Adventures in Scotland

Chasing the Light: Winter Sunrises, Sunsets & Night Skies in the Cairngorms

Winter in the Scottish Highlands offers some of the most extraordinary light of the year. With the sun hanging low in the sky and darkness arriving early, the season transforms the Cairngorms into a photographer’s dream — and a walker’s paradise for those who love quiet trails and dramatic skies.

The Unique Quality of Scottish Winter Light

In December, daylight in the Cairngorms lasts only about 6½ hours — roughly from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. This low sun angle gives rise to long shadows and a beautifully soft light that seems to paint the hills in shades of gold, rose, and icy blue.

Because the sun never climbs higher than about 12° above the horizon (compared to over 50° in summer), even midday light has the warm, angled quality photographers call the “golden hour.”

• Best sunrise spots: Loch Morlich (for reflections of the Cairngorm plateau), Loch an Eilein (with its castle island framed by winter mist), and the summit of Meall a’ Bhuachaille (a short, rewarding climb near Glenmore).

• Best sunset spots: The top of Craigellachie Nature Reserve above Aviemore, the shores of Loch Insh, or the moorlands around Dorback for open, west-facing views.

Sunset at Loch Morlich

Stargazing Opportunities

Once the sun dips below the horizon, the show continues overhead. The Cairngorms are part of a Dark Sky Park, one of the best stargazing areas in northern Europe. In winter, when skies are clearest, you can often see the Milky Way arching across the sky with the naked eye.

• Best viewing months: November to February, when nights are longest and atmospheric moisture is lowest.

• Where to go:

  • Loch Morlich Beach — wide open views with easy access from Glenmore.

  • Tomintoul & Glenlivet Dark Sky Park — designated observation areas with information panels and minimal light pollution.

  • Fraoch Lodge, Boat of Garten — step outside after dinner; on clear nights, Orion, Cassiopeia and the Pleiades are easily visible, and occasional aurora borealis displays can appear on the northern horizon.

The northern lights are never guaranteed, but Scotland averages around 15–20 aurora sightings per year visible from the Cairngorms area — particularly in late autumn and midwinter.

Tips for Capturing the Light

• Use the low sun to your advantage. Light at this angle emphasises texture — perfect for snow-covered pines, frozen lochs, and moorland grasses.

• Golden hours are longer. Around 45–60 minutes at sunrise and sunset, compared to 15–20 minutes in summer.

• Bring a tripod. Light levels drop quickly; even phone cameras benefit from stability for sharp images.

• Check the weather and apps. Use tools like Clear Outside for cloud cover forecasts and AuroraWatch UK for northern lights alerts.

Photographers love Loch Garten at first light and at the end of the day, where the mist often rises through Scots pines, and Ryvoan Bothy near An Lochan Uaine for its emerald water against pink skies.

Lockdown winter explorations on Loch Mallachie, RSPB Loch Garten

Why Slower Winter Walking Rewards Careful Observation

Winter walking in the Highlands isn’t about ticking off peaks — it’s about immersion. Shorter days and variable conditions encourage slower, more mindful exploration. Temperatures often hover around –5°C to 5°C, and snow frequently transforms the hills from late November through March.

Guided winter walks with Scot Mountain Holidays focus on observation and safety — reading snow conditions, spotting wildlife tracks, and noticing how the light shifts through the glens. You might see:

• Red deer grazing in the open,

• Mountain hares in their white winter coats,

• Or Ptarmigan blending into the snow near higher ridges.

Taking your time allows you to experience the landscape as it changes minute by minute — the sort of quiet beauty that photographs can’t fully capture.

Plan Your Own Winter Light Adventure

• Base yourself: Fraoch Lodge, Boat of Garten — ideal access to Glenmore, Rothiemurchus, and the Cairngorm plateau.

• Don’t miss: Loch an Eilein at sunrise, the Cairngorm funicular for panoramic sunset views, and a starlit evening walk around Loch Garten.

• Bring: Warm layers, insulated boots, and a thermos — plus a headtorch for those dusky afternoon descents.

Join Scot Mountain Holidays this winter for guided walks, photography-friendly itineraries, and cosy evenings by the fire. Discover how Scotland’s shortest days can offer its brightest moments.