
Tags: Cairngorms, Cairngorms National Park, The Cairngorms, Highlands, Scottish Highlands, Scotland, winter, Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights, Dark Sky Park, international dark sky park, Stargazing

As the clocks turn back anm hour on 26th October, and the darker nights lengthen, now is the ideal time to plan your escape to gaze at the cosmos in The Cairngorms, the UK's biggest National Park. The Cairngorms is home to an 'International Dark Sky Park', which is the most northerly park of its kind in the world, so here are seven stellar stays or activities that you can do after dark in The Cairngorms this autumn and winter.
To plan your visit to The Cairngorms National Park this winter, go to www.visitcairngorms.com/winter
Follow Visit Cairngorms on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/VisitCairngorms and Instagram www.instagram.com/visitcairngorms using hashtag #CairngormsWinter
1. Tomintoul and Glenlivet 'International Dark Sky Park'
The Tomintoul and Glenlivet areas were awarded Gold Tier status as an International Dark Sky Park in November 2018 by DarkSky International. It is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders of the night sky. Not only does this remote area have stunning dark skies, but it also has easy access, allowing everyone to enjoy a night sky brimming with stars with three Dark Sky Discovery Sites at Tomintoul Field of Hope, The Carrachs or Blairfindy Moor.
The Cairngorms Astronomy Group runs stargazing events throughout the year which are designed to allow both visitors and locals to view the diverse wonders of the night sky through 8″ and 10″ reflecting telescopes, weather permitting. If it is cloudy, then there will be an indoor presentation on the same subject. Usual suggested donation £6 / £7
Event information https://www.facebook.com/groups/1905366023077103
Leonid Meteor Shower and Dark Sky Tour
November 17th, 2025 Discovery Centre, Tomintoul, 8:00 pm
Moon in the Square, Tomintoul
November 10th, 2025, Tomintoul Square, 9:00 pm
Orionid Meteor Shower and Dark Sky Tour
October 20th, 2025 Discovery Centre, Tomintoul, 8:30 pm
For more information: https://www.cairngormsdarkskypark.org/
Photos of Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park :
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qy5uevrc80tpzhbm8gkns/AHp3glGnxauLkI0BNxkZK4Q?rlkey=95yenb37jdbtatf3fdydauysz&st=gtxm06rg&dl=0
2. Evening Wildlife Watching Hide near Aviemore
Speyside Wildlife has a special mammal watching hide situated deep within the Caledonian Pine Forest near Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorms. Badgers are regular visitors all year round, as are Pine Martens. A variety of Scottish wildlife may also visit the hide, including Tawny Owls, Red Squirrels and Roe Deer. Each evening wildlife watching experience lasts approximately two and a half to three hours.
It costs £30.00 per adult, if booked online and £15.00 per child 8-14yrs. Not suitable for children under 8yrs. Group Maximum, 12 people in the hide.
Evening Wildlife Watching happens nightly from Easter to October. From November to Easter, they offer a reduced number of evenings per week. Pre-booking is essential. Start times vary with the seasons and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
For more information or to book https://www.speysidewildlife.co.uk/
Photos of Speyside Wildlife : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jpdz208b3s6rywkdr6qg3/ABpHGT6ushJ012F06o32RdI?rlkey=2j6towugfxn399ftz73fmfdux&st=7dt70yq3&dl=0
3. 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, in one of their bespoke, high-quality glamping pods in the heart of Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms National Park, only 5 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 & an off-grid Shepherd's Hut.
During your stay, you can take some time out in a gorgeous natural setting, to discover the magic of the night's sky with Howe of Torbeg Wild Stargazing Evenings. On selected Fridays throughout autumn and winter, they offer guided stargazing sessions in small groups of up to 10 people in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with its exceptional dark skies. Guests can make the most of the clear winter skies in the Cairngorms and gaze heavenward.
Choose a stay at one of 3 Glamping Pods named Robin, Redwing & Rowan, which cost from £66 per night, with Double or Twin futon beds.
Luxe Pod, Birch Pod are slightly bigger and are perfect for couples or younger families. It can sleep up to 3 (2 guests in Double bed with sprung mattress + 1 younger child up to age 10 on roll-out bed), costs from £72 per night.
Shepherd's Hut, Juniper, can sleep 2 adults in a bespoke built platform raised Double bed with sprung mattress, and up to 2 children up to the age of 14 on fold-away camp beds. Juniper is completely off-grid, for the full unplugged experience.
Super insulated, and with a wood-burning stove, costs from £82 per night.
To book a stay visit https://www.howeoftorbeg.co.uk/
The stargazing evening costs £29 per person. Stargazing can also be booked separately, with no requirement to stay on site. Gift vouchers for Stargazing Evenings are also available. The first event of this year is on 17th October.
For more information https://www.howeoftorbeg.co.uk/stargazingcairngorms
Photos of Howe of Torbeg : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/utbpultt5dclphyig08gh/AFdsTchTwubs7ikyxQWDREw?rlkey=6yixvth3g718wqyerqpfkyw2p&st=qn1lh7od&dl=0
4 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 the 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.
