A sunset brew over the Brecon Beacons
There’s some fantastic places across the nation to go and watch sunset. Admire it from a hill, across the ocean or through woodland trees; there are so many options. Just step outside!
For those seeking an extra special sunset, pack your OS picnic blanket and some snacks and check out these outstanding sunset views across Great Britain below.
1: A peaceful sunset at Fan Frynych
Wales
- Start/finish point: Forest Lodge, Libanus, LD38NW
- Distance: 5 miles circular walk (GPX can be downloaded from OS Maps)
- Time taken: 2 hours
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- Parking: Plenty of parking on quiet roads around Forest Lodge, just off the A4215
Wild horses
OS trig pillar with the Welsh dragon
Fan Frynych hosts the perfect location for a peaceful sunset experience. It is the neighbouring peak to one of the most visited areas in the Brecon Beacons National Park, although it sees just a fraction of the number of visitors as nearby Pen-y-Fan. This circular route takes you on a gradual ascent to the summit of Fan Frynych (629m), where you will be welcomed by an Ordnance Survey trig pillar decorated with the Welsh Dragon. As you start to walk uphill the views immediately open up. Look out at the patchwork of fields, farm holdings and the bumps of hills dotted around the landscape. These sweeps towards the north to reveal Sennybridge military training area and the Cambrian mountains in the far distance.
By sunset lover: OS GetOutside Champion Tracy Purnell. Follow Tracy on Instagram.
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Route in OS Maps
2: Seaside sunsets at Abereiddy's Blue Lagoon
Wales
- Start/finish point: Porthgain
- Distance: 4.5 miles circular walk (GPX can be downloaded from OS Maps)
- Time taken: 2 hours
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- Parking: Porthgain car park. Charges may apply.
Sunset over the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy
I love watching the sun sink into the sea and the Blue Lagoon, at Abereiddy, is one of my favourite places for amazing sunsets – the view south to St David’s Head is incredible. For an easy walk, park your car in Abereiddy and walk up to the Blue Lagoon and back, a round trip of just one mile. The Blue Lagoon is a former flooded slate quarry and in the summer, it attracts cliff divers and people Coasteering. Come sunset you may have it all to yourself to enjoy the most spectacular of sights. There's the option of turning your sunset stroll into a longer 4.5 mile circular walk - highly recommended.
This longer route takes in the Wales Coastal Path, past beautiful beaches and hidden inlets. You’ll see remains of the industrial heritage, including a former railway, workers cottages and slate quarries. The route starts and ends at the village of Porthgain, further up the coast, which boasts two great places to eat and drink – the famous Sloop Inn, that dates from 1743 or the Shed Bistro, which has won awards for its seafood. There’s a car park in the middle of the village. Whatever time of year you visit, it’s a very special spot.
By sunset lover: OS GetOutside Champion Phillipa Cherryson. Follow Phillipa on Instagram. Photo Credit: Esther van der Spoel.
ROUTE IN OS MAPS
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3: A sunset swim in Portpatrick
Scotland
- Start/Finish point: Portpatrick
- Distance: 2.5 miles return (GPX can be downloaded from OS Maps)
- Time taken: 1 hour
- Difficulty rating: Easy - short but steep in one section
- Parking: Portpatrick has a large car park overlooking the sea and harbour (NW 99891 53953). Charges may apply.
Fi enjoying a sunset swim
Sunset in Portpatrick
With boats, beaches and even a lighthouse, Portpatrick has everything you would wish to find in a small seaside town. Once a hub for journeys across the Irish Sea to Belfast, this now sleepy place will have you feeling relaxed almost as soon as you step out of your vehicle. The Mull of Galloway has an exposed coast, but its seas are warmed by the Gulf Stream, perfect for dipping your toes or even taking a wild swim. Don’t forget your OS towel! This short coastal walking route takes you along the start of the 214-mile Southern Upland Way. It may well tempt you to wander further but make sure you are back at Portpatrick to enjoy the sunset, either from the beach or from the comfort of one of the local hostelries.
By sunset lover: OS GetOutside Champion Fi Darby (Two Blondes Walking). Follow Fi on Instagram.
Route in OS Maps
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