Seven Dark Sky Experiences to Light up The Cairngorms National Park this Autumn
Howe of Torbeg
Make the most of darker nights and the natural beauty of the The Cairngorms National Park
As the nights draw in, now is the ideal time to plan your stargazing escape to The Cairngorms, the UK’s biggest National Park. The Cairngorms is home to Tomintoul and Glenlivet's ‘International Dark Sky Park’, which is one of the very best places in the UK to see the stars at night. If you are lucky, you might even see the Aurora Borealis, northern lights.
The Cairngorms Astronomy Group runs stargazing events throughout the year; here are seven suggestions of places to stay and activities to do to make the most of the Cairngorms' incredible dark skies this autumn and winter.
1. Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge near Inverness
From late November until February half term, the 'Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS' experience will allow families to follow a one-kilometre woodland trail and immerse themselves in the enchanting ancient pinewood forest, illuminated by thousands of lights, sounds and effects.
Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS’ will take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 21st November, with additional daily openings during the Christmas and February half-term holiday period. Visitors will get the chance to experience the UV light tunnel and ‘Red Squirrel Trail’, taking them up eight metres into the forest canopy for stunning views of the illuminated woodland below.
2. Stargazing at Loch Insh
Just outside the village of Kincraig, deep in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, lies one of the UK’s most magical stargazing spots. With minimal light pollution and wide-open skies, it’s the perfect place to wrap up warm, step outside, and connect with the cosmos.
Loch Insh’s stargazing experience is a two-hour session designed for all levels of curiosity. It begins inside their cosy dome with an engaging presentation followed by an outdoor guided introduction to the night sky. You'll learn what to look for once you're outside: constellations, planets, the Milky Way, and, if you’re lucky, even the Northern Lights.
The focus is on naked-eye observation, but you’re welcome to bring binoculars if you’d like a closer look. The guide can also teach you some tricks with your smartphone for photography and using star chart apps. Just bring your tripod if you're interested in getting the best photos of the night sky. The session lasts about 2-hours, and the evening will begin in the cosy dome before heading to the water. Floating beneath a vast Highland sky, the reflection of stars on the water makes this a truly immersive and peaceful way to experience the night.
3. Stargazing Storywalk near Aviemore with Sarah Hobbs
On selected dates this autumn and winter, you can book a short evening stroll in Aviemore to stargaze and explore Scotland’s own Gaelic and Pictish stories of the stars from thousands of years ago with Sarah Hobbs, a specialist outdoor storyteller. She weaves tales that belong in the landscape and skyscape of Badenoch and Strathspey and the wider Highlands and Islands. The skies she describes are a rich tapestry of tales of characters and their adventures, from warrior queens to one-eyed giants. The walk includes a warming cup of foraged wild tea. The Strathspey Storywalk lasts up to 1.5-hours.
Stargazing Storywalk near Aviemore with Sarah Hobbs
4. Wild Stargazing Evenings at Howe of Torbeg near Ballater
Immerse yourself in the gorgeous Cairngorms countryside with a cosy stay at Howe of Torbeg, near Ballater. Book a stay in one of their bespoke, high-quality glamping pods in the heart of Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms National Park, only five miles from the picturesque village of Ballater. Set in an acre of land, surrounded by open farmland and birch woodlands, they offer a range of accommodation in Glamping Pods and an off-grid Shepherd's Hut.
During your stay, take some time out in a gorgeous natural setting to discover the magic of the night’s sky with Wild Stargazing Evenings. On selected Fridays, including 9 October, 11 December, and 12 February 2027, Howe of Torbeg will be offering guided stargazing sessions in small groups of up to ten people in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with its exceptional dark skies.
Cairngorm Bothies
5. Dark Skies at Cairngorm Bothies
Imagine yourself nestled under a blanket, gazing up at a sky so dark it feels like you could reach out and touch the stars. At Cairngorm Bothies, where the dark sky in the Cairngorms is a canvas painted with celestial wonders - far away from the city’s glaring lights - unaffected by light of pollution. This means you can enjoy unadorned views of the Milky Way or even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Cairngorm Bothies offer Star Bathing Parties, for residents and non-residents alike. From October to March, they can organise bespoke special stargazing evenings which coincide with astronomical events or full moons.
6. Stargazing from The Lazy Duck, Nethy Bridge
The Lazy Duck offers a collection of elemental off-grid huts, an adventurous bunkhouse and a family-friendly cottage tucked away in the heart of the Abernethy Forest. It’s a place that gently encourages visitors to switch off and reconnect with nature this autumn. Tucked away in Nethy Bridge, the eco-haven is surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forest, open clearings, and some seriously impressive dark skies. On clear winter nights, the stars seem close enough to touch. Each hut features a stargazing window right above the Hebridean box bed.
7. Stargazing from The Rowan Tree Country Hotel, Alvie near Aviemore
The Rowan Tree Country Hotel is a delightful small country hotel located just 3 miles from Aviemore. Far from the glow of city lights, the hotels guided stargazing walks reveal a canopy shimmering with constellations, shooting stars, and the quiet magic of the Highlands after dark. Led by guide, Kyle, you’ll set off directly from the hotel for a gentle, 90-minute night walk to favourite local viewing spots.
For more information: https://www.visitcairngorms.com/plan-your-visit/winter/
