10 Best Peak District Sunset Spots
If you’re looking for the best places to watch a sunset in the Peak District, this post is for you! Here’s a list of the 10 best Peak District sunset spots for your next hike.
Sunset in the Peak District is rather special, and definitely something worth seeing. Some of these places are more well known than others (Mam Tor and Bamford Edge, for example) but they all have stunning views and are ideal for sunset watching.
Peak District Sunset Spots
Mam Tor
It’s a classic, for good reason. Mam Tor is a great place to watch the sun go down as it’s a very short, steep walk from the nearby National Trust car park. You’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Edale and Hope Valleys but you definitely won’t get the place to yourself!
Mam Tor Parking: S33 8WA | W3W:///artist.fights.courtyard – this does get busy at peak times. Don’t park on grass verges or block gates. There is lots more parking in Castleton a short walk away – try The Devil’s Arse Car Park S33 8WN | W3W:///microchip.troubles.verse
Thorpe Cloud
Towering over the ever-popular Dovedale, Thorpe Cloud offers a short, steep climb with dreamy views over the River Dove and the surrounding valley. At sunset, the soft golden light rolls across the hills, making it feel more like Tuscany than Derbyshire.
Thorpe Cloud Parking: DE6 2AY | W3W:///bedrock.originals.cigar
Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud Walk | 7 Miles
Stanage Edge
A classic gritstone escarpment with huge skies and a dramatic, rugged feel. The sun sets directly behind the edge, casting long shadows and bathing the rocks in a warm glow – ideal for photographers or a peaceful evening walk. Sunset from Balcony Cave or Robin Hoods Cave would be pretty special, with views over to Win Hill.
Stanage Edge Parking: Hollin Bank Car Park S32 1BR – Pay and Display | W3W: ///tunes.takes.spun
Stanage Edge Circular Walk | 7 Miles or to find the cave Scenic Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge | 9 Miles
Win Hill
Climb up from Ladybower Reservoir (through the woods, or the steep Parkin Clough) and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and a peaceful summit spot. At sunset, the light hits the valley below just right, and on a clear day, you can see Mam Tor and the Great Ridge in the distance.
Win Hill Parking: free lay-bys on Ashopton Rd, Bamford, Hope Valley S33 0AZ | W3W:///cookbooks.uncouth.dime
Win Hill and Ladybower Reservoir Loop | 8 Miles
Bamford Edge
A go-to for sunset watchers thanks to its iconic views over Ladybower Reservoir and Win Hill. The sun sets directly opposite the edge, lighting up the rocks and water in glowing colours – just don’t forget your camera!
Parking for Bamford Edge: A lay-by just after the pine tree plantation on New Road, Bamford W3W:///officials.elevates.bikes
Bamford Edge – A Short Walk with Stunning Views | 2 Miles
The Roaches
Wild and windswept, The Roaches feel way more remote than they are. At sunset, the landscape glows orange and pink, and the view stretches out across Staffordshire and into the Cheshire Plain -perfect for those moody, dramatic sky shots.
The Roaches is a protected nature reserve and dogs are allowed but must be on a lead.
Parking for The Roaches: Road layby at ST13 8UB W3W:///towel.phones.shuttling
Curbar Edge
This edge catches the evening light beautifully, with purple heather in late summer and dramatic gritstone year-round. It’s a short walk from the car park to the viewpoint, making it an easy option for a post-dinner wander.
Curbar Edge Parking: Curbar Gap car park S32 3YR | W3W:///bath.armrest.stability
Curbar Edge Walk with Froggatt Edge and White Edge | 6 Miles
Winnats Pass
Another popular spot, Winnats Pass has spectacular views down over Castleton and is perfect for a sunrise or a sunset. If you’re lucky, you might get it all to yourself for a few minutes.
Winnats Pass Parking: The Devil’s Arse Car Park S33 8WN W3W:///microchip.troubles.verse
Winnats Pass Scramble Walk [+ Best View Points!] | 3 Miles
The Trinnacle
One of the quieter spots for a Peak District sunset, but no less spectacular! It’s a bit of a climb to get to the Trinnacle, but it’s worth it. The rock formation itself is really striking and the view down over the reservoir is fab when the sun’s going down. Pack a headtorch for the way back just in case!
You can scramble up Birchen Clough or take the path up Ashway Hey to Ashway Rocks.
Parking for The Trinnacle: Binn Green Car Park OL3 7NN W3W:///conspire.responded.riverboat
How to Find The Trinnacle at Dove Stone | 5 Miles
West Nab
This is one of my all time favourite places to watch a sunset, and we often take a chippy tea there to watch the sun go down. It’s all wide open moorland and big skies – ideal for an evening wander when you just want to clear your head.
West Nab is an SSSI and dogs are not allowed on this Open Access Land.
West Nab parking: in a layby on Wessenden Head Road W3W:///pebble.bearable.blaring
Sunset at West Nab Trig Point | 1 Mile
Top Tips for Catching a Peak District Sunset
Check the sunset time and allow enough time to get to your sunset spot before it happens.
Check the forecast – you’ll want clear or partially clear skies for the best colours. I think it’s best when there are a few clouds in the sky as they really catch the colours.
Pack a layer – it cools down fast once the sun dips.
Bring a torch – especially if you’re walking back in the dark.
Take all your rubbish home – remember to Leave No Trace. Don’t spoil these beautiful places by leaving litter or dog poo bags.
You might also like: 10 Best Peak District Sunrise Spots
Do you have a favourite sunset spot?
