The National Cycle Network winds its way through some of the UK’s most beautiful areas, both urban and rural. We’ve put together our favourite spots on the Network to enjoy golden hour. Catch the first rays of the day, or watch the daylight disappear in a blaze of glory.
Silhouette of flying bird during sunset. Photo Stokpic from Pexels
Watching the first streaks of light pour over the horizon, nudging the darkness from the sky, is an incredible way to start the day.
The value of watching the sunrise doesn’t end with its beauty. It regulates your circadian rhythm, which boosts your immune system, blood pressure, digestion, mood, and overall health.
It also helps you sleep better when the time comes to wind down at the end of the day.
Watching the setting sun is a visual prompt for your body to slow down, relax and prepare itself for a restorative night’s sleep.
Much of modern life is spent indoors, so it’s easy to miss out on the rhythms of the natural world. But a daily dose of nature can make us happier and healthier.
So set an early alarm and enjoy these dazzling extravaganzas that nature has to offer.
The setting sun from Caledonia Way. Photo Sustrans
Sunrise at Cullen to Portknockie, Moray Firth Coast on Route 1
The route between the villages of Cullen and Portknockie in Scotland has been widened and resurfaced, offering an accessible route to venture along at dawn. From here you’ll catch the first glimmers of light over Cullen Bay.
Beside the village of Portknockie you’ll stumble across a natural sea arch, known as Bow Fiddle Rock.
From the right angle, you’ll be able to photograph the rising sun framed within the rock formation.
Sunset at Castle Stalker on The Caledonia Way, Route 78
On the opposite coast of Scotland, lies Castle Stalker. The fortress was built on a tidal islet and sits beside The Caledonia Way.
From a traffic-free stretch, you can watch the sky turn crimson and purple behind the turrets of the building, which dates back to the fifteenth century.
The Caledonia Way meanders past lochs and mountains, with spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands.
Sunset at Troon, Route 7
The Scottish town of Troon, overlooking the Isle of Arran, offers a fantastic location to bid farewell to daylight.
This stretch of Route 7 hugs the sandy coastline. Take a break on the South Beach Esplanade, and from here you can watch the windsurfers enjoying an evening sail while the sun sets behind Arran.
Fish and chips will warm you once the light has faded from the sky.
Watching the setting sun is a visual prompt for your body to slow down, relax and prepare itself for a restorative night’s sleep. Photo Emily Knight
Sunrise at Mumbles, Route 4
Mumbles is a village and headland on the tip of Swansea Bay.
It marks the beginning of the Gower Peninsula and if you're lucky with the weather, it's the ideal spot to watch the sky turn from black to salmon pink to a welcome blue.
Running along the line of the old Mumble tramway, the Swansea Bike Path is a brilliant family route that hugs the coastline for the entire stretch between Swansea and Mumbles.
Charge your bike lights and set off early if you want to catch nature’s firework show.
Sunset at New Promenade, Aberystwyth, Route 82
The Ystwyth Trail will take you from Aberystwyth to Tregaron and back.
Pause at the New Promenade in Aberystwyth to breathe in some salty air and watch the sun disappear over Cardigan Bay.
Watching a sunset can spark feelings of awe and gratitude, so wrap up warm and enjoy a moment of mindfulness.
Enjoying the outdoors on Aberystwyth Promenade. Photo SBW Advertising
Sunrise and sunset at Peace Bridge, Derry-Londonderry, Route 92
The curved Peace Bridge snakes over the River Foyle as it flows through Derry-Londonderry.
From the bridge, you can watch the sun rising to the east and setting in the west. It’s a great city location to take in the horizon and reflect on the day.
Sunrise and sunset at Ely Castle Mound, Cambridgeshire, Route 11
While there is no longer a castle at Ely Castle Mound, it is a magnificent place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Both of these spectacles are often associated with coastlines or elevated viewpoints. However, residents of flatter areas like the counties of East Anglia are often treated to incredible morning and evening skyscapes.
Cycle path along River Exe, Exeter. Photo Vikas Shokeen, Unsplash
Sunrise at Newlyn, overlooking Mounts Bay, Route 3
The western stretch of Route 3 follows the Cornish Way. Having traveled overland from Lands End, the route hits the seashore of Mounts Bay, hugging the coastline from Mousehole to Marazion.
A traffic-free section near the village of Newlyn offers breathtaking views over the bay and the distant island and castle of St Michael’s Mount.
Arrive early to watch the first light peep over the surrounding hills, splashing colour over land and sea.
Sunrise and sunset at Exeter, Route 2
The views along both sides of the Exe Estuary are magical from dusk till dawn. You’ll find abundant wildlife throughout the year.
The area attracts boaters and bird-watchers alike.
Exe Estuary Trail follows both sides of the River Exe Estuary, offering beautiful countryside and coastal vistas during golden hour.
Sunset over the Peak District. Photo Ben Griffiths, Unsplash
Sunrise at Sandown, Isle of Wight, Route 23
Sandown, on the coast of the Isle of Wight, faces east so is a great location to watch the sun chase the night away.
The revetment between Shanklin and Sandown is a two-mile, traffic-free path alongside the beach. It’s part of Route 23, which runs around the whole island.
Make sure you check the weather and the tides before heading down, as waves can crash up, drenching anyone on the path.
During good weather, this route is lovely, taking in the sounds of the ocean and the beach huts lining the way.
Sunset on the Monsal Trail, Peak District, Route 680
The Monsal Trail is a stunning traffic-free route right in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
This 9-mile route offers wildlife and history, courtesy of the area’s railway heritage.
The Headstone Viaduct offers unbroken views over the surrounding hills. Pause here at sunset to take in the panorama and watch the surrounding peaks bathed in the soft light of golden hour.
Sunrise at Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, Route 1
While St. Mary’s Lighthouse, north of Whitley Bay in North Tyneside, no longer warns sailors of the dangers of the local coastline, it does have a beautiful silhouette against the sunrise.
Photographers, cyclists and walkers are drawn to this route for the beautiful views, whether calm or stormy. You might be joined by some fellow early-risers - the local seals.
Silhouette of Brighton West Pier during sunset. Photo Harry Shelton from Pexels
Sunset at Bitton Picnic Area, between Bristol and Bath, Route 4
Flat, traffic-free and lined with greenery, the Bristol and Bath Railway Path was the first major project undertaken by Sustrans.
Bitton Picnic Area sits beside the River Avon, half way along the route, and is a tranquil place to enjoy the receding sun on a summer evening.
Hot air balloons are known to drift over this area on their evening flight. You’ll often hear the whoosh of fire bursts overhead before you see them gliding overhead.
Sunset at Crosby Beach, Route 810
If you watch the sunset on Crosby Beach, on the Merseyside coastline, you'll be in the company of 100 cast-iron figures that stretch the coastline and almost a mile out to sea. The sculptures were created by artist Antony Gormley.
Route 810 passes alongside the beach, making it an ideal spot to stop and enjoy the curious sight of the figures facing out to sea.
Sunrise and sunset at Brighton and Hove, Route 2
Brighton Beach is an excellent place to enjoy both a sunrise and a sunset. The walking, wheeling and cycling route along the promenade offers plenty of places to catch your breath and enjoy the view.
With the lively atmosphere of the beach and promenade behind you, soak in the rich golden hues of the sky during sunrise, framed by Brighton Palace Pier, or the sun setting behind the skeletal ruins of the once majestic West Pier.
