It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur astronomer with a telescope, an astrophotographer capturing the stars with your camera, or a filmmaker shooting videos of the Milky Way, Scotland’s dark sky parks promise an adventure like no other. In this article, we’ll delve into the best Dark Sky Parks in Scotland and suggest nearby campsites open all year round for those planning to rent a campervan and immerse themselves in a celestial experience.
Why Choose Stargazing in Scotland?
Scotland’s dark skies are due to its sparse population and vast, remote wilderness areas far from the bright lights of urban centres. This lack of light pollution means the stars are so clear in many places that even the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye. The country boasts several official Dark Sky Parks and a range of other ideal stargazing locations. The best times for stargazing in Scotland are during winter when the nights are longer and the stars are brighter.
Winter 2024/25 New Moon Dates
Choose the best dates for stargazing
1st | November | 2024 |
1st | December | 2024 |
31st | December | 2024 |
30th | January | 2025 |
1st | March | 2025 |
23rd | October | 2025 |
21st | November | 2025 |
21st | December | 2025 |
Where Are The Best Dark Sky Parks in Scotland?
Galloway Forest Park Dark Sky Park
Galloway Forest Park is the first Dark Sky Park in Scotland and remains one of Europe’s best places for stargazing. With more than 7,000 stars visible on a clear night, it offers fantastic views of the Milky Way. The park’s isolation ensures minimal light pollution, making it a favourite for astrophotographers and astronomy enthusiasts. The park has two knowledgeable dark skies rangers who offer expert advice on all things astronomical.
There several campsites are open year-round in the area.
Balloch O’Dee Campsite, just outside the park, welcomes campervans throughout the year and provides basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart DG8 0ET, United Kingdom
Mollance Farm Caravan Park Mollance is a working livestock farm tucked away in the countryside, just off the A75 North of Castle Douglas.
Mollance, Farm, Castle Douglas DG7 3EP, United Kingdom
Things to do during the day.
Merrick Trail.
In the heart of the Galloway Forest, Merrick is the highest peak in southern Scotland. The area is noted for its spectacular views and stunning scenery. The 8.5 mile walk takes you through some wild and rugged terrain with amazing views of the Galloway Ranges.
More information on the Merrick Trail
Clatteringshaws Loch
Take a walk along the shores of the beautiful Clatteringshaws Loch. The loch has views over snow-covered hills and the Galloway forest. During Winter, the loch is a perfect spot for birdwatching and astrophotography at night.
Galloway Red Deer Range
Just down the road from Clatteringshaws Loch is the Galloway Red Deer Range, which is open year round. Visit the resident red deer herd in its natural habitat, and the winter months provide a unique opportunity to see these majestic animals up close and snap some fantastic photos.
Here’s some footage from the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park by Alasdair MacLeod on YouTube.
Isle of Rum
The Isle of Rum, situated in the Inner Hebrides, just off the west coast of Scotland, is part of a National Nature Reserve overseen by NatureScot.
This island, roughly 8 miles by 8 miles, is renowned for its vast ranging biodiversity, including numerous seabirds, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, and Red-throated divers. Most notably, it hosts an internationally important colony of over 120,000 breeding pairs of Manx Shearwaters.
The island’s remarkable geology and pristine natural environment also attract scientists and researchers from across the globe.
With fewer than 40 year-round residents and no public lighting, Rum provides an untouched setting ideal for stargazing and preserving dark skies and recently became Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in August 2024
Campervans are not permitted on the island. However, there are several accommodation options available.
BBC Scotland visited the Isle of Rum last year. Here is their report from the island.
Stunning scenery to be found on the Isle of Rum.
Moffat, Scotland’s First Dark Sky Town
In Dumfries and Galloway, Moffat is Scotland’s first Dark Sky Town. The town has worked hard to reduce light pollution, where specially designed street lighting keeps light low, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Moffat is easily accessible and is an excellent stop for campervan travellers en route to the Galloway Dark Sky Park.
Moffat has a community observatory that was officially opened in 2021. The observatory is free to visit but relies on your donations to keep the observatory running. If you want to visit the Moffat Community Observatory, you can book a time on their website.
The town features an array of excellent eateries and unique independent shops. Be sure to sample the famous Moffat Toffee while you’re here!
For year-round camping, head to Moffat Camping and Caravanning Club Site. It’s a spacious site with excellent facilities, close to the town centre and offering a great view of the night sky.
North Ronaldsay, Dark Sky Island
North Ronaldsay is set in an isolated location that is perfect for viewing the night sky. The distance from any sources of light pollution makes for stunning night sky views. The island is roughly 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, offering a flat landscape, making exploring on foot or by bike easy.
The island is a haven for birds, especially during migration seasons, and visitors can learn more about them at the renowned North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory. Around the shores, you may spot diverse marine life, including seals, orcas, and even the occasional walrus.
