Overnight expedition in Britain's grandest National Park, focusing on star-spotting and aurora chase
Stargaze in the Heart of the UK: Cairngorms National Park
gaze upon the carpet of stars sprawled across the velvet dark of the Cairngorms National Park sky.
Welcoming a breath of fresh air, my mom and I took off for the Highlands, seeking solace in nature's embrace. And with an enchanting sky like this as our backdrop, it was a hush-hush escape that didn't disappoint.
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Highlands, our cozy self-catering bothy, a Scottish twist on the traditional hut, became our haven for the upcoming days. Supplemented with a spacious decking area to promise uninterrupted stargazing sessions, it was the perfect setting for our getaway.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a warm smile and instructions by the gracious Sarah, who suggested looking north for the elusive phenomenon known as the Northern Lights. Although they failed to make an appearance on the fateful night, during winter months, these magical spectacles can be spotted frequently in these parts. But even this small letdown couldn't dampen our spirits, as we nestled by the roaring fire and indulged ourselves in the comforting embrace of a plump sofa within our cosy sanctuary.
Though humble in appearance, our bothy was a far cry from the typically basic shelters known as bothies. Inside, we were greeted with cosy tartan furnishings and an intimate bedroom well-appointed for our slumber. When you weren't basking in the glow of the fire or losing yourself in the cosmos, there were a myriad of attractions waiting to captivate you in the surrounding region.
Hiking enthusiasts would find themselves among the fortunate, as the Cairngorms are home to a treasure trove of trails suitable for various skill levels. For those less inclined towards strenuous exercise, the Victorian village of Ballater, a short drive away, would be a delightful destination, filled with charming boutique shops.
Ballater is also famous for being the haven of the Old Royal Station, a former stopover for visitors to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family's summer residence. Though the station closed to passengers in 1966, it has since become a hub of tourism, housing a tourist information center, an Agatha Christie-inspired tea room, and a replica of a train carriage used by Queen Victoria herself.
After indulging in a peek into the lives of royalty, we drove the short distance to Balmoral Castle. Unfortunately, the castle was closed for public visits when we were there; however, we enjoyed a peaceful walk around the grand estate, feeling as though we had the whole place to ourselves.
In terms of satisfying your appetite, the region boasts an abundance of pubs that pride themselves on offering traditional Scottish fare. Farquharsons Bar and Kitchen near Braemar was one such gem, emanating the warm embrace of a roaring fire and a charming garden. Expect heaping plates of bangers and mash, perfectly paired with a pint of cold Tennent's, locally brewed with Scottish barley and water from Loch Katrine.
For something a little lighter, The Bothy Tea Room nestled in the village of Ballater serves delightful sandwiches laden with savory filling, as well as jacket potatoes and an array of exquisite homemade cakes. Or, you may opt to pick up provisions for a home-cooked meal to enjoy within the stunning surroundings of your bothy. The views truly steal the show.
Undoubtedly, our hearts were filled with stardust as we bid farewell to our Scottish haven and stepped back into reality.
GO: CAIRNGORMS
GETTING THERE: Fly from Birmingham to Aberdeen with Loganair for £199 return or grab an easyJet flight from Luton starting at £52 return.[5]
STAYING THERE: Overnight stays at Cairngorm Bothies are available for £125pppn for a two-person room.[6]
MORE INFO: For further details, visit visitabdn.com.
[1]: National Geographic
[2]: Scottish Natural Heritage
[3]: Cairngorms National Park Authority
[4]: The Herald
[5]: Loganair | EasyJet
[6]: Cairngorm Bothies
Embracing the charm of unspoiled nature, we enjoyed our escape to the Cairngorms National Park,where stargazing became an integral part of our tranquil lifestyle. The unique setting of our bothy facilitated travels across the diverse attractions within the region, making our getaway a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
