The Carrachs

The Carrachs

Chapeltown, Ballindalloch, Banffshire, AB37 9JS

The Carrachs was one of the few places in Scotland where the Roman Catholic faith was kept alive during the troubled times of the 18th century. Now this remote location makes for a great place to spot and photograph the Aurora with nearby abandoned farm buildings, picturesque trees and the old Seminary making for great foreground objects. The location itself is about half a mile walk from the car park at the very end of the public road.

In November 2018 the location received official recognition as a Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Cairngorms Dark Sky Park.


The Carrachs is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Most such locations have overnight parking (sometimes with a fee); however, many do not allow overnight camping. There may or may not be toilet facilities.

Weather forecast

  • 16/01/23

    -7° 37%
  • 16/01/23

    -7° 8%
  • 17/01/23

    -7° 17%
  • 17/01/23

    -7° 16%

Weather forecast for Carn Mor (1.8 miles away) updated 15/01/23 at 20:00.




Events nearby

Display nearby events on a calendar
  • Stargazing & The Celtic Sky

    Friday 20th January 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Inveraven Church and Pictish Stones, Craigellachie, AB37 9BA (11.4 miles away)

    More info
  • Stargazing & The Celtic Sky

    Saturday 21st January 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Inveraven Church and Pictish Stones, Craigellachie, AB37 9BA (11.4 miles away)

    More info
  • Tomintoul Telescope Workshop

    Sunday 22nd January 2023 from 17:30pm to 20:30pm

    Glenlivet Village Hall, Ballindalloch, AB37 9BX (6.5 miles away)

    More info
  • SIGMA – Moray’s Astronomy Club meeting

    Friday 3rd February 2023 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Lhanbryde Community Centre, Elgin, IV30 8QQ (25.7 miles away)

    More info
  • Stargazing at Marcassie Farm

    Wednesday 22nd February 2023 from 19:00pm to 20:30pm

    Marcassie Farm Project, Forres, IV36 2RH (25.1 miles away)

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

  • Hideaway Under the Stars

    Dunbalen, Aberlour, Banffshire, AB38 9NL (12.0 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info