Top 10 Ethels for Sunrise Photography in the Peak District: Epic Views
Hi, I’m William, a Peak District photographer obsessed with hiking! My interactive Ethels map covers all 95 hills, but I’ve picked my top 10 for stunning sunrise shots and walks. Ready to plan your next shoot? Let’s get started!
10. Grin Low (Solomon’s Temple)
Grin Low’s open summit near Solomon’s Point glows with soft sunrise hues. I shot here in Autumn, watching the sun light up the sky above Buxton. Tip: Use a polarising filter for vivid colours. Want the parking and walking route? Check out my Map.
9. Cats Tor
Cats Tor’s elevated ridge catches early light, framing Shining Tor and Follow Edge beautifully. I photographed it recently in spring, with an incredible temperature inversion. Tip: Using a tripod allows you to keep your ISO at 100, making a sharp, detailed image. Watch how I captured this image on my Youtube Channel.
8. High Neb (Stanage Edge)
High Neb on Stanage Edge offers dramatic sunrise vistas over gritstone cliffs. I captured its glow last winter, covered in snow. Tip: Below the edge, you can find Millstones which make for amazing foregrounds! Learn more in my Workshops.
7. Alport Moor
Alport Moor’s remote expanse lights up with gold. I shot here in winter, embracing the icy patterns in the ground. Tip: Take a map, in places like this it’s easy to get lost when the weather turns bad. Love this scene? Grab my 2026 calendar which has this shot!
6. Grindslow Knoll
Grindslow Knoll’s summit reveals the topography of the Great Ridge. Watching the sun rise over the valley is truly spectacular. Tip: Learn some basic weather models to find out if you can get above the cloud. Discover Peak District walking routes on my Ethels map.
5. South Head
South Head, linked with Mount Famine is a beautiful sunrise location. I shot here in low cloud, knowing that the sky would light up with intense colour. Tip: Try long exposures for dreamy effects and softer skies. Want pro tips? Join my Workshops.
4. The Roaches
The Roaches’ rugged cliffs glow at sunrise, offering epic views. Particularly towards the end of Summer. Tip: Use a 24–120mm lens for versatility. I have hosted many workshops here, and have more lined up in the future. Find out more.
3. Mam Tor
Mam Tor’s open summit captures the beautiful Hope Valley. I have shot here all throughout the year, aiming for the best light. Tip: Use an aperture F16 for a sunburst! Love this view? Grab my Mam Tor Limited Edition Prints.
2. Kinder Scout
Kinder Scout’s high plateau delivers breathtaking sunrise panoramas. I captured an incredible ‘fog-bow’ over the trig point, braving an early, cold start. Tip: Visit mid-day to scout compositions and plan your shot, it makes it so much easier when it comes to the sunrise shoot. Plan a trek with my Ethels map.
1. Chrome Hill
Chrome Hill’s iconic dragon’s back steals the sunrise show with dramatic ridges. I shot it last June, finally getting the conditions i’ve been dreaming of. Tip: Use the path as leading lines for composition. This image also features in my 2026 Peak District Calendar!
Plan Your Ethel Adventure
These 10 Ethels are sunrise stunners in the Peak District! My Ethels map guides you to all 95 hills. Want to shoot like a pro? Book a workshop. Bring these places home and grab a copy of my 2026 Peak District Calendar! Start your adventure today!
www.peakdistrictphotography.com
www.williamhickie.co.uk
