BEST SUNRISE WALK IN THE PEAK DISTRICT: WIN HILL AND LADY BOWER LOOP
This breathtaking Peak District walk offers stunning sunrise views over Ladybower Reservoir and beyond.
Start: what3words: shackles.chucks.butterfly (Small layby or street-side parking. Alternatively, park at Yorkshire Bridge Inn if you plan on being a customer).
Distance: 7 miles (Shorter option: ~2 miles out-and-back)
Elevation: 1,550 feet
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy (with some moderate sections)
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
Looking for an incredible sunrise walk near Manchester? This 7-mile circular walk to Win Hill offers some of the most breathtaking sunrise views in the Peak District. The route includes an ascent to Win Hill's summit, where you’ll get panoramic views over Ladybower Reservoir, Bamford Edge, and the surrounding hills, followed by a scenic loop past the dramatic Ladybower plugholes and dam.
If you’re short on time, you can opt for a shorter out-and-back route, reaching the summit in under 40 minutes (approximately 2 miles total).
Route difficulty
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (Steady climb to Win Hill, then easier descent)
Terrain: Well-defined trails, some rocky paths
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on leads near livestock
Route highlights
Win Hill Summit at Sunrise
The climb up to Win Hill is absolutely worth the effort, especially at sunrise. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over Ladybower Reservoir, the Great Ridge, and Kinder Scout. On clear mornings, the golden light floods the valley, and you may even be met with a cloud inversion.
Ladybower Plugholes & Dam
After descending from Win Hill, the walk takes you past the famous Ladybower plugholes—dramatic bellmouth spillways designed to control the reservoir’s water levels. These vast circular drains are mesmerizing when overflowing, creating a giant whirlpool effect. You can also cross Ladybower Dam for more scenic views.
Where to view the plugholes:
Roadside viewpoint near Yorkshire Bridge Inn
Viewing platform across the dam wall
Best seen in winter and spring when water levels are high
Yorkshire Bridge Inn – Perfect post-walk stop 🍻
If you fancy a rewarding breakfast or coffee after your walk, the Yorkshire Bridge Inn is a great spot. They offer a hearty breakfast menu, making it an ideal place to refuel before heading home.
Route difficulty
Full Loop (7 miles): Moderate difficulty due to elevation gain, but well-maintained paths make it manageable.
Shorter Route (2 miles out-and-back): Ideal for those who want a quicker sunrise experience with a rewarding summit.
Where to park?
Shackles.chucks.butterfly (what3words) – Small layby or roadside parking.
Yorkshire Bridge Inn – Parking available for customers.
Heatherdene Car Park (pay & display) – Toilets available; a short walk from Ladybower Dam.
Getting to the starting point
By Car:
From Manchester: ~50 minutes via A57 Snake Pass.
From Sheffield: ~40 minutes via A57.
By Public Transport:
Train to Bamford Station, then a ~25-minute walk to the start.
✔️ Good to knows
Best time to visit: For sunrise, aim to start your walk about an hour before sunrise time.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots recommended, as the ascent can be rocky.
Weather: Check the forecast—misty mornings can add to the atmosphere, but strong winds at the summit can be challenging.
Photography tip: The best angles for sunrise shots are from the trig point at the summit, looking east over Hope Valley.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow the flatter walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
