Chasing golden hour? These UK ridge walks deliver stunning sunrise and sunset views. Discover dramatic light, open summits and photogenic trails across the UK’s finest hills.
If you’ve ever stood on a ridge at sunrise or sunset, you already know: golden hour transforms the mountains. Light spills across ridgelines. Shadows stretch across valleys. Lakes shimmer like mirrors.
It’s also the quietest time of day on the hill—when even the busiest paths feel remote. Whether you’re chasing that perfect photo, ticking off a summit, or just out for the vibes, these UK ridge walks are unbeatable when the light hits right.
Here are our favourite golden hour-friendly ridges to hike across the UK.
Why it shines:
The Great Ridge is a favourite for good reason—but catch it at dawn and you’ll get a completely different experience. The eastern sun lights up Lose Hill, Back Tor and Mam Tor, while mist rolls across the Edale Valley.
Top Tip: Pack a flask and watch the sun rise from Mam Tor’s summit trig—just make sure you’ve got a headtorch for the early start.
Why it shines:
The iconic Striding Edge is pure drama—and it gets even better in golden hour light. The narrow ridge glows, shadows cut across Red Tarn below, and the Helvellyn summit catches the first or last rays.
Top Tip: Not one for beginners, especially in low light. Time your walk so you’re across the ridge before it’s dark or frost-covered.
Why it shines:
Already one of the most dramatic ridges in Scotland, Liathach becomes otherworldly at golden hour. Sandstone cliffs catch the last light, and the mountains of Torridon glow fiery red.
Top Tip: Use the bypass route if scrambling isn’t your thing—but allow extra time and make sure you’re confident navigating under time pressure.
Why it shines:
This narrow arête is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re confident and experienced, sunrise on Crib Goch is absolutely wild. You’ll get misty peaks to the west, orange light to the east, and a proper mountaineering buzz.
Top Tip: Only suitable for experienced scramblers. Avoid if windy or icy, and start early (really early).
Why it shines:
Looking for a slightly more relaxed ridge experience? The Tarmachan Ridge gives you grassy knolls, short rocky scrambles, and wide open views—all glowing at golden hour over Loch Tay.
Top Tip: Do it as an evening walk and descend in the blue light—just don’t forget your torch.
Why it shines:
Glencoe is dramatic at the worst of times—but in golden hour? Unreal. The ridge from Stob Coire nan Lochan to Bidean nam Bian catches side light that makes every rocky edge pop.
Top Tip: Steep terrain and big descents—this one’s best for longer autumn days or fast hikers.
Why it shines:
The most infamous ridge in the Highlands, Aonach Eagach is also one of the most photogenic—especially when the sun drops and the shadows stretch across the valley floor. For experienced scramblers only.
Top Tip: Do not attempt this late in the day unless you’re fully confident in your speed and ability. Serious exposure, serious planning.
Why it shines:
A hidden gem in the northwest Lakes, this undulating ridge above Newlands Valley is pure gold at sunset. Grassy ridges, craggy outcrops, and full-on views towards Skiddaw and beyond.
Top Tip: A great lower-risk option if you want golden hour drama without the extreme scrambling.
Whether you’re a photo-chaser, a peak bagger, or just someone who likes to hike when it’s quiet, ridge walks at golden hour are hard to beat. These routes offer some of the best moments you’ll ever have in the hills—just you, the light, and the landscape doing its thing.
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
