# Dark skies in Moray

> Officially designated dark sky places in Moray: Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park. What to see, where to park and when to go.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies/moray
Updated: 2026-10-30

Tomintoul and Glenlivet form the Cairngorms Dark Sky Park.

## Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park

International Dark Sky Park, designated by DarkSky International in 2018. An area of the Cairngorms National Park around Tomintoul and Glenlivet, the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world when designated.

The Blairfindy Moor viewpoint and the Carn Daimh area are popular; aurora is a real possibility in winter. More details: https://www.cairngorms.co.uk/

## When to go

- September to March gives long, dark nights; in June the sky never gets fully dark across much of the UK.
- Go near the new moon: see our [moon calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/moon-calendar).
- Time a visit for a [meteor shower](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/meteor-showers), such as the Perseids in August or Geminids in December.

## What to bring

- Warm layers, a hat and a flask: it is colder than you think on open ground.
- A red torch to keep your night vision.
- Binoculars: 10×50s show the Moon's craters and Jupiter's moons.
- A sky map app set to red night mode.

## Be a good visitor

Park only in proper car parks, keep to paths, close gates and take your litter home. Many sites are working farmland or nature reserves.

## Nearby local guides

Our local guides for [Aberdeen](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/aberdeen) and [Inverness](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/inverness) list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.

## Questions

**Where is the darkest sky in Moray?**

Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, an International Dark Sky Park.

**When is the best time to stargaze in Moray?**

Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.

**Can I see the Milky Way in Moray?**

Yes, from Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.

## Related

- [All UK dark sky places](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies)
- [Meteor showers](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/meteor-showers)
- [UK stargazing calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/uk-stargazing-calendar-2026-27)

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