louise Taylor](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/_23.jpg?itok=lv-4Mgf-)
Hury Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp162.jpg?itok=94pzN6ea)
Parkhead Station Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp153_0.jpg?itok=-D3tUigs)
Pow Hill Country Park Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp154.jpg?itok=Eu3LdhWR)
RSPB Geltsdale Dark Sky Discovery Site - Clesketts Car Park
Selset Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Beck Baker © Beck Baker](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp163.jpg?itok=9qkPAgQF)
Tan Hill Inn Dark Sky Discovery Site
![© Alistair Lockett © Alistair Lockett](https://explorenorthpennines.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/activity/images/enp155.jpg?itok=IZzCKm4O)