Dartmoor named among UK’s top 10 elite destinations for sunset hikes
A new data study has named Dartmoor National Park among the top ten premier destinations in the UK for summer sunset hikes, pointing to its favourable twilight times and vast trail network despite high cloud cover
Dartmoor has been recognized as one of the top ten destinations in the UK for summer sunset hikes, following an analytical study of regional outdoor data.
The research, compiled by outdoor retail experts Blacks, assessed UK hiking regions by analysing average summer sunset times, cloud coverage percentages, and the exact density of walking trails per 10 square kilometres.
According to the findings, Dartmoor National Park ranks tenth nationally, achieving an overall sunset score of 7.89 out of 10.
The data shows that Dartmoor features an average summer sunset time of 9:09 PM, a trail density of 3.5 routes per 10 square kilometres, and an average summer cloud cover figure of 53.3 per cent.
The South Downs claimed the top spot in the national index with a score of 9.67, followed closely by the Peak District and the Mourne Mountains.
Natalie Wolfenden, author and outdoor enthusiast at Blacks, noted that evening excursions have seen a significant surge in interest from the public.
“Sunset hikes are becoming increasingly popular, with searches increasing by 191% in the past three months," Miss Wolfenden said.
"Summer is the perfect time to go on a sunset hike. The skies are much clearer, making for better sunsets, and the warmer weather helps hikers to be more comfortable.”
Alongside the rankings, the study issued safety advice for walkers planning to head out onto the moors during the twilight hours.
The guidance emphasises that natural light diminishes quickly after the sun goes down, requiring hikers to carry dependable, fully charged illumination.
Miss Wolfenden added that temperature drops and tricky terrain remain key factors for walkers to monitor before leaving.
“It is important to pack correctly for a sunset hike," Miss Wolfenden stated.
"Temperatures can drop dramatically once the sun sets, and hikers finishing their journey will likely face cold and bitter weather.
“It is good practice to wear layers of clothing that can be removed and adjusted as the sun sets and the temperature changes."
"After the sun sets, it’s likely you’ll have minimal natural light. Therefore, you must bring a torch or head torch and ensure that it is well-charged.
The safety briefing also advises hikers to check local meteorological forecasts for heavy rain or unsettled conditions before setting off, to wear sturdy footwear, and to avoid standing too close to exposed high edges when viewing the horizon in low light.