The UK's Best Sunset Walks

by Sue Talbot

Over the years, I’ve learnt that some of the most meaningful and inspiring moments aren’t just found at magnificent sites, but in the everyday acts of nature that we often take for granted. There’s a real magic to those twilight hours, when day gently transitions into night, painting the sky with hues that the camera never quite captures like the human eye. 

The UK is blessed with diverse landscapes, from rugged peaks to windswept coastlines, providing dramatic backdrops for sunset walks that inspire me to reconnect with nature and totally escape from day-to-day life. 

Mam Tor, Peak District

Rising majestically above the Derbyshire Peak District, Mam Tor, often known as the Shivering Mountain, is a wonderful vantage point for watching the sunset.

As you ascend its well-trodden paths, the panoramic views unfold, revealing rolling hills, patchwork fields and the distant silhouettes of villages nestled in the valleys below.

At dusk, the sky over Mam Tor becomes a rich palette of oranges, purples and deep reds, casting a golden glow over the valley. Standing on the summit of this iconic peak as the sun begins to dip below the horizon gives me an incredible sense of awe as I watch the landscape become bathed in a warm, ethereal light. 

The South West Coast Path, Cornwall

Stretching for 630 miles along the coastlines of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, the South West Coast Path has countless opportunities for witnessing spectacular sunsets.

Stroll along the clifftops or head down to one of the golden beaches to see the sun begin its descent. The sound of the crashing waves crashing and the cry of gulls as the changing light reflects off the water is an immersive and sensory experience that gives me a real sense of freedom. 

The Jurassic Coast, Dorset and East Devon

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast presents a unique canvas for a sunset walk, where millions of years of geological history are illuminated.

Iconic landmarks like Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove are great viewpoints for watching the ancient rock formations glow beneath the sun as it sinks into the English Channel. The stratified cliffs reveal layers of time, taking on a new form under the evening light and casting long, dramatic shadows.

I feel connected to the earth when walking here at sunset and it reminds me of how insignificant we are beside Mother Nature’s handiwork.

Solway Firth, Cumbria

Travelling north, the Solway Firth straddles the border between England and Scotland and presents an entirely different, yet equally captivating, sunset experience.

This vast estuary is known for its incredible open skies and unique light. I remember walking along its flat, expansive shores as the water mirrored the intense orange and pink sky, creating an almost surreal reflection that rippled in the wind.

The tranquility here is palpable, with only the sound of birds interrupting the silence. It’s less dramatic than the clifftops, but its wide-open expanses and ever-changing light feel immense and uninterrupted.

Whitby, North Yorkshire

Lying on the North Yorkshire Coast, Whitby holds a special place in my heart for its dramatic and atmospheric sunsets. Perched high above the town, the ruins of Whitby Abbey provide an epic silhouette against the evening sky.

I’d highly recommend walking up the 199 steps up to the abbey to see the pretty harbour below as vibrant orange and pink light mingles with the clouds. The abbey ruins take on an almost mystical quality with their gothic architecture and dramatic coastal setting, creating an evocative sunset walk.