Ah the joys, of a steaming hot coffee and a sunrise view! To celebrate Yorkshire Day, held annually on August 1st, Ordnance Survey have teamed up with Taylors of Harrogate to share Yorkshire’s most glorious daybreak locations (plus a warm drink and parkin, to keep you smiling whatever the weather!)
Read on for tips and recommended sunrise view routes from OS Champ Andrea Day, accompanied by her trusty dogs, Blue and Willow, plus members of the Taylors of Harrogate team.
Andrea Day: OS Champion
Sunrise views at the Cow and Calf on Ilkely Moor
What could be more Yorkshire than a visit to Ilkley Moor? And yes, I did spend most of the hike singing “On Ilkla Mooar Baht ‘at” (a famous Yorkshire folk ditty, sung in local dialect!). This route has it all: great views, big rocks to scramble on, an iconic ‘Peak and Northern Footpaths’ green sign and a trig point — though this can be left out if you want to reduce the distance.
There’s also a free car park with a café and bins just off the main road. Even if you don’t fancy the walk, then scrambling around the Cow and Calf stones near the car park is a great adventure and a perfect place to enjoy the sunrise.
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This well-loved Yorkshire route is great at all times of day, but the sunrise view is extra special because it’s far less busy! With two waterfalls, the stunning Gordale Scar, and the heights of Malham Cove to take in on this 8km walk, you can see why it’s so popular. This route can be followed clockwise, or anticlockwise, the main consideration being whether you want to walk up or down the 400 steps at Malham Cove. If you’re a fan of wild swimming, the clockwise direction might suit best. Then you can enjoy Janet’s Foss, a popular and magical swimming spot. Taking a refreshing plunge near the end of your hike is a welcome reward, especially if you walked up the 400 steps to Malham Cove!
Jubilee and Victoria Caves
The 7.5km route starts in the centre of Langcliffe with parking and quickly takes you up into the hills, taking in the stunning geology of the landscape. You’ll also need to take your head torch, as there are two fantastic caves to explore along with a cairn and a trig to bag too. If you don’t fancy completing the whole route, a more family-friendly option is to park near the caves in one of the laybys near the marked cattle grid. This means you can easily enjoy the sunrise and a brew overlooking Langcliffe.
Almscliffe Crag
Tim Medley: Bettys and Taylors Coffee Quality Specialist and a Q Grader
My pick for the best Yorkshire sunrise view would be Almscliffe Crag. I love looking down the Wharfe Valley on a clear morning enjoying a coffee followed by a few hours climbing. Rich Italian Coffee bags would be my choice.
Gormire Lake
Natalie Rea: Bettys and Taylors Green Coffee Technician
My top Yorkshire sunrise recommendation is Gormire Lake in the North York Moors. It’s a great spot for enjoying a Flying Start Coffee Bag in the morning!
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OS Shop
We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
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Tips to make the most of Yorkshire’s sunrise views:
- Bring along some Yorkshire treats (slice of parkin anyone?) to enjoy at a scenic spot along the trail. Drinking a hot coffee is also helps you warm up and savour the view. Taylors Coffee Bags are a super simple, convenient way to enjoy a great coffee on the go.
- Yorkshire’s weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. Wear layers to adjust to changing conditions and pack a lightweight rain jacket just in case.
- Respect the Yorkshire countryside by carrying any litter and sticking to marked trails.
- Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery.
If you loved this post and want to find out more about the Yorkshire Dales or explore some sunset views then head here:
