Aurora hunting in Dumfries & Galloway
It’s one of those things that so many of us have on our bucket list, but getting a chance to see the Aurora or Northern Lights in Dumfries and Galloway is actually a lot more likely than you’d expect! Despite our position as the most southerly county in Scotland, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.
As it happens, our particular patch of Dumfries and Galloway is an excellent spot for the Aurora hunter. Why? Because it’s so dark! The Auchenbrack Estate lies nestled in the remote heart of Shinnel Glen, an area with extremely low light pollution. Due to the glen being populated only by a handful of cottages, farms and steadings, we have our own unique dark sky park.
We are also just a short drive from the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park, the Galloway Forest Park, so you’re in great company. The region has much lower levels of light pollution than most other parts of the UK so even if you don’t get to catch the Northern Lights, on a clear night, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of up to 7000 stars visible with the naked eye (compared to around 1000 in most towns or cities in the UK).
Top tips for seeing the Aurora at Auchenbrack…
The first thing we’d suggest is to download the AuroraWatch App and make sure you’ve got your notifications turned on. Our cottages all have great WiFi so you’ll be able to get yourselves all set up before nightfall.
Seeing the lights is never guaranteed but peak season is generally accepted to be between September and March each year. If you really want to get into the science, there is a whole host of information online about the solar cycles, storms and flares that help to generate this beautiful, natural phenomenon.
The peak time to see the lights is usually between 11pm and 2am - this is when the night sky is at its darkest.
Learn some tricks with your phone camera and maybe invest in a tripod. Sometimes we can capture the colours a lot better even with a smartphone camera than we can actually see with our own eyes. For some handy photography tips click here.
Wrap up warm and turn out the lights! You won’t find streetlamps or village light pollution out here so get your big coat on, turn out the lights in your cottage and head out into the garden.
Other Dark Sky activities to try during your stay…
There’s so much to do in Dumfries and Galloway for the Dark Sky lover, we have a whole page dedicated to it! From guided tours to planetariums and observatories, there’s something for everyone, kids included. Why not book an experienced dark sky ranger to come out and give you a private, guided tour of the night sky in your own garden?
Of course, we can’t guarantee the weather, clear skies or solar storms so please don’t be cross with us if it doesn’t go your way! But if you’re keen to take the chance, you won’t find a much better spot.
Book your cosy, winter Dark Sky escape with us…
Our beautiful cottages are well equipped and super cosy, each with a woodburning stove and private garden. The convenience of our remote location means you can get nice and cosy, wrap up warm, step out of your front door and see the stars, without the need to go too far from your accommodation or drive anywhere. Perfect if you fancy a shot of rum in your hot chocolate! It also means that you can respond really quickly to any live AuroraWatch alerts! View our cottages and book your stay directly with us for our best rates. Find out more about our cottages and check availability right here. We look forward to welcoming you soon at Auchenbrack.
