Chasing Sunsets

by Sue Talbot

There’s nothing I love more than seeking out the best sunset spots and losing myself in that moment where the world seems to hold its breath. Whether I’m standing on a windswept peak or a sandy beach, watching the play of light and shadows dancing cross the landscape, this is one of the greatest acts of mindfulness.

Mam Tor, Peak District

The Peak District is a distinctive landscape of rolling hills and ancient gritstone edges and nowhere captures the drama of twilight quite like Mam Tor. Known as the “Shivering Mountain”, its summit lets you immerse yourself in a spectacular 360-degree panorama.

As the sun dips behind the distant hills of the Hope Valley, the light catches the limestone walls, transforming the landscape into a rich tapestry of deep purple and burnt orange. Because the summit is relatively accessible, it’s the perfect spot for experiencing a high-altitude feeling without enduring too much of a gruelling ascent.

The Old Man of Coniston, Lake District

There’s a mysterious allure about the Lake District’s Old Man of Coniston. The ascent steepens as you wind your way through the abandoned slate mines and the beautiful waterfalls that tumble into turquoise pools. Reaching the summit as the sun begins to sink over the Coniston fells is a spiritual experience. The reflection of the orange sky on Coniston Water creates a mirror image that’s near impossible to capture on camera – nothing does it justice quite like the naked eye.

The Cornish Coast

As the Atlantic tides recede and the granite cliffs are silhouetted against the sky, a wild, untamed energy is unleashed over the Cornish coast. Watching the sunset from a clifftop near Land’s End or the hidden coves of the Lizard Peninsula as you listen to nature’s soundtrack of crashing waves and crying gulls is just magical. If you’re looking for a sensory immersion, this is most definitely one of the best places for watching the sunset.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire

On the other side of the country, Scarborough has a completely different vibe with the Victorian grandeur of the esplanade and the blustery North Sea winds.

Watching the sun set over the medieval Scarborough Castle, which is perched on the headland, feels like watching a scene from a period drama. As the town lights flicker and the sun dips below the horizon, you’re swept into an almost hypnotic state where you feel a deep intimacy with nature.

Ben Nevis, Scotland

For the ultimate sunset hunter, there’s no greater reward than standing on the highest point in the British Isles as the landscape turns to gold. The sheer scale of the Scottish Highlands unfolding beneath you is humbling, especially when the clouds are low and you find yourself looking down on an inversion. There’s no denying Ben Nevis is a challenging hike, but the sense of achievement combined with an unbelievable sunset is worth every step.

Tips for Chasing Sunsets

Arrive Early, Stay Late: The magic starts about 30 minutes before sunset (Golden Hour) and often peaks 30 minutes after (Blue Hour). Ideally, you want to give yourself an hour before and after to find the best spots and catch the changing light. 

Check the Cloud Cover: Believe it or not, the best sunsets aren’t when there’s a completely clear sky. You want a few scattered, high-altitude clouds which will catch the light and bounce all the vibrant colours back down to earth.

Dress Appropriately: The temperature drops rapidly as soon as the sun dips below the horizon so make sure you take warm layers, even in summer.

Leave No Trace: We should always respect wild spaces so it’s important to leave with whatever you bring and respect the environment. The best sunset experiences are the ones where the landscape looks pristine and untouched.