Stargazing in Galloway Dark Sky Park

When you look up at night in Galloway, the chances are you will see a whole lot more than usual. The region has one of the darkest skies in Europe, which makes it a fantastic place for stargazing. Since so few people live in this part of south west Scotland there is very little light pollution. From Galloway Forest Park, where almost nobody lives, more than 7,000 stars and planets can be seen on a clear night and the bright band of the Milky Way arcs across the sky.

Galloway Forest Park was the first area in Britain to be designated a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, in 2009, recognising its special status. Clatteringshaws Loch and the Kirroughtree Visitor’s Centre are particularly good spots from which to view the night sky, and there are often stargazing events. Alternatively, turn out the lights at Burnside Cottage and stand outside.

gALLOWAY Dark Sky Rangers give guided tours of universe

The magnificently named Dark Sky Rangers act as guides to the universe in the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. The rangers, who were trained by the Forestry Commission, are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the Galloway sky. They can be booked directly or you can attend one of the events they host at Kirroughtree Visitors’ Centre and at other locations in the Galloway Forest Park. The rangers use laser pens to pick out planets and stars and regale their audience with tales from deep space as satellites and the International Space Station drift past in full view. It is a brilliant evening.