Cairngorm Excursions provide parking at Cairngorm Bothies and your group will be guided through the ancient Scots pine forest and the trails to a centralised location, with rustic log seating, hot drinks and a blanket to keep you warm. Red LED head torches are provided along with other goodies in the Star bathing goody bag. A guide will help you interpret the night's sky with the help of mobile phone devices with downloadable apps.
The Cairngorm Dark Sky Group Experience
This unique experience is now tailored for group bookings with a minimum of 8 people. More details on request by calling Tel 013392 89103
Residential guests can also enhance their stay with a Cosy Stargazing Hamper Add-On from £60
Guests who book a stay in one of their self-catering bothies between October and March can enhance their own dark sky experience with the luxury Stargazing Bothy Hamper.
Hamper for two to share, including local treats, warming drinks, and items to help guide you to the constellations.
Enjoy a romantic night of celestial viewing from the warmth of your cabin or private decking. Couples 2-night stays from £265 (excludes Stargazing Bothy Hamper and is for autumn/winter stays outwith special dates & festive season)
Just quote "DarkSky" when booking.
For more information or to book call Tel 013392 89103 or visit https://www.cairngormbothies.co.uk/cairngorm-excursions-dark-sky-events-in-the-cairngorms
Photos : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mlocyddukhfx7y0l1s49c/AKKwx8x09OS-WyX6N9RBmOQ?rlkey=xcqc4ox4c7qzn53ly0vyus5z5&st=sx9wzxhg&dl=0
5. Stargazing Storywalk near Aviemore with Sarah Hobb
On selected dates in 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 Hobb, 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 1-1.5 hours, adult tickets £12, with family 2 adults 3 children £42
Suitable for all ages.
Start time: 7pm
Finish time: 8-8.30pm
Meeting location: Dalfaber, Aviemore; more details provided on booking.
Description of walk
The walk starts from the north of Aviemore (location will be shared on booking), and is around 1-1.5 miles (around 2km) long. We'll follow surfaced tracks and footpaths for the most part.
The route can be made fully accessible for prams or wheelchairs; Dogs are allowed.
For more information or to book https://booking.storywalks.scot/
Photos of Stargazing Storywalk near Aviemore with Sarah Hobb : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/vbq1e5rsxm1x9ibqjgg1y/APGc0eJy9wAltuOL0qFGO1M?rlkey=li2oqwc8f7n7wcsf9kb2kfh76&st=7zqkigv5&dl=0
6. Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS experience at the award-winning Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge near Inverness
Between 22nd November and 4th January 2026 and again during the February Half Term (6th – 18th of February).
The 'Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS' experience will allow visitors to follow a one-kilometre woodland trail and immerse themselves in the enchanting ancient pinewood forest, illuminated by thousands of lights, sounds and effects. Special features include a UV light tunnel and a 'Red Squirrel Trail', a treetop journey that takes visitors eight meters up into the forest canopy for stunning views of the illuminated woodland below.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park is taking part in this year's VisitCairngorms winter campaign, which is promoting the UK's largest National Park as the ultimate winter travel destination for 2025/26.
Starting on November 22nd, Twi-LIGHTS will be open on weekends (Friday-Sunday), during the Christmas holiday period (excluding 24th & 25th December and 1st January), and reopen daily throughout the February Half-Term (6–18 February 6–8 pm)
The event incorporates the original Treetop Trail, built nearly 30 years ago and now expanded for improved accessibility, including buggy and wheelchair access.
Two catering outlets and a marshmallow roasting pit will offer a selection of delicious snacks and drinks.
Tickets & prices:
https://landmarkpark.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/52983?catID=51607&navItem=996194
Adults £17, Children £12, Toddlers £7, Under 3's free, Seniors £12
For more information on 'Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS' and winter tickets at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, go to https://landmarkpark.digitickets.co.uk/category/59058
For more information about Landmark Forest Adventure Park, go to www.landmarkpark.co.uk
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, PH23 3AJ
Email info@landmarkpark.co.uk
Call 01479 841 613
Photos of The Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS experience at Landmark Forest Adventure Park in the Cairngorms National Park are available on Dropbox via the link below. Please credit Landmark Forest Adventure Park:
Photos : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fjgm6kv31g3ksoxq50aeq/AFrq9yxR2V2yQR3pZv9-_xw?rlkey=cok9b9utl2i5v6wqbr6pacp4x&st=69inzj6d&dl=0
7. 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.
Dress for the cold with winter layers is strongly recommended. A low-light torch will help you navigate the woodland trails as our expert guides lead you to a few hidden local spots where the dark silhouettes of trees frame the stars above in dramatic contrast.
Whatever the weather, you'll leave with the foundation and tools to know what you are looking at in the night sky wherever you are.
Add a delicious dinner or overnight stay to your visit and turn your stargazing experience into the perfect winter getaway.
Stargazing session at Loch Insh costs £33.00 per person
For more information about Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kingussie PH21 1NU
go to https://bookings.lochinsh.com/book/activities/on-land/star-gazing/product/stargazing/23
More info and bookings and prices: https://lochinsh.com/
Telephone : 01540 651 272
Email : office@lochinsh.co.uk
Photos of Stargazing at Loch Insh : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/yzaunb6o762cnqkdwffla/AJU_Kc71Nv5EFSiSOSU3eRI?rlkey=ghqyzj10eyabmfduq1nqwqj6f&st=xqbb0wrh&dl=0
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