5 Best Short Walks for Stargazing in the Cairngorms | Scotlands Dark Sky Parks
There are few better ways to spend a winter evening than taking a short walk under a sprawling, star-filled sky. The Cairngorms National Park is one of the UK’s designated Dark Sky Parks, which basically means it has incredibly low light pollution and some of the clearest, most breathtaking night skies you’ll find anywhere in Britain. On a crisp winter night, the air is so clear you can practically see the Milky Way winking at you, and the early sunsets mean you don’t have to stay out until silly o’clock to catch the stars.
If it’s your first time venturing out like this, we are so excited for you! Check out our guide to stargazing in the Cairngorms — it’s full of tips and info about what constellations to look for, why the winter is good and how to spot the occasional shooting star. Otherwise, keep reading to discover our top 5 favourite walks for soaking up some of the most spectacular night skies the northern Cairngorms has to offer. These walks are short enough to enjoy even in winter, but each one offers dramatic views and plenty of opportunities to feel properly small under the cosmos.
Loch Mallachie - A great spot for stargazing
Writing this blog was tougher than we expected! Narrowing down the countless stargazing walks in the Cairngorms National Park to just five was no easy feat — there are so many incredible options. Below, we’ve done our best to pick the top 5 favourites, including practical info like parking, a brief route description, and a link to a GPX file for each walk that you can easily import into OS Maps.
We’ve focused on the overall stargazing experience and shorter length walks.
Click the title for each walk to get google maps directions to the starting point
Loch Garten & Loch Mallachie Stargazing Walk
3.5km | Allow at least 1hr | Flat GPX File Here
If a mix of sparkling lochs, towering forests, and rugged mountains gets your heart racing, Loch Garten Nature Reserve should be on your radar for stargazing in the Cairngorms. This RSPB spot is a proper dark-sky gem — ideal for stargazing and letting your imagination wander. I have to admit, wandering through the ancient Caledonian forest after dark can be a bit spine-tingling if you’ve been watching too many horror films recently! Luckily, there are plenty of open spaces around the lochs’ edges. On a still night, the water can reflect the stars above so perfectly it feels like the sky has been doubled — seriously magical.
Directions & Route:
From Aviemore, it’s a short drive via the A95 and then through the lovely village, Boat of Garten, to the reserve. The main car park at Loch Garten is well signposted and makes for a potential starting point, however I suggest starting from the Loch Mallachie Car Park as this is the perfect starting point for the twin lochs trail. This car park is not as obvious, but has ample space and can be found using the link above. From there, a network of well-maintained, mostly flat trails loops around the lochs and through the forest, giving you plenty of spots to pause, look up, and lose yourself under the stars.
3km | Allow at least 1hr | 100m elevation GPX File Here
Perched just outside the Highland village of Tomintoul — one of Scotland’s highest settlements — this spot offers a quirky but utterly charming short walk under dark skies. A small quarry and a striking art sculpture provide a unique backdrop as you gaze up at the night sky.
Directions & Route:
The main starting point takes you to the quarry and sculpture. You could easily spend at hour simply enjoying the view from here and there is the option to explore several short trails along the hilltop surrounding the artwork. Another handy parking spot (linked here) gives access to another viewpoint just 500m away and options for a longer walk by continuing towards the Bridge of Avon or by doing a small section of the Speyside Way to the Lag na Cuillin Bridge. These routes are out-and-back, so make sure you’ve got enough energy to retrace your steps. The highlights are certainly the two viewpoints.
For a proper local touch, pop into the Glen Avon pub in the village afterwards for an authentic Strathspey experience — just check the opening times so you don’t miss out!
Loch Morlich and Glenmore Night Sky Trail
1km | Allow 30 minutes | Flat - Loch Morlich Beach
6km | Allow at least 2 hours | 150m ascent - An Lochan Uaine (The Green Lochan) GPX File Here
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like the stars are right above your head, Loch Morlich is the perfect place to have a go at some night sky photography in Scotland. Nestled at the base of the Northern Cairngorm Mountains just outside Aviemore, this wide sandy beach offers uninterrupted skies and jaw-dropping views up towards the Northern Corries and Cairngorm, the 6th tallest hill in the UK. If you’re feeling brave and a bit wild, there’s something wonderfully grounding about kicking off your shoes and feeling the icy sand between your toes while the constellations twinkle above — a great way to take the stargazing experience to another level.
Directions & Route:
From Aviemore, follow the B970 to Loch Morlich, where the large beach car park makes an ideal starting point. You can stroll along the shoreline for an easy, scenic route. Alternatively, the route included above starts from the Glenmore Visitor centre and follows the trail toward Glenmore Lodge to reach the enchanting An Lochan Uaine, the “Green Lochan.” The majority of this walk is amongst stunning ancient pine forest and will not offer wide views of the night sky, however you are fully rewarded when you arrive at the Lochan and things open up. The decking at the South side of the Loch is a particularly inspiring viewpoint. For those seeking higher ground, a drive up to Cairngorm Mountain Car Park rewards you with a spectacular panoramic view over Loch Morlich, Aviemore and the Strathspey. Just remember: in the winter it is likely that paths from here are covered in snow and ice. Only venture further with the appropriate equipment, plan and experience.
