Beacon Hill

Hill, Mountain in Somerset Mendip

England

Beacon Hill

Horse Paddock on Bodden Lane A small paddock on the edge of this tiny hamlet with a pair of windswept ponies. — Horse Paddock on Bodden Lane Credit: Nigel Mykura

Beacon Hill is a prominent hill located in Somerset, England. It is part of the Mendip Hills, a range of limestone hills that stretches across the county. With an elevation of 1,001 feet (305 meters), Beacon Hill is the highest point in the Mendip Hills and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is known for its distinctive beacon, which historically served as a signal to warn of approaching danger or celebrate significant events. The beacon, although no longer in use, remains a historical landmark and adds to the charm of the area.

Beacon Hill is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its diverse flora and fauna. The hill is covered in heather and grassland, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including rare bird species and butterflies. Visitors can explore the numerous walking trails that wind their way through the hillside, offering opportunities to spot interesting plants and animals along the way.

The hill is also home to several ancient archaeological sites, including burial mounds and the remains of Iron Age fortifications. These sites provide a glimpse into the rich history of the area and offer a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who once inhabited the region.

Beacon Hill is easily accessible by car or foot, with parking available at the base of the hill. The summit can be reached via a well-maintained path, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're seeking stunning views, a peaceful walk, or a chance to connect with history, Beacon Hill is a must-visit destination in Somerset.

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Beacon Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.211339/-2.5193612 or Grid Reference ST6345. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Horse Paddock on Bodden Lane

A small paddock on the edge of this tiny hamlet with a pair of windswept ponies.

Nigel Mykura

Bodden Lane

Bodden Lane runs south from the small hamlet of Boddeen downhill to the town of Shepton Mallet

Nigel Mykura

Farm Buildings at Higher Farm

Higher Farm is the most northerly of the farms located at the hamlet of Bodden just north east of Shepton Mallet.

Nigel Mykura

A Wet Day on the Fosse Way

The route of the old Roman road can be clearly seen at this point and the track that now runs on this route is an ORPA. Other route with public access.

Nigel Mykura

