Cratcliffe Tor – The Most Underrated Sunrise Spot in the Peak District
🥾 Peak District

Cratcliffe Tor – The Most Underrated Sunrise Spot in the Peak District

🧡 Char & Ads 📅 June 9, 2026
📍
1.3 Miles
Distance
⏱️
1 Hour
Duration
💪
Easy–Moderate
Difficulty
⛰️
322ft
Elevation
🅿️
Free (limited)
Parking
🍂
Year round
Best Season
🐕
On lead only
Dogs
🌿
Woodland paths, rocky, cliffside
Terrain
🚻
No
Toilets
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🗺️ The route

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📍 Start: DE4 2LZ
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Cratcliffe Tor – The Most Underrated Sunrise Spot in the Peak District

There’s some really good sunrise spots in the Peak District but Cratcliffe Tor has to be one of our favourites, we regularly get this place all to ourselves and you could too. Parking in a small lay-by only 10 minutes from the viewpoint we always wonder why more people don’t head here.

What to expect

A short walk off the beaten path with big views. The lay-by parking isn’t the best, there’s some big potholes and its on a busy main road but if you can get over that then we think you’ll love this one.

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After watching the sunrise, head into the woods below to find a really interesting carving in a cave, its really not what you expect to see in this sort of place, but definitely worth a look.

Snowy woodlands scene in the morning light at Cratcliffe Tor
Snowy woodlands scene in the morning light at Cratcliffe Tor

Getting there & parking

FREE limited lay-by parking – Located on the B5056 near Birchover, the closest postcode is DE4 2LZ.

Best time to visit Best months: January to December
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Now Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best
Good
Quieter / wet underfoot

Good to know

🅿️Where do we park?

You'll find free (limited) parking at the start of the walk. Postcode for sat nav: DE4 2LZ.

🚻Are there toilets?

No, there aren't any on this route.

🐕Can I bring the dog?

On lead only.

🥾What underfoot?

Expect woodland paths, rocky, cliffside underfoot.

The route

From the lay-by cross the road and head up the steep tarmac road towards the big rocks above, this is Cratcliffe Tor. You’ll go through a small gate and into the woods, follow this path and up onto the tops, the view across open countryside here is beautiful, especially after only a short 10 minute walk. The carving is underneath the sunrise viewing place and we definitely recommend going to see it after watching the sunrise.

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Snowy sunrise at Cratcliffe Tor, with snow covered fields and rocks all around

Tips & what to bring

Remember to bring extra layers for sunrise /sunset walks and maybe a hot drink to hold as the sun comes up.

Eat & drink nearby

There’s nowhere directly on this route, but there’s a few local pubs in Youlgreave, Birchover and its only a 15 minute drive from the beautiful town of Bakewell if you wanted to extend your day out.

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop Cafe
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is one of the only places you can try this early 19th century recipe.
4.2 miles away View →
The Charleston Restaurant
The Charleston in Bakewell is a 1920's style, restaurant, cocktail, wine bar and live jazz music venue in the heart of the…
4.2 miles away View →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Pub
The Ashford Arms is a quintessential country pub that blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort.
5.3 miles away View →
Tagg Lane Dairy, Monyash, Peak District Farm shop
Tagg Lane Dairy, home to the best ice cream in the Peak District, possibly the whole UK. A proper farm dairy treat,…
6.4 miles away View →
See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it
The George Hotel, Hathersage
Hotel · 12.2 miles away
Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →
The Peacock At Rowsley ✦ NewHotel
A historic 17th century luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Peak District
3 miles away View →
Darwin Forest ✦ NewGlamping
Darwin Forest is a luxury lodge holiday park nestled in 47 acres of woodland on the edge of the Peak District between…
4.9 miles away View →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel
A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…
5.3 miles away View →
A Charming Country Cottage Just Minutes From The Monsal Dale & Trail ✦ NewSelf-catering
Unwind at this cosy cottage on the doorstep of some of the best walks in the Peak District
6.3 miles away View →
See all places to stay on the map →

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