As winter in Scotland sets in, 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 winter.
If the stars perfectly align, you can spot the Milky Way with one of the stargazing nights on offer at Tomintoul and Glenlivet’s ‘International Dark Sky Park’. It is one of the very best places in the UK to see the star-filled night sky or even the Aurora Borealis. As nature never sleeps, you can also book a nighttime mammal watching experience with Speyside Wildlife.
If that doesn’t appeal, you can book a cosy overnight glamping stay at Howe of Torbeg, followed by one of their Friday night star spotting events. At Cairngorm Bothies, you can also enjoy a luxury Stargazing Bothy Hamper or arrange a special group star party, and if you are near Aviemore, how about a nighttime story walk with storyteller Sarah Hobb, or illuminate the darkness with a fun ‘Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS’ experience at Landmark Forest Adventure Park. There is also a chance to see the stars above Loch Insh on their two-hour stargazing experience.
7 winter holiday tips
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. www.cairngormsdarkskypark.org
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. Evening Wildlife Watching happens nightly from Easter to October. From November to Easter, they offer a reduced number of evenings per week. www.speysidewildlife.co.uk
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. www.howeoftorbeg.co.uk
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. www.cairngormbothies.co.uk
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. www.booking.storywalks.scot
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. The event incorporates the original Treetop Trail, built nearly 30 years ago and now expanded for improved accessibility, including buggy and wheelchair access. www.landmarkpark.co.uk
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.
To plan your visit to The Cairngorms National Park this winter, go to www.visitcairngorms.com/winter
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