Perfect Post-Work Walks in the Glow of Golden Hour
Long summer evenings are made for escaping the screen and hitting the trail. These five evening loops are short, scenic, and easy enough to fit into dinner-and-bedtime routines. Think sweeping vistas, soft light, low crowds—and getting back in time for a sunset pint.
Here’s a set of fast and joyful cool-downs for weekday wanderers and weekend warmups alike.
What Makes a Great Evening Loop?
- Under 3 hours, usually between 4–8 km
- Loop format gets you back to your car (or bus stop) hassle-free
- Scenic payoff designed for sunset—lakes, ridges, summits, or wildflower meadows
- Easy terrain so fading light isn’t a risk
- Accessible trailheads with nearby parking or public transport
1. Mam Tor + Great Ridge Loop – Peak District
- Distance & Time: ~6 km / 2–2.5 hrs
- Start Point: Mam Tor car park
- Why It’s Great for Evenings: Classic ridge with West-bound views making sunset pop
- Top Tip: Take it anticlockwise so you’re hiking downhill after the sun dips—ideal in diminishing light
2. Catbells Evening Circuit – Lake District
- Distance & Time: ~5 km / 2 hrs
- Start Point: Hawse End car park
- Why It’s Great: Big summit energy (451 m) without the long slog, plus golden Lake Derwentwater views
- Top Tip: Bring a lightweight fleece—you’ll want a layer as the sun drops behind the fells
3. Stac Pollaidh Short Loop – Northwest Highlands
- Distance & Time: ~4 km / 1.5–2 hrs
- Start Point: Loch Lurgainn car park off A835
- Why It’s Great: Dramatic Torridon landscape lit pink by the evening sky
- Top Tip: Stick to the quicker Eastern summit route and make it a tight loop—less scrambling once the light fades
4. Pen y Fan via Cwm Llwch – Brecon Beacons
- Distance & Time: ~7 km / 2.5–3 hrs
- Start Point: Storey Arms car park (busy, so go early!)
- Why It’s Great: Climb through glen shade to a sunset summit on Wales’ highest hill (886 m)
- Top Tip: Watch the activity tracker—if it shows more than half full by 6 pm, park at Pont ar Daf and walk in
5. Meall a’ Bhuachaille Loop – Cairngorms
- Distance & Time: ~6 km / 2–2.5 hrs
- Start Point: Ryvoan car park (near Loch Morlich)
- Why It’s Great: Island-style hill above the forest—West-facing drop means glow-from-the-top lighting
- Top Tip: Top off with a lakeside paddle at Loch Morlich as daylight slips away
Final Thoughts
Summer evenings are golden chances to stretch legs, clear minds, and catch views—without derailing your bedtime routine. These loops prove you can get altitude, peace, and pink skies in under three hours.
Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash
