Award-winning and environmentally friendly self-catering business, Cairngorm Bothies, is continuing to make the very most of its unique setting deep in ancient forest, by launching a series of Star Bathing Parties which launched on Friday 18th October.

Running on two Fridays a month, October to March, to coincide with specific astronomical events as well as full moons, the parties have been incorporated into Visit Aberdeenshire’s Northern Nights campaign which promotes the dark skies in Aberdeenshire. As the darkest to be found anywhere in Western Europe, sky conditions here are ideal for stargazing, as well as potentially seeing phenomena such as the Northern Lights. If conditions are favourable, a glimpse of the Milky Way is more than possible.

 Cairngorm Bothies has created a special link on its website (Dark Skies in Aberdeenshire: Stargazing around the Cairngorms (cairngormbothies.co.uk), where tickets for the parties, open to all Bothy guests, and the local community, alike, can be purchased - Star Bathing Party with Cairngorm Excursions at Cairngorm Bothies event tickets from TicketSource. Prices are £45 per person, with children under 12 free. Guests are asked to assemble at Cairngorm Bothies at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. 

It’s also teamed up with Lost Loch Spirits, a local artisan distiller based in Aboyne, who will provide a unique sampling experience of its range of spirits for guests attending the parties. Described as “quirky, invigorating, and imaginative”, Lost Loch Spirits include gins, whiskies and rums.  

“Given our remote location far away from City lights and pollution, the Northern Nights campaign is an ideal fit for us as a business with a commitment to sustainable tourism. We preserve the beauty of the Cairngorms, safeguarding the skies that make this region so special, and providing a serene escape where you can reconnect with and marvel at the wonders of nature. This is a very special, and much treasured, environment,” said Cairngorm Bothies owner, Dr Gordon Drummond, who also operates sister business, Cairngorm Lodges, similarly based in the Blelack Woods, near Aboyne.

“We are thrilled to have created our own series of star bathing parties, and to have Lost Loch Spirits on board as a partner,” he added. “Their range of drinks are innovative and lovingly crafted with quality ingredients. Any guests who wish to sample their products can do so. We also have stovies from the soon to open new Bistro Bar, Airdale, in Logie Coldstone – our thanks go to them for getting involved in this.”

“Coming here mean you can enjoy the star gazing safely as we know this area inside out and will guide you around these woods and trails,” continued Gordon. “We’ve also got warm blankets to keep guests warm, along with rustic log seating, hot drinks, and free car parking. We’re giving out red LED head torches which reduce light spreading and interference with other observers – we think we have thought of everything, but of course, we ask everyone to dress for the conditions, as it is winter in Scotland after all.”

Gordon advises all participants to bring their own mobile phone devices, as he and his staff will help guests interpret what they see. “We have sets of binoculars, but, practically, the best tool is your own smartphone,” he said. “We are using the APT Darkness Clock, together with weather apps, to determine the probability of success on the night. But what more appropriate night to launch our Star Bathing Parties than the night of a Super Moon!”

As he concluded, “The convivial and cosy atmosphere, as you nestle under a blanket gazing up at the inky sky illuminated by stars, together with first class food & drink, will surely dictate that a very special and memorable experience is had by all those attending. We can’t wait to get started, especially as the Northern Lights made such a strong appearance all across the area just last week! Hopefully we are in for a winter which produces just the right conditions for Aurora Borealis to display herself.”

 Cairngorm Bothies was a regional finalist in the prestigious Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards for the third time in a row, shortlisted in the Climate Action Category, and in Innovation in Tourism. Amongst Cairngorm Bothies impressive collection of awards, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, are Gold Green Tourism Award status, together with the 2022 “Working together in Tourism” ACTA Award. The business is a member of VisitAberdeenshire, VisitCairngorms, CoolSpaces UK and Scottish Land & Estates.

Links to more information:

Further details on Cairngorm Bothies at www.cairngormbothies.co.uk and https://www.facebook.com/CairngormBothies.

Details on Cairngorm Lodges at www.cairngormlodges.co.uk and https://www.facebook.com/CairngormLodges

Details on Lost Loch Spirits at About Us | Lost Loch Spirits | - Lost Loch Spirits Distillery | Tastings and Tours.

Cairngorm Bothies Star Gazing Parties are also listed on the Visit Aberdeenshire website, which has a fantastic competition to enter - www.visitabdn.com

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