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Home / Dark skies / Moray

Dark sky spots · Scotland

Dark skies in Moray

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.
  • Time a visit for a meteor shower, 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 and Inverness list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.

Questions answered

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.

Key facts (summary)

  • Tomintoul and Glenlivet form the Cairngorms Dark Sky Park.
  • Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, an International Dark Sky Park.
  • Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
  • Yes, from Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.

Ask Starseed

Answers come from our own guides, FAQs and shop pages. Traditions are shared for interest, not as advice.

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Updated 2026-10-30. Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health, medical or financial advice. Plain-text version · Home