There is a point in August when you begin to notice it.

The evenings arrive a little earlier. The light starts to soften sooner. And after weeks of long summer days, darkness begins to return to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

For many visitors, that means the start of another rather special season here.

Look up

The Perseid meteor shower might encourage us to look upwards in August, but the night sky is not simply a once-a-year event in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised for the quality of its night skies and the importance of protecting the darkness around us.

As summer moves towards autumn, those skies become easier to enjoy.

You don’t necessarily need a telescope or specialist knowledge. Sometimes the best introduction is simply to find somewhere safe, turn off unnecessary lights, give your eyes time to adjust and look upwards.

Stars begin appearing that you may simply not see at home. On the right night you might pick out constellations, planets, the Milky Way or a meteor streaking overhead.

And suddenly the evening has become part of the holiday too.

A different way to experience the landscape

Bannau Brycheiniog is rightly known for mountains, waterfalls, walking, cycling and wide open landscapes.

But the experience doesn’t have to end when daylight disappears.

Stay for supper in one of our towns or villages. Head back to your cottage, campsite, inn or glamping site. Put another layer on, make something warm to drink and step outside.

There is something wonderfully simple about discovering just how dark a genuinely dark night can be.

It also changes the rhythm of a visit.

You can spend the day exploring, eat locally, then finish the evening underneath the stars rather than feeling that the day is over when the attractions close.

Autumn is coming

We are not wishing summer away just yet.

There are still long days, warm evenings and plenty of August adventures ahead.

But the first darker evenings are a reminder of what comes next.

Late summer gradually gives way to autumn walks, quieter roads, colourful landscapes, cosy pubs, fireside suppers and longer nights.

For stargazers, photographers and anyone looking for a slower escape, it can be one of the most rewarding times of year to visit Bannau Brycheiniog.

A bright sunny afternoon and a clear dark evening can belong to the same day.

That is a pretty good reason to stay the night.

Make darkness part of your stay

If you would like to explore the night sky properly, there are specialist experiences available here in Bannau Brycheiniog.

Dark Sky Wales offers guided stargazing experiences and astronomy workshops, while Serydda offers stargazing experiences and astrophotography workshops for those who would like to learn more about capturing the night sky.

Or simply start with our guide to Dark Skies in Bannau Brycheiniog, explore our Top 10 Places to Go Stargazing and find somewhere to stay where the evening can become part of the experience.

Remember that these are working landscapes and living communities. Park responsibly, keep noise and lighting low, check weather conditions and routes before heading out, and take particular care if exploring unfamiliar places after dark.

Then give your eyes a few minutes.

And look up.

Summer may still be with us, but another season in Bannau Brycheiniog is already beginning.