Early Alarms. Empty Trails. Unreal Light.
There’s something magic about a sunrise hike. The silence, the glow, the sense that you’ve stolen a moment before the world wakes up. And around the longest day of the year — the summer solstice (June 20–22) — you’ve got more daylight than you’ll know what to do with.
Whether you’re climbing your first summit by headtorch or planning a full-day adventure that kicks off at dawn, these UK routes deliver next-level sunrise views, soul-stirring light, and rewarding ridgelines to walk long into the evening.
Why Hike at Sunrise?
- Golden hour photos with no crowds
- Cooler conditions in the height of summer
- A hit of serotonin that lasts all day
- Bonus smug points (you’ll have summited before most people hit snooze)
1. Pen y Fan via Cwm Llwch – Brecon Beacons
- Distance: ~8km | 3–4 hours
- Start time: ~3:30–4:00am in late June
- Why It Works:
The route from Cwm Llwch is quieter and gives you a view of the sunrise lighting up Corn Du and Pen y Fan from behind.
- Top Tip: Bring a flask — it’s often chilly even in summer at the summit.
2. Catbells – Lake District
- Distance: ~6km | 2–3 hours
- Start time: ~3:45am
- Why It Works:
Short, sweet, and totally accessible for first-time sunrise hikers. Watch the light rise over Derwentwater and Skiddaw from a perfect perch.
- Top Tip: Do it midweek for total solitude.
3. Lochnagar – Cairngorms
- Distance: ~19km | 6–8 hours
- Start time: ~2:30am (yes, really)
- Why It Works:
The lochan and cliffs catch the morning sun beautifully. An early start turns a big Munro day into an epic sunrise mission.
- Top Tip: Camp at the base or start from the Glen Muick car park with a headtorch.
4. Helvellyn via Thirlmere – Lake District
- Distance: ~10km | 4–5 hours
- Start time: ~3:00am
- Why It Works:
Avoid the drama of Striding Edge and take the Thirlmere ascent — you’ll arrive on the summit plateau just as the sky lights up over Ullswater.
- Top Tip: Expect a temperature drop of up to 10°C at the summit. Layers are a must.
5. Mam Tor to Lose Hill Ridge – Peak District
- Distance: ~10km | 3–4 hours
- Start time: ~4:00am
- Why It Works:
One of the best-known sunrise spots in England for a reason. The Great Ridge catches early light perfectly, and the views stretch for miles.
- Top Tip: Park at Mam Nick for a quick hit, or walk the full ridge to earn your breakfast.
6. Beinn a’ Chròin & An Caisteal – Crianlarich Hills
- Distance: ~13km | 5–6 hours
- Start time: ~3:00am
- Why It Works:
These twin Munros offer wild Highland vibes, wide horizons, and a real sense of achievement before most people are on their first coffee.
- Top Tip: Ideal if you’re staying in Tyndrum or Crianlarich the night before.
How to Prep for a Sunrise Hike
- Check sunrise time for your location + date (and factor in 1–2 hours of walking)
- Pack a headtorch with spare batteries
- Bring layers, even in summer — summit temps can be close to freezing
- Snacks + flask — nothing beats a summit brew
- Navigation tools – darkness + mist can be disorienting
- Peaky Baggers app – track your route and log your early-bird peaks offline
Bonus: Make a Day of It
If you’re up early anyway, turn your sunrise hike into a long-distance day walk. June offers up to 18 hours of daylight in Scotland — more than enough time for:
- Ridge link-ups
- Waterfall detours
- Wild swimming stops
- Pub garden finishes
Final Thoughts
Sunrise hikes aren’t just for photographers or hardcore hikers — they’re for anyone who wants a moment of quiet awe before the world wakes up. And on the longest day of the year, there’s no better way to celebrate the light.
Set your alarm. Pack your bag. And get ready to see the hills in a whole new light.
Share Your Sunrise
Caught the glow? Tag your early summit shots with #PeakyBaggers and let us see those first-light moments. Bonus points for sunrise snacks and sleepy summit faces.
Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash
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