Wake up your summer breakfast

From Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands, discover six top sunrise spots for breakfast in the great outdoors – plus two great recipes

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There’s a moment as the sun steals over the horizon on a summer’s morning when anything and everything seems possible, and the future is as golden as the dawn.

But sunrises can be fleeting if merely observed. The joy of eating breakfast as the sun rises is the perfect blend of hope and experience. The new day dawns, the coffee seduces your nose, there’s a bowl of fruit and granola topped with a heaped teaspoonful (15g) of Nutella – however you greet the day, the slow creep of the sun’s first rays puts midnight fireworks to shame.

These isles were made for sunrises, the golden hour where everything is more beautiful and you can see the work of ages in the rocks and hills, or the route to far-off lands across wide, shining seas.

And to really put the “good” in good morning, you will need the perfect breakfast. Nutella has released six limited-edition jars showcasing stunning sunrise scenes from around the UK and Ireland – and has created recipes to match. So now you have all the inspiration you need to take your favourite spread for some dawn dining.

Whether you’re in the Highlands packing a warming porridge with toasted nuts, seeds and a swirl of Nutella, or in Cornwall enjoying freshly baked, Nutella-topped scones, you can be safe in the knowledge that anything is possible and you’re ready for all of it.

Coverack, Cornwall

Perched on the Lizard Peninsula, Coverack village (pictured at top of page) is outrageously quaint, with a harbour and pebble beach that make for excellent swimming if your appetite isn’t quite there yet. The sun rises to the east of the bay, appearing over the charmingly named Manacles. Swim into the sun’s first rays, then return to shore for your reward.

Nutella suggests: Breakfast scones with berries and a heaped teaspoon of Nutella

Torridon Hills, Scottish Highlands

In this scene of riches, eat your pot of porridge facing the stony Liathach mountain across Loch Torridon, or gasp in awe at the strange light when viewed across Loch Clair, like fire in the foothills. You could climb the hills, but that would spoil your breakfast view of them.

Nutella suggests: Porridge with toasted nuts, seeds and a heaped teaspoon of Nutella

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Breakfast on the beach overlooking Bamburgh is almost unfair on other sunrises, especially at low tide. The castle in silhouette, the sharp rocks, the surging waves and, thanks to the coastal weather system, some staggering cloud formations. So jaw-dropping it might make it hard to close your mouth while eating.

Nutella suggests: Mini banana breads with chia seeds, oats and a heaped teaspoon of Nutella

Summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Eryri (Snowdonia)

This increasingly popular sunrise spot has started to see some people walk up at night and wait for dawn. Others wake early. Either way, you will need a headtorch and, of course, a packed breakfast. This is a mountain, not a stroll. But it’s worth it, especially if you walk under a full moon.

Nutella suggests: Mixed berry and nut yoghurt parfait with a heaped teaspoon of Nutella

Friars Crag, Lake District

On the shore of Derwentwater, Friars’ Crag is accessible and beautiful, looking out over the lake towards Cat Bells and the Jaws of Borrowdale. The walk is wheelchair friendly and there is even a bench. The perfect perch for breakfast! But where there are benches, there are people, so make an early start.

Nutella suggests: Overnight oats with almonds, berries and a heaped teaspoon of Nutella

Diamond Hill, Connemara

Take a short hike up Diamond Hill for the brief illusion that you’ve conquered a Himalayan expedition or, at ground level, marvel at its mystical shape against the Atlantic sky. If no poetry comes to mind, you can still replenish your soul with your delicious morning meal, and almost believe you’re in Lord of the Rings.

Nutella suggests: Strawberry and blueberry soda bread farls with a heaped teaspoon of Nutella

Overnight oats with almonds, berries and Nutella

Makes 2 portions; easy 5-minute preparation

50g rolled oats
1 apple, grated, with the skin
1 overripe banana, peeled and mashed
150g mixed berries
100ml milk
100g 0% fat Greek yoghurt
10g toasted skin-on almonds
30g Nutella (15g/1 heaped teaspoon per portion)

In a bowl mix together the oats, apple, mashed banana and 100g mixed berries. Stir in the milk and Greek yoghurt.

Spoon the oat mixture into two containers or upcycled jars, and cover before placing in the fridge overnight.

To serve, top each portion with 1 heaped teaspoon of Nutella (15g) per jar and sprinkle with the remaining berries and toasted almonds.

Porridge with toasted nuts, seeds and Nutella

Serves 4; easy 5-minute cooking

200g instant rolled oats
400ml milk
200ml water
2 tsp vanilla extract
20g mixed unsalted nuts, toasted and finely chopped
100g raspberries to serve
60g Nutella (15g/1 heaped teaspoon per portion)

Add the oats, milk, water and vanilla extract to a saucepan, and heat gently for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Divide the porridge between four serving bowls.

Top with the toasted nuts, a few raspberries and drizzle with 1 heaped teaspoon of Nutella (15g) per portion.

Nutella’s six limited-edition jars showing sunrise scenes in Cornwall, Connemara, Eryri (Snowdonia), Northumberland, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands are available in all major retailers (while stocks last) – the perfect companion for your summer breakfast. Wake up your summer breakfast - Get inspired with recipes from the limited-edition jar collection

Images by Getty

Editor’s note: our recommendations are chosen independently by our journalists. The Observer may earn a small commission if a reader clicks a link and purchases a recommended product. This revenue helps support Observer journalism.

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