As the clocks go forward, Brits up and down the country will be venturing out into the great outdoors in search of Instagram-worthy sunsets.

Many hiking spots across the UK provide perfect views for enjoying this amazing sight. But which ones are the best? 

Well, obviously the Lake District, but one spot in particular has been highlighted.

Outdoor experts at Blacks looked at social media data to find out the top sunrise and sunset spots in the UK.

The UK’s best sunrise and sunrise nature spots:

  1. Snowdon
  2. Mam Tor
  3. Sandbanks
  4. Perranporth
  5. Bamford Edge
  6. Watergate Bay
  7. Curbar Edge
  8. Rhossili Bay
  9. Baslow Edge
  10. Catbells

Catbells has a height of 451 metres and is one of the most popular fells in the area.

It is situated on the western shore of Derwentwater within three miles of the busy tourist town of Keswick.

So fancy exploring that? Well, Ethan Ball, Author and hiking enthusiast at Blacks has also shared his top tips for heading out for sunrise and sunset viewing safely:

Wear appropriate clothing

Heading out early before the sun rises, or staying out late after it sets could mean that temperatures will be lower than during sunlight hours. Ensure you’re prepared for this by layering up clothing, allowing you to add or remove layers as needed as the temperature changes.

Alongside this, always check the forecast before you leave for any unsettled conditions, if heavy rain is forecast you may also want to consider adding waterproof layers. 

Bring a torch

If you’re heading out early before the sun rises, or returning late after sunset, you’ll likely have minimal natural light. Therefore, it’s vital that you bring a torch or headtorch and ensure that it's well-charged. It can be easy to stray from routes, lose your footing, or encounter wild animals. 

Watch your footing 

As mentioned, light will be minimal early morning or late evening, so it can be hard to see where you’re going, even with a torch. Try not to rush and always watch where you are going to ensure you don’t trip or fall, helping to prevent injury.

Alongside this, when choosing a spot to view the sun, make sure you’re careful to inspect where you stand or sit and don’t go too close to exposed edges when at a height. Always wear appropriate footwear when heading out on a walk or hike to prevent injury and ensure comfort. 


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Protect your skin and eyes

Even earlier and later in the day, the sun can still be powerful enough to cause damage to our skin and eyes. Ensure that you wear suncream throughout the day and reapply as needed. The same goes for our eyes, so remember to always wear sunglasses or similar eye protection and avoid staring into direct sunlight for long periods. 

Bring food and water

If you’re heading out for a long walk or hike to your chosen viewing spot, make sure you are well-prepared and energised for the full day. Remember to take enough snacks and water to keep you hydrated. Alongside this, it’s worth letting someone know your plans before you head out. 

Respect your surroundings 

Lastly, remember to respect your surroundings. Many sunset and sunrise spots are areas of natural beauty and are home to local wildlife. Ensure to always take any litter home with you, avoid disrupting local foliage, stick to designated paths, and keep noise to a minimum.