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
