All of our recommended star gazing sites have good or excellent views of the Milky Way and Cygnus star clouds in autumn and early winter. Otherwise each site has it’s own particular strengths, whether it be for the Northern Lights, photography, or planetary viewing at various times of the year. The sky quality is shown in brackets next to each site for the “tecchies” amongst you.
1 Tomintoul Field of Hope (21.7 mpsas)
A conveniently located site with car parking just outside the village of Tomintoul at the junction of the B9008 and A939. A good general star gazing site with excellent all round visibility to the horizon. Recommended for the outer planets all year round, inner planets from late winter to early spring and Aurora from September to March. New for December 2024 is a purpose built timber viewing stockade that will enhance your view of the night sky!
2 Blairfindy Moor (21.7 mpsas)
A rural moorland location with car parking and good views to the northern and eastern horizons. A short walk 200m up the Speyside Way to the old distillery and still site will improve the view even more. Recommended for the Northern Lights and outer planets between September and March.
3 The Carrachs (21.7 mpsas)
A remote rural site high in the Braes of Glenlivet. Good views to the northern and eastern horizons. Recommended for the Northern Lights and outer planets between September and March and the inner planets from late winter to early spring. A short walk to the south takes you to the fascinating and historic site of Scalan with interesting photo opportunities using the buildings and trees as foreground.
4 Glenconglass (21.8 mpsas)
A rural site in Strathavon with car parking. Excellent visibility to the northern, eastern and southern horizons under very dark skies. Recommended for the outer planets all year round, and Aurora from September to March. Superb views of the Milky Way in autumn and early winter.
5 The Well of Lecht (21.8 mpsas)
The Well of Lecht car park is situated at the foot of the Lecht pass in the Ladder Hills adjacent to the A939. This site offers interesting photo opportunities using the old mine building as foreground under very dark skies. Excellent views of the Milky Way in autumn and early winter.