Dark skies over Galloway

In November 2009, Galloway Forest Park became the first place in the UK to be named a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. On a clear, moonless night, far from street lights, the Milky Way is easy to see with the naked eye.

New Luce sits on the quiet western edge of the Galloway hills, a good base for an evening drive into the park and back to a warm room.

Tips for a dark-sky night

• Check the moon: the darkest skies are around the new moon.
• Autumn and winter bring the longest, darkest nights.
• Let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes, and use a red light rather than a white torch.
• Dress warmly, even in summer, and tell someone where you are going.

Forestry and Land Scotland, which manages the park, publishes up-to-date advice on where to go.