Our part of the world is so rich with stunning landscapes and adventurous walks, we often take for granted what’s around us. Now, to make sure we’re making the most of our gorgeous countryside, the best spots for sunset hikes have been revealed – and our very own Peak District has of course been celebrated.
As British summer comes to an almighty end, the outdoor experts at Blacks have analysed data on average sunset times, cloud coverage, and the number of hiking trails across UK regions to reveal the 10 best destinations for a sunset hike.
Sunset hikes are becoming increasingly popular, with searches increasing by 191% in the past three months. Summer – even at the very end – is the perfect time to go on a sunset hike, with the skies so much clearer, and the warmer weather helping hikers to be more comfortable.
The Peak District is one of the best UK destinations for a sunset hike
The Peak District came second in the rankings, giving us in Manchester the golden opportunity to make the most of the great outdoors. The gritstone edges that can be seen in a lot of Peak District walks reflect beautiful sunset colours, and the high peaks offer panoramic views of nearby valleys.
The largest area in the top five, covering 1,438km², the Peak District sees 10.2 trails per 10km², average summer cloud cover of 49.7% and an average summer sunset time of 21:13 – bringing its sunset score up to 9.22/10.
Ridges, including Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge, are often considered the best sunset views. Bamford Edge is just 20 minutes away from the layby, meaning that hikers don’t have to walk too far in the dark once the sun sets.
Other top sunset hikes
The South Downs take the top spot as the best place to watch sunsets. With famous walks such as Seven Sisters, Meon Valley Trail and Cissbury Ring Walk, hikers have plenty of choice where to hike for beautiful views. Located in County Down, the Mourne Mountains come in third, famous for sweeping down to the Irish Sea, and they contain Northern Ireland’s highest peak.
The best UK destinations for a sunset hike
With sunset score/10
- South Downs: 9.67
- Peak District: 9.22
- Mourne Mountains: 9.00
- Mendip Hills: 8.79
- Brecon Beacons: 8.78
- Cotswolds: 8.58
- Snowdonia: 8.57
- Lake District: 8.56
- Yorkshire Dales: 8.33
- Dartmoor: 7.89
