The Cairngorms National Park is home to some of the darkest and most magical skies in the world: with fewer towns and no cities, the night is darker, the stars are brighter and the vastness is more palpable.
If you have ever looked up and wanted to discover more, the dark skies of the Cairngorms National Park are a spectacular starting point.
Let the wonderful folk of the Cairngorms guide you on a Dark Sky discovery: from Storywalks, to Lochside stargazing, one of the most Northerly Dark Sky Park in the world in Tomintoul and Glenlivet and forest bathing by night, there are loads of choices. Let the dark skies come to life…
Tomintoul and Glenlivet Cairngorms Dark Sky Park & Discovery Centre
Tomintoul and Glenlivet Cairngorms Dark Sky Park & Discovery Centre is the perfect starting point for your stargazing adventures. Hosting various events and exhibitions across the year, they offer stargazing and night walks, telescope sessions and more. Awarded the coveted Dark Sky Park status in 2018, it is one of the most northerly Dark Sky Parks in the world and a wondrous spot to see the Northern Lights.
These guys know their stuff – explore the wonders of stargazing with the naked eye; see the hidden depths of space revealed by a telescope and the magic of the aurora borealis (if you are lucky!). Interested in a personalised experience? They also offer small group laser-guided sky tours, stargazing and telescope sessions on request for individuals, couples, and small groups. If you’ve ever wanted to go stargazing with an experienced astronomer this is your opportunity.
Strathspey Storywalks
The sky is full of stories – Gaelic and Pictish tales that are thousands of years old but now almost completely forgotten.
From warrior goddesses, one-eyed giants, shape shifting creatures, cities and palaces, to a couple of bad-tempered cows, hearing and seeing these incredible Scottish stories play out across the skies gives a whole new dimension to stargazing.
It also shows the connection of people living and working the land, moving with the rhythms of the stars, planets and seasons – the skies and the land are inseparable.
Strathspey Storywalks combines stars and storywalks to create an experience that is firmly rooted in Highland heritage. Keep warm with a cup of freshly brewed seasonal foraged tea!
These stargazing strolls around Aviemore and Glenmore, are guided short walks with Gaelic and Pictish stories. These Dark Sky Tales will fill your imagination.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
Loch Insh is a fabulous dark skies spot. Lots of warm layers, a low light torch and a fully charged smartphone will be needed to get the most out of your Dark Sky experience on the woodland trails around the Loch.
You will be guided to some magical local hideaways, with naked eye observation and the chance to be taught how to capture night photos on your phone. Contact the team directly to find out more about our new Canoe Stargazing experience.
Loch Insh by night is quite something – cloaked woodland trails, the Loch illuminated by the moon, the gentle pulse of the water lapping the shore line and peaceful tranquillity.
Highland Quietlife
Join Highland Quietlife this winter for forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku) sessions under the comforting blanket of the night sky.
During a relaxed walk through the ancient pine forest of the Cairngorms, you will spend time immersed within a darker landscape, turning on our own ‘night vision’ and exploring the textures, sounds and night sky around us.
This is a time to reconnect with yourself and nature in a very relaxed session – with tea and snacks to finish!
Hillgoers
Hillgoers can help create an unforgettable experience in the Cairngorms, perhaps you will be lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis! If the weather forecast is not clear the event can still go ahead, the dark skies presentation requires no stars!
The events are tailor made to your requirements, you have the option to stay inside the vehicle or take a walk into the night, perhaps up a hill to give a greater vantage point and chance of seeing the aurora.
Discovering the night skies of the Cairngorms will Hillgoers will be an experience to remember.
Wild Stargazing at Howe of Torbeg Glamping
Enjoy a night under the stars with a Wild Stargazing Evening at Howe of Torbeg on Royal Deeside. Guided stargazing sessions in small groups of up to 10 people in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with its exceptional dark skies.
Get out into a gorgeous rural location, at night, & learn how to find key objects and constellations in the night sky on your own. Learn about the stars & enjoy a hot drink before heading up onto the moorland to gaze at the night sky as well as learning how to use a Stargazing app on your phone.
Simple & accessible, looking at the stars and learning a bit about them is the perfect way to get away from it all for a few hours in the Winter months and spend some time in nature. You’ll leave with a full heart and a little gift to remind you of your experience: a wooden pinhole bauble of one of the most well-known groups of stars in our night skies, the Plough
Mountain Skies Braemar
Image: Mountain Skies Braemar
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the pristine wilderness around Braemar offers some of the most breath taking celestial views in the UK. As you embark on your stargazing and dark sky adventure, let us also tell you about the legends and stories from the Braes of Mar.
Your guide a winter mountain leader, NNAS navigation tutor and dark sky ranger, has nearly 40 years of experience of walking the hills and glens of Royal Deeside. He knows a story or two about the area, its ancient past and its connection with the people who lived here.
During the the Dark Sky months of September through till May we run bespoke and open Dark Sky events. Why not contact us to arrange your own evening or follow us on Facebook to join one of our open events.
Rowan Tree Hotel – Stay & Dark Sky Tour
Immerse yourself in the wondrous darkness of the Cairngorms National Park and be captivated by the untouched beauty of the darkness. Take an evening walk into the local National Park to view our dark skies, away from light pollution our carefully selected stargazing spots offer the magic of sky filled with constellations, shooting stars and the tranquil beauty of the National Park under darkness.
Available October through to early April. Private tours available for 1-4 people or more (on request as some dates not suitable due to the moon). Talk will run in all conditions.
Discovery our dark skies at Boat Country Inn with Strathspey Tours
Image Strathspey Tours
An escape to The Boat Country Inn, with rustic character and rural charm, delicious and hearty seasonal food, local ales and warming drams, combined with a dark sky experience will make your Cairngorms escape one to remember.
John Halliday from Strathspey Tours, is a storyteller and guide, who will take you out under the open dark skies close to the hotel. Selected weekend are available – get in touch to book.
Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky with Strathspey Tours
Experience the magic of stargazing in the Cairngorms National Park with Strathspey Tours’ exclusive dark sky and biofluorescence walks. As nights lengthen and skies clear, winter offers the perfect opportunity to explore the cosmos from one of the UK’s darkest locations.
Join John, an accredited Star Guide Ranger to witness the Milky Way, spot constellations, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. No special equipment needed – I provide binoculars and offer mobile photography tips to capture the celestial spectacle. Plus discover the hidden world of biofluorescence, where organisms glow under UV light
Located near Grantown-on-Spey, I’m ideally situated for nocturnal adventures. My carefully chosen sites combine easy access with optimal viewing conditions and a complimentary hot chocolate.
Join me to discover the wonders of the night sky : Illuminating the darkness, to infinity and beyond!
Feel stillness, smallness and peace among the dark skies of the Cairngorms. Let our dark skies touch your soul.
You may also be interested in...
Activities
Stargazing in the Cairngorms National Park
Activities
Top tips for spotting the Northern Lights in the Cairngorms
Dark Skies Park
Join our Mailing List
Sign up to get notified of the latest deals, news and all the latest information direct to your inbox.