10 Places to watch the sunset in The Peak District
Sunset on Bamford Edge Summer 2024
Here is my list of incredible places for you to watch the sunset in The Peak District. Whether you’re a solo hiker, going out with a few friends, or looking for a romantic evening in the hills. Including parking and rough walking guides, please use a map to find the actual route!
My name is Will, I am a professional Landscape photographer and outdoor fanatic. I have spent the past few years exploring this beautiful part of the country and put this list together for you, completely free.
10: Howden Reservoir
Howden Reservoir can offer the most peaceful sunset in the entire Peak District. A very quiet, overlooked place in my opinion. The road leading up is closed on the weekends, so if you don’t fancy a big walk, plan this for during the week. Starting at King’s Tree, follow the signs towards slippery stones. When you reach the stone bridge, cross it and then turn right, up the slope towards Coldside Oaks. Follow that around until you are parallel with the dam wall and make your way down to water. I recently made a YouTube video here where you can see how incredible it is!
9: Alphin Pike
On the edge of Saddleworth Moor overlooking Dovestone reservoir and Greater Manchester. Alphin Pike is almost like a hidden gem to me. I don’t see many photographers up there, and a lot of the time have it all to myself. Most recently I visited in the late summer, where the heather was everywhere and looked stunning in the golden light.
Start the Walk in Carrbrook village and head towards Cowbury reservoir. Take the steep footpath left, so that the reservoir is down to your right. That footpath will lead you up to the top.
8: Mam Tor
A classic, everyone knows it, but mostly for sunrise. It’s also a great place for sunset over Edale. If you want to avoid the crowds you can get the same view from Rushup Edge which is right next to it.
7: Bolehill Quarry
Over looking an incredible birch woodland. The best time to come here is in early Autumn when the birch leaves are turning orange. However, it looks fantastic all year round, to get above the tree line and watch the sun go down. Or you can go into the fairy-tail like woodland and observe the light beams coming through the trees. Listening to the songs of birds. To get there, after you park up, cross the road and turn right. Follow the road along and turn left before the bend.
Parking: Surprise View Carpark
6: The Trinnacle, Dovestones
One of the best gritstone edges in the Peak District, near Dovestones. This amazing rock structure towers over Greenfield reservoir and provides some stunning views. It’s quite a steep walk up and may take about 45 minutes depending on your fitness level.
Park at Binn Green car park and head down towards Yeoman Hey reservoir. Cross over and turn right, then take a left up the hill heading up Ashway Moss. Follow the footpaths left along the edge and you will soon arrive.
Parking: Binn Green
5: Crowstones
Possibly the most remote place on the list, and hardest to get to. When I went here I wild camped below these beautiful rock formations. It’s one of the best places in the Peak District I have been to because it is so quiet! I Parked at King’s Tree and took the path down to Slippery Stones. Follow the water along and up on to Howden Edge. Follow it all the way left and you will get there. Definitely take a map. There’s plenty of bogs and even a plane crash site on the way.
Parking: King’s Tree.
4: Chinley Churn
This hill is a pretty simple one and has incredible views. I was lucky enough to see a cloud inversion at sunset which is quite rare here! This is also a fantastic place for sunrise. The trig pillar has recently been removed by the land owner. The actual summit is Open Access Land so you can still explore that and enjoy a nice walk. After parking, follow the road up, and go straight over the stile in front of you. Following that track down, you will find a left turn through a gate. That path will take you up to the top.
Parking: A624 Lay-by.
3: Bamford Edge
Another Icon of the Peak District, and possibly the best view for the little amount of work that you have to do. With incredible views of Ladybower reservoir and surrounding hills such as Win Hill, Derwent Edge and Crook Hill, you can see why this is so popular.
Parking: New Rd, Hope Valley
2: Win Hill
Opposite Bamford Edge, a steep incline which is not for the faint hearted. If you’re not used to it, it’s very steep. Win Hill is a very recognisable hill from anywhere, you can see it because of its unique shape. On top you will find a trig point and a full 360 view of The Peak District. It is particularly beautiful in late summer when the heather is in full bloom. You can park alongside Ladybower reservoir, cross at the plughole and head up through the woodland.
Parking: Heatherdene Car Park
1: Salt Cellar, Derwent Edge
My personal favourite, a place I have been many times and it never gets old. Salt Cellar is an incredible gritstone rock formation along Derwent Edge. While there are many ways to get there, I like to take a walk along Derwent Edge beginning at Ladybower reservoir. You will pass many other rock formations on the way, one of those being the coach and horses which is a popular wild camping spot.
Parking: Snake Road A57 Layby