PERFECT WAY TO END THE LONGEST DAY
TODAY marks the summer solstice or the longest day – when the sun rises at 4.40am and sets at 9.35pm.
And if you weren’t up with the druids to watch the sunrise, you can enjoy the next best thing – the sunset.
And where better than at some of Derbyshire’s most spectacular viewpoints? Although the temperatures won’t reach the heights of last week’s mini-heatwave, it is still expected to be T-shirt weather.
This provides a great combination of idyllic weather and a stunning view, a fantastic way to spend the longest day of the year – and an amazing photo opportunity.
Are you prepared to ascend the Peak District’s climbs or perhaps take a leisurely trip to a peaceful reservoir to enjoy the golden hour.
Either way, chances are you will witness a sight you won’t forget.
Below are just a handful of places we have selected as great spots to watch the sunset.
CURBAR EDGE
One of three edges which make up the well-known Three Edge Walk, Curbar Edge looks over the quaint villages of Calver and Curbar. It provides excellent views of the Derwent Valley, which are magical at sunset.
With breathtaking panoramic views, this spot is ideal to watch the sunset. However you may require a jumper as it can be quite windy due to how exposed you are when meandering along the rocky paths.
The car park isn’t huge, and with the local council cracking down on parking alongside the narrow road, a good recommendation for anyone able-bodied would be to park in the villages below and make the trek up to the edge. But be warned, it’s steep!
MAM TOR
The shivering mountain, as it is known, watches over the village of Castleton and is popular with walkers for the jaw-dropping views of the Hope Valley. Although it is a slight challenge to ascend the hill, reaching the top of Mam Tor rewards walkers with 360-degree views.
You are almost spoiled for choice when it comes to viewpoints, which become even more striking from the sunset. To the right of Mam Tor lies the dramatic Winnats Pass.
Located right in the heart of the Peak District, this may be a bit too far for those in south Derbyshire, but if you do make the journey you will be guaranteed a view which will stick with you for a while. Parking is easy with lots of places on the road leading to the base of Mam Tor.
NINE LADIES
A small early Bronze Age stone circle traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday, this landmark is found on Stanton Moor.
It is important to mention that this is a very popular spot on the Summer Solstice and in recent years photography groups have avoided the site due to its popularity affecting capturing perfect sunset photographs.
Stanton Moor is found between Matlock and Bakewell and offers a relatively short, flat walk perfect for families, with the area being described as the perfect example of “nature’s playground”. There is roadside parking here, but spaces are limited.
ARBOR LOW
English Heritage states that this is the “most important prehistoric site of the East Midlands”.
Arbor Low is a Neolithic henge monument atmospherically set amid high moorland. It is an earthen bank and ditch containing a circle of some 50 white limestone slabs, all now fallen, surrounding a central stone “cove” – a feature found only in major sacred sites.
Like Nine Ladies, Arbor Low is a very popular, especially on the solstice, but it is easy to see why – offering a unique historic element surrounded by a quirky geographical development.
The 300-metre walk to the site from the small car park makes the route an easy one. However, a number of stiles and gates may provide a challenge, particularly for wheelchairs or buggies.
MAGPIE MINE
Known for being the last working lead mine in Derbyshire, Magpie Mine is one of the best surviving examples in the UK of a 19th century lead mine.
With atmospheric remnants of the old mine still present, this spot provides a less popular, but equally as beautiful place to watch the sunset.
The mine has a fascinating history of bitter disputes and fights resulting in the “murder” of three miners, and a Widows’ Curse that is said to remain to this day.
Found near the village of Sheldon in the Peak District, its preserved chimneys, abandoned mineshafts and rusted equipment make up the bulk of what is on offer at the site.
There is a very small amount of roadside parking, as it is easy to block access gates so it is recommended to park closer to the village of Sheldon. With the chimneys being very tall, it is impossible to miss even if you parked slightly further afar.
SURPRISE VIEW
Surprise View is a spectacular viewpoint above Hathersage and is known for being one of the best viewpoints in the Peak District, and also for being a great spot to sit and watch the sunset.
Other than being a great place to stop and soak up a wonderful view, you can also walk to a few places from that start point. The curiously shaped Mother Cap stone offers some great views and is close by to the car park near Surprise View.
If you plan on sticking around after the sunset, Surprise View is also one of the three official dark sky stargazing spots in the Peak District.
There is a convenient pay-to-stay car park near Surprise View which offers easy access to a number of routes. The trail is a superb short stroll, suitable for families with young children, however the route is not pushchair-friendly.
BLACK ROCKS
Black Rocks is a weathered outcrop of Ashover grit which can be reached by a short, but steep, climb from the car park.
The climb up onto the gritstone outcrop of Black Rocks is rewarded with superb views, perfect for a summer’s evening sunset. The slope leading up is an ideal place to search for a variety of rocks and minerals.
Other interesting habitats can be explored from Black Rocks, since it is near the boundary between limestone and gritstone.
There is an on-site car park, however it only takes cash, according to Derbyshire County Council’s website. The Peak District website also lists the route as accessible by wheelchair.
CARSINGTON WATER
Perhaps a spot better for those in Derby, Carsington Water, and the whole village of Carsington, provide a great sunset view. This is definitely a better option for the entire family, given the fantastic opportunities to spend a full day in the sun before settling down to witness the Solstice sunset.
Popular with Derby locals for the beautiful reservoir, which at sunset provides a disco of reflected orange and pinks as the sun descends. Whether you’re a skilled photographer or an amateur with a smartphone, there are ample opportunities to capture a fantastic snap.
Some may see it as a blessing, others may be put off, but many people report not getting a great phone signal when at the reservoir so a perfect relaxing evening without any annoying interruptions is to be expected.
There are lots of pay-to-stay car parks around the area, so don’t worry about parking.