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Writer's pictureMatt Poulton

The best places for sunrise and sunset in the Lake District


There is something magical about the soft light of sunrise and sunset, which is further enhanced when the backdrop is that of the Lake District. Here then are the best places for sunrise and sunset in the Lake District.


Crow Park

On the outskirts of Keswick, and a mere 100m walk from a car park, this grassy field at the edge of Derwent water is one of the best viewpoints around. On a winters morning, you can get a sensational view of Cat Bells being lit by the pink glow of sunrise, as well as a view of a number of islands in Derwent Water, the largest of which being St Herbetts island.


One of the many islands in Derwent Water
One of the many islands in Derwent Water
Cat Bells sunrise
Cat Bells with Derwent Island in front of it

Wastwater

The deepest lake, smallest church, highest fell and biggest liar are all hallmarks of this iconic valley but, if that was not enough, it is also a beautiful place to see sunsets. Looking down the valley towards the towering slopes of Kirk Fell in early Spring, you will see these high fells lit up by the setting sun .

wastwater
Wastwater with Kirk Fell in the background Image credit: Derek Poulton
Yewbarrow
The slopes of Yewbarrow Image credit: Derek Poulton

wastwater
Tussocks of grass with the Screes in the background

Green Gable

Starting from the already high up Honister Pass, this fell is relatively straightforward to ascend. While you might think its larger neighbour, Great Gable, would offer a better view, the best views are actually from just below the diminutive Green Gable. From this vantage point, you can see down both the Ennerdale and Buttermere valleys which at sunset in May and June, has the light from the setting sun shining down them. In the Ennerdale Valley you have the tributaries of the River Liza as well as a patchwork of forest. In the Buttermere Valley you have the twin lakes of Buttermere and Crummock to catch the light of the sun.



Buttermere and Crummock
Buttermere and Crummock at sunset

Ennerdale Valley sunset
The setting sun down the Ennerdale Valley

Herdwick sheep
Herdwicks on the fells

Newlands Valley

A slightly more hidden viewpoint, if you park at the carpark below Cat Bells and walk along the low level path heading south towards Skelgill you will reach this scenic spot. From here you can see the tapestry of fields, dotted with white houses with a stunning backdrop of the fells as the Autumnal light of sunset casts its golden glow.


Newlands valley
Newlands Valley bathed in golden light Image credit: Derek Poulton
newlands valley
Sunset in the valley Image credit: Derek Poulton

Tewet Tarn

A small tarn opposite Blencathra gives a great view of the setting sun on the fell at Winter. With a relatively easy walk up through the fields from where you park after leaving the A66, this viewpoint is an ideal place to visit on a winters evening.

blencathra
The sides of Blencathra from the tarn

Blencathra and tewitt tarn
Blencathra reflected in the tarn Image credit: Derek Poulton




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