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The Northern Lights

 

With Scotland’s world-renowned scenery, friendly people, vast history and rich culture. Not to mention the fantastic luxury and heritage accommodation and leisure activities you can partake in. You really can’t ask for anything more in a travel destination. However, should you decide to visit in the Autumn months, on a clear night you may get more than you bargained for. Natures very own light show, The Northern Lights.

This jaw dropping natural phenomena has amazed humans for centuries. This sight must have bewildered and enthralled our ancient ancestors for millennia before that.

 

A view from the Quiraing, Skye, in the Scottish Highlands
A view from the Quiraing, Skye, in the Scottish Highlands

See the Northern Light in Scotland!

The breath taking dance of psychedelic lights is rightly near the top of the list of must-sees for many travellers. This spectacle of the sky is often visible in Scotland from September and throughout the Autumn and winter months.

With 2025 to be a peak year for seeing The Northern Lights, there is no better time to visit Scotland to go on a tour and catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

The UK is seen as a hotspot for viewing The Northern Lights.  Scotland being the most Northerly part of the UK, it is the best place to visit to see them. This is often overlooked, but Scotland lies on the same latitude as parts of Norway & Alaska, other Northern Lights hotspots.

 

Where is best to see The Northern Lights?

All our tours take in the scenic beauty of Northern Scotland and the Highlands. Some of the most remote parts of Scotland. Due to the remoteness these areas have from very little light pollution.   This is essential when trying to view The Northern Lights. There is little point trying to view them from a large town or City, as you are unlikely to see anything. The best chance of viewing is to be on a tour like ours that take you north to the Highlands.

During your tour on a clear night, in a remote area in the Highlands free of light pollution, you will be in the best place to behold the majestic dance of the shimmering Northern Lights.

 

Cairngorms Northern Lights

 

Star Gazing in Scotland

Even if the Northern Lights do not happen to be visible during the night, when you are on one of our tours, it is always advisable to look up anyway. The Galloway Forest in Scotland was the first area in the UK to be granted Dark Sky Park status, and more areas have followed.  On a clear night in Scotland from The Galloway Forest, to Waternish in Skye, to Cairngorms National Park and many other areas in Scotland, you can often see the Milky Way with the naked eye. An amazing sight to behold in itself. The night sky can often be lit up by the sheer number of stars that are visible.

Wrap up warm, get a nice hot drink and sit and gaze at the wonders of the night sky. From personal experience when viewing the Milky Way, you may end up with a slight crick in your neck the next day. This is caused by continuously bending you neck back to gaze up in disbelief, wonder and amazement. Absolutely worth it, an experience you will never forget, I can assure you.

 

Why 2025 is the best year to visit

2025 is a peak year as sun will reach the solar maximum in 2025, the peak of an 11-year cycle meaning solar activity is hugely increased. Don’t miss out next year or you may face quite a long wait until the next solar maximum.

Now is the time to book for a tour in 2025. It is always best to book as early as possible to avoid missing out. Simply get in touch with us here and we will take care of all the arrangements for you.

Private Tours are what we specialise in, so do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

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