July 1, 2025

Our Favourite Sunrise Summits

Love summer mornings? These top UK sunrise summits—like Catbells, Ben Vrackie, Arthur’s Seat, and more—deliver golden vibes, early-walker perks, and unforgettable views.

Start Your Day Above the Clouds

Nothing beats the hush of a mountain at dawn—the quiet, the chill, and that moment when the horizon blazes with light. These are the summits we chase for summer sunrises—each chosen for their east-facing views, manageable pre-dawn climbs, and pure wow factor when light breaks.

Why Sunrise Summits Are Worth It

  • More solitude: Most day-trippers wait until mid-morning, so your path is blissfully clear
  • Cooler temps: Pre-dawn hiking means you’re ahead of the heat—ideal in summer
  • Breathtaking light: Golden hues, long shadows, and the world waking up beneath you
  • Wildlife magic: Dawn is prime time for bird song, deer, mountain hares, and other early risers

What Makes a Great Sunrise Summit?

  • East-facing views or clear horizons—so you actually see the sunrise
  • Safe, navigable routes you’ll be able to track early morning or with head torch
  • Flexible access—close enough for a walk-in from local parking or campsite
  • Varied difficulty—options for both newer dawn-hikers and more experienced scramblers

1. Catbells – Lake District

  • Height: 451 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: ~3:30 am for a 5:00 am summer sunrise
  • Route Style: Loop from Keswick Road car park
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: Open eastern horizon across Derwentwater and Borrowdale
  • Top Tip: Headlamp essential, and the café at Ashness Bridge opens early for your brew

2. Pen y Fan – Brecon Beacons

  • Height: 886 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: 4:00 am for a 5:30–6:00 am sunrise
  • Route Style: Popular ridge ascent from Storey Arms
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: You’ll see the sun flood the Brecon skyline and Moel Siabod to the north
  • Top Tip: Avoid crowds by taking the less-used Cribyn descent back

3. The Cheviot – Northumberland

  • Height: 815 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: 4:00 am for sunrise at ~5:10 am
  • Route Style: Loop via Scald Hill or Wooler Common
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: Highland-style expansiveness with a sliver of North Sea light
  • Top Tip: Few people venture up so early—top reward is near-solitude

4. Helvellyn via Striding Edge – Lake District

  • Height: 950 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: 3:00 am for ~5:15 am sunrise
  • Route Style: Ridge scramble—on the experienced’s list
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: You’ll be on the edge (literally) just as dawn breaks across Ullswater
  • Top Tip: Only for confident scramblers—head torch, nav, and a calm weather window are non-negotiable

5. Ben Vrackie – Pitlochry, Scotland

  • Height: 841 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: 4:00 am for ~5:10 am sunrise
  • Route Style: Loop from the Pitlochry end of the railway path
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: Expansive views across Strath Tummel while overlooking Loch Tummel
  • Top Tip: Remember, clocks shift in summer—always double-check sunset/sunrise times

6. Cadair Idris – Mid Wales

  • Height: 893 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: 3:30 am for ~5:15 am sunrise
  • Route Style: Gentle ascent via Minffordd Path (wild camping possible)
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: Towering above Mawddach Estuary—ideal for a camping + sunrise combo
  • Top Tip: Leave early; the parking can fill quickly even pre-dawn

7. Mam Tor – Peak District

  • Height: 517 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: 4:00 am for ~5:10 am sunrise
  • Route Style: Quick ascent from Castleton
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: Coastal haze and gorge views painted in morning light—no mountains needed
  • Top Tip: It’s easy to loop up to Lose Hill for a longer ridge wobble

8. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh

  • Height: 251 m
  • Start Time Suggestion: 4:30 am for ~5:15 am sunrise
  • Route Style: Quick, urban hill from the city centre
  • Why It’s Great at Sunrise: Cityscape below and Fife, the Forth Bridges, and sea all lit early on
  • Top Tip: Perfect for solo travellers or as an outdoor city-welcome

Final Thoughts

Sunrise hikes are more than just climbs—they’re life-affirming rituals. Start early, layer up, capture the moment, then find a post-hike breakfast spot (ideally with a full English).

Photo by mimi sovia on Unsplash

Related posts

Dartmoor’s Best Ridge‑Style Walks
Guides

Dartmoor’s Best Ridge‑Style Walks

Top Ten Peaks to Conquer in North Wales
Guides

Top Ten Peaks to Conquer in North Wales

Trail Guide: Ben A’an Sunrise Hike
Guides

Trail Guide: Ben A’an Sunrise Hike