How to see northern lights in one of the 'best' places…

How to see northern lights in one of the 'best' places in Scotland this winter

One of the most stunning natural phenomenon in the world is the northern lights, and winter is the best opportunity to observe them in Scotland.

Seeing the aurora borealis is on many people's bucket lists, but conditions need to be just right to catch a glimpse of it. Luckily for those in Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands is the perfect spot for it.

While it is commonly assumed that you need to travel all the way to Scandinavia or the Arctic to witness the aurora borealis, light pollution in the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area of the Cairngorms is so low that it has been awarded Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark Sky Association.

With over 110,000 people searching for 'northern lights' online in October, many people are keen to experience the aurora borealis for themselves this winter. Read on for a full rundown on what you need to know.

When to visit to visit the Cairngorms National Park to see the northern lights

The optimal time to see the northern lights is between the middle of October and the middle of March. The chance of seeing them is significantly higher during winter as nights are longer and darker.

Evenings are the best time of day to catch a glimpse of the lights, when it is cold with a clear sky. Additionally, it is best to head when there is increased solar activity, and when there is not a full moon.

Look at the weather forecast and observe websites such as AuroraWatch UK to identify ideal times to travel to see the aurora borealis.

The Cairngorms National Park is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis (PA Photo/David Newland)

Where to get the best view of the northern lights

As the name suggests, you should be looking north to catch the best glimpse of the northern lights. The Cairngorm Mountain Car Park is an ideal spot, as are Feith Musach, north of Tomintoul, and the Glenlivet Estate.

According to locals, the Dava Way above Forres near the Moray Firth is another location where you can get great views of the aurora borealis.

While watching the skies, make sure to be vigilant of unusual light patterns. Sometimes, the colours of the northern lights are subtle so ensure you keep an eye out.

Taking photos of the northern lights

To get a high-quality photograph of the aurora borealis, you will need a tripod and a camera that can take long exposures. While the lights may not look all that spectacular to the naked eye, you can get stunning results when exposing for around 20 to 30 seconds.

More information on the Cairngorms National Park can be found on its website.

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