🗺️ The route
Free to viewArguably one of the best and surprisingly quiet Peak District sunrise spots, this circular sunrise walk starting at Winnats Pass will always be a good idea. This short walk with BIG views is the perfect walk to start your morning.
What to expect
You park high up, so elevation gain on this one is minimal but you still get amazing views into the valley and towards Castleton. This walk takes you along a mix of field paths and tarmac tracks and is definitely a low effort walk for a big return.
A great walk at any time of day, but if you do head out for sunrise, aim to get there 20 minutes early so you can see the colours changing as the sun gets closer to peeking, this is as special as the main event itself.
Getting there & parking
Parking – S33 8WA – On the road just off the top of Winnats Pass you’ll see a few lay-bys, these are free parking but it is very limited so please allow yourself plenty of time, people do get parking tickets here and that really would ruin your day. There is alternative parking in Castleton if needed but it will take you 20-30 minutes to walk upto the view point.
Good to know
No, there aren't any on this route.
On lead only.
Expect field paths & tarmac tracks underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 3.2 Miles
- 1-2 hours
- Easy
A relatively easy route, with little elevation. You start high, end high and don’t come down a lot at all. You will do a little circular along the edge, high above Winnats Pass before heading towards Cave Dale but turning off before you get there to join a farm track and loop back around to the start.
- Winnats Pass
Step-by-step
- From lay-by parking, head towards the top of Winnats Pass, along the road.
- Turn right at the farm.
- Walk along the edge towards the top of Cave Dale, you'll turn right just before.
- Shortly after this you'll see a gate onto a farm track.
- Follow this all the way to the end and you'll be back at your car.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Always bring extra warm layers for sunrise / sunset walks as the temperatures can change quickly during these times. Sipping a hot drink and watching the sunrise is one of our favourite things to do, ever. A seat mat is inexpensive, lightweight and can make sunrise viewings even better too.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Our everyday pick We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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Cold before the sun comes up Char wearsRab Microlight Alpine (Women's)
Lightweight, packable down jacket for cold starts and summit stops.
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A brew at the top We both useJetboil Stove
Fast, efficient stove for a brew or a hot meal on the trail.
