The shimmering waters, tranquil atmosphere, and moody colours of the sky all add to a dramatic effect when watching a sunset over the Lake District. Visitors long for the pinch in the heart and warmth to the inner feeling that a sunset here would give. Because of this, visiting this place would be incomplete if you don’t wrap it up by watching the sunset at the spots below. Don’t forget to invite a special someone or bring a camera along when you visit these sunset spots in the Lake District.
1) Orrest Head in Windermere
This place is a hill along the eastern shore of Windermere, the largest of the Lake District lakes. From its summit, you can watch the sun setting over Cumbria’s peaks to the west, such as Scafell Pike and Coniston Old Man. These peaks form a spectacular silhouette against a blanket of red-orange haze over the horizon. Even the greenery below produces a distinct effect different from noon that you would surely love to capture on your phone.
How to get there:
There is a big signpost right near the Windermere Train Station that would mark the base of the foot trail leading to the summit. Take a train ride to Windermere and walk up this footpath. There’s also an alternative woodland path towards the summit that is more winding, and if you want to capture the silhouettes of trees against a setting sun, this footpath would be better.
2) Warnscale Bothy, Buttermere
You will find this sunset viewing site in Buttermere, to the northwest of the Lake District. The problem with this site is that it’s inconspicuous compared to the nearby Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks, which is why you have to be careful not to walk past right it. From this vantage point, you can see the whole river and valley system that drains into Buttermere lake towards the north. As the sun sets in the west, it produces rays and illumination that can produce a mellow effect and enhances the colours of the valley. If there are clouds present during the sunset, the resulting picture would be more poignant than vibrant.
How to get there:
Go to Gatesgarth farm found on the left side of the road if you are heading north. The trail to Warnscale Bothy begins at this place. You will climb towards the Haystacks and pass by two tarns before you reach Warnscale.
3) Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick
For those looking for a sunset view that loosely resembles Stonehenge, then the stone circle of Castlerigg in Keswick is the site to pick. Compared to Warnscale and Orrest Head, going to Castlerigg would involve less hiking, so those who are tired after a whole day’s trip can drop by this place. You can sit down on the grass and set up your tripod and upscale camera and look westward.
How to get there:
Pass through the Eleventrees Road in Keswick. Then, walk towards the stone circle visible ahead.
4) Pooley Bridge, Ullswater
Another hike-less sunset viewing site can be found at the Pooley Bridge in Ullswater. You can stop by the road, walk across the bridge, and stand along its side. You will see the whole span of the lake Ullswater and watch it shimmer as the angle of the sun’s rays changes during sunset. There’s also the option of viewing the sunset from the left side of this bridge.
How to get there:
The pier of Pooley Bridge is right on the roadside. Head north from Howtown, towards the direction of a hill jutting out in the northern end of Ullswater lake. If you’re from Gowbarrow Park, drive northeast until you see a hilltop on the horizon on your left side and Pooley Bridge is near that hill.
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