4km | Allow at least 1.5 hours | Flat GPX File Here
This one makes it into the list for the overall stargazing experience and not necessarily for the quality of the walking. Tucked away a few miles north of Grantown-on-Spey, Lochindorb is one of those places that feels wild, open, and a little bit mysterious. With barely a tree in sight, the views stretch endlessly across the moorland — a 360° panorama of dark skies and quiet beauty. Out on the loch sits the ruins of a medieval castle, adding a touch of drama (and the perfect excuse to test out your night-time photography skills). On a still evening, the reflections across the water are mesmerising — it’s one of those spots that makes you stop and just be.
Directions & Route:
From Grantown-on-Spey, take the old milatary road )A939) north towards Forres, turn off onto the single-track road just before the Dava junction. There are several small lay-bys where you can safely pull over — just make sure to avoid blocking passing places. For a gentle stroll, park near the northeast shore and wander along the small beach. You can get as far as a small boat hut, but this can be boggy. A pair of boots isn’t a bad shout.
If you’re keen to explore a little further, you can walk back towards the road and head south on the road until you reach another lay-by just opposite from the castle ruins. Every few hundred metres, the scenery — and the sky above — shifts slightly, offering new perspectives on the landscape and that atmospheric island ruin. Remember, it’s going to be dark so make sure you have something that makes you visible to passing cars.
Stargazing from The Lazy Duck, Nethy Bridge
500m | Allow 10 mins | Flat - The Poet’s Seat
5km | Allow at least 1.5 hours | Flat - Nethy Bridge Riverside Loop GPX File Here
Okay, we might be a little biased with this one — but The Lazy Duck really does tick every box as the perfect starting point for a range of shot walks under dark skies in Scotland. Tucked away in Nethy Bridge, our wee eco-haven is surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forest, open clearings, and some seriously impressive dark skies. On clear winter nights, the stars seem close enough to touch, framed by the silhouettes of the forest and the snow-dusted peaks beyond.
Directions & Route:
If you’re staying with us, you can start your stargazing adventure right from your doorstep — no need to even start the car. Wander up to the Poet’s Seat, just a five-minute walk from your hut, where a spectacular viewpoint opens up towards the Cairngorm Mountains. It’s the perfect spot to set up a tripod or simply lie back and take it all in. Bring a blanket and a hot drink, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate super-short stargazing walk.
If you’re after a slightly longer adventure, you can link up with the trails that loop around the forest village of Nethy Bridge. The route attached above takes you through a mix of peaceful woodland, riverside paths, and charming village scenes — complete with a beautifully lit-up bridge and stunning skies overhead.
The Poet’s Seat - a viewpoint looking towards the Cairngorms hills situated within a clearing a short walk from The Lazy Duck
Take Your Experience Further: Digital Detox in the Cairngorms
If you’re loving the idea of getting out under the stars and escaping city life, you might also enjoy our blog all about digital detoxing in the Cairngorms. Discover why slowing down, unplugging, and staying in our off-grid cabins at The Lazy Duck is the perfect way to recharge this winter — from peaceful walks to starry nights and cozy evenings by the fire.
What to bring?
Before you head out on your stargazing adventure, it’s worth making sure you’ve got the right gear. Having the proper kit can be the difference between a cosy, magical night under the stars and shivering grumpily in the cold — and we both know which one sounds better!
Warm layers: Think thermals, a good fleece, hat, gloves, and a cosy jacket.
Waterproofs: Scottish weather loves to keep you guessing.
Sturdy footwear: Waterproof boots or wellies for those frosty or boggy patches.
Headtorch: Keeps your hands free and helps your eyes adjust to the dark.
Flask of something hot: Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate — essential morale booster.
Blanket or sit mat: For when you find the perfect spot and want to stay awhile.
Phone or camera: To capture the magic (though maybe pop it on silent to stay in the moment).
Map and GPX file: Handy for navigating if you’re exploring new trails.
First aid kit: Some of these trails take you into relatively remote areas, a small first aid kit is a great idea.
Optional extras: binoculars, a small telescope, or a stargazing app to help pick out constellations.
Final Thoughts: Look Up, Stay Safe, Be Present
Before you set off, take a quick look at the forecast — clear skies are your best friend when it comes to stargazing. It is also worth just looking up and checking what the sky is doing.Do make sure you let someone know where you’re heading. And once you’re out there, don’t forget the most important bit: look up, breathe, and be in the moment. The best stargazing memories come when you’re not checking your phone, but simply soaking in the silence and the sparkle of the night sky.
As always please do follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code — be respectful of others, leave no trace, and take care of the wild places that make nights like these so special.
Looking for the perfect base to soak it all in?
The Lazy Duck is our little corner of calm in the Abernethy Forest — a stylish, adventurous collection of huts and a cosy cottage surrounded by ancient pines and endless sky. It’s the ideal spot to warm up, wind down, and make your own winter stargazing memories.
