Make the most of the summer solstice with these sensational sunset road-trips - as chosen by the team here at Select Car Leasing.
Solstice marks the longest day of the year, and for many the official, bona fide beginning of the summer.
The solstice falls on Tuesday June 21st in 2022, with the sunset itself due to drop at around 10:13pm.
And if you fancy hitting the road to enjoy a soul-stirring drive as well as a picturesque sun-down to live long in the memory, read-on for our selection of potential outings.
Remember, the key to enjoying the sunset is in getting to a location where there’s a clear, uninterrupted view of the western sky, free from the clutter of trees or tall buildings.
You can also find out the precise time of the sunset near you by simply asking Alexa, if you’ve got an Amazon account, or talking to Siri on your iPhone.
Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia, Wales (A4086)
North Wales is home to some of the finest driving roads in the whole of the UK, as you move from hairpin mountain passes to sumptuous lakeside vistas. And the A4086 that runs through the heart of the Llanberis valley is one of the best, taking you from Caernarfon in the west and Capel Curig in the east, and also traversing the foothills of Snowdon itself. Best bet for the sunset is picturesque Llyn Padarn, a glacial lake near Llanberis.
Corfe Castle, Dorset (A351)
Corfe Castle is a stunning village in Dorset that takes its name from the Norman fortress that dominates the Purbeck landscape above. The ruined castle itself lies to the west of A351, making it a great place to watch the sunset. You can continue your journey west through Church Knowle and Steeple for more spectacular views to the west over the coastal bays.
Winnats Pass and Mam Tor, Peak District (Edale circular)
The Peak District in the north of England has no shortage of decent views, particularly around the many gritstone rocky outcrops popular with hikers and climbers. But the Edale Road and Castleton Road that loops around the Edale valley is a sure-fire way to catch the sunset. The loop takes in the spectacular Winnats Pass limestone gorge, while the section of road that faces west towards ‘Mam Tor’ hill will be a sunset trap.
Exmoor National Park, Devon (Little Switzerland)
Exmoor National Park, located in west Somerset and north Devon, is an International Dark Sky Reserve, renowned for its open vistas and spectacular view of the heavens. So what better place to catch a sunset? Try what’s known as the ‘Little Switzerland’ route, which heads through the Valley of Rocks, Heddon Valley, Watersmeet, Brendon and Countisbury along the north Devon coast.
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick, Lake District (B5292)
Castlerigg Stone Circle is pretty much the Stonehenge of the north - and the great thing about this attraction is that you can drive right up to it, with the ancient rocks silhouetted by the Lake District fells to the West. Once you’ve savoured the stones, keep heading west to get on the B5292 to Cockermouth, which passes through the stunning Whinlatter Forest.
Sennen Cove, Cornwall (B3306 St Ives to Sennen)
Work your way south-west from St Ives down to Sennen and you’ll be treated to one of the best drives in the UK, and which also culminates with one of the best sunsets looking out over Sennen Cove. If you’ve got time, it’s also a spectacular spot for a quick surf, too.
Glencoe, Scotland (A82)
Follow the A82 north from Glasgow and, sooner or later, you’ll turn to the west to be confronted by the imposing and majestic Glencoe valley. Towering mountains rise up to your left and your right, but the view out west is unimpeded, leaving you to stare in amazement at the sunset. Keep your eyes peeled for hapless deer wandering into the road, as well as an Instagram-worthy place to park up and take pics.
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