It is an exceptional destination for astrophotographers looking to capture Scotland’s northern lights. It takes 11 hours to drive from Edinburgh to North Ronaldsay, and the trip involves two ferry trips, so it is worth booking the ferries in advance and planning your drive carefully.
The North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory and Campsite is open year-round and welcomes campervans. The campsite offers basic facilities, and its remote location guarantees minimal light pollution.
The Isle of Coll, Dark Sky Community
Within the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Coll is one of Scotland’s lesser-known dark sky locations. Despite its small size, Coll is a designated Dark Sky Community, and its clear, dark skies are perfect for stargazing. The island’s minimal artificial lighting makes it a prime destination for astronomy events and workshops throughout the year.
The island has breathtaking beaches, diverse wildlife, and a remote setting that offers a peaceful escape. Stroll along its vast, unpopulated beaches and maybe catch a glimpse of basking seals.
The island also boasts ancient castles like Breachacha and mysterious standing stones like those at Totronald.
For campers, Coll Bunkhouse Campsite is open all year and offers electric hook-ups for campervans. Located near the main village of Arinagour, it provides easy access to the island’s best stargazing spots.
See the beauty of the Isle of Coll shot by Stu’s Views on YouTube.
Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park
Tomintoul and Glenlivet form part of the UK’s most northerly Dark Sky Park, set within the Cairngorms National Park. The area’s high altitude and clean air provide excellent conditions for viewing the stars. The nearby mountains create incredible silhouettes against the night sky, offering fantastic opportunities for astrophotography.
Open all year round, the Glenmore Campsite is the perfect spot for campervans and is nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms, providing easy access to stargazing locations.
In winter, the Cairngorms is a hub of outdoor adventure, offering a variety of activities to cater to every interest. For skiers and snowboarders, the Cairngorm Mountain Resort is a paradise with challenging slopes. If you’re looking for a more serene experience, try husky sledging or ride on the funicular railway to enjoy the stunning views of the snow-covered landscape. Wildlife photographers can spot red deer, ptarmigan, and even golden eagles. With such diverse activities, the Cairngorms is a perfect winter destination for all outdoor enthusiasts.
A view of the Cairngorms by a photographer, David Russell of Highland Wildscapes
Other Stargazing Locations in Scotland
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a fantastic destination for stargazing enthusiasts, especially in winter. The long nights and crisp, cold air create the perfect opportunity to see the night sky in its true clarity, and the landscape on the island offers an incredible backdrop for astrophotographers.
The island is home to several designated dark sky areas, making it one of the best places in Scotland to witness the beauty of the Milky Way, planets, and even the occasional meteor shower.
One of the top locations for stargazing on the Isle of Skye is The Quiraing, a dramatic landscape of jagged cliffs and rock formations.
Located in the island’s northern part, the Quiraing is far from the light pollution of towns and villages, offering an unspoiled view of the night sky. Remember to pack warm clothes; the winds here can be chilly even on clear nights.
Another excellent spot is Neist Point, on the westernmost tip of Skye. The vast open skies make this an ideal location for those seeking a coastal landscape when viewing the stars.
If you prefer a spot closer to civilisation, the Fairy Pools near Glen Brittle are well worth a visit. These pools and waterfalls are popular daytime attractions. Still, the area transforms into a dark-sky haven on a crisp, clear night.
Lastly, the Sligachan area, near the base of the Cuillin mountains, is another superb stargazing destination. The towering peaks create a dramatic silhouette against the night sky, and the area’s remote location ensures minimal light pollution.
There are two campsites open all year on the Isle of Skye, so check out our best campsites on Skye blog for more information.
Assynt
Assynt is situated northwest of Scotland and is known for its rugged landscapes and minimal light pollution. The iconic peaks of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh provide a unique foreground for night sky photography.
The Port a Bhaigh Campsite is open all year and popular with campervan travellers looking to explore this rugged region.
Whichever dark sky park in Scotland you choose, remember a few essential tips. Our campervans have plenty of storage space for your stargazing equipment, including telescopes, tripods, and cameras. All our campervans are heated, as nights can get cold, especially in winter.
Be prepared for unpredictable weather, particularly in coastal areas, and always check the forecast before heading out to stargaze.
Our campervans have electric hook-ups, making charging electronic equipment like cameras or telescopes easy for extended periods.
Exploring the Dark Sky Parks in Scotland by campervan offers a unique and unforgettable experience. With its low levels of light pollution, Scotland is one of the best destinations in Europe for stargazing and astrophotography.
Campervan hire for Dark Sky Parks in Scotland
If you’re planning a campervan trip to see the stars, you’ll be pleased to know all our campervans come fully equipped, including heaters and USB points for charging equipment. It is a perfect way to visit the dark sky parks in Scotland. Everything is included in the price, including extra bedding sets if requested. It is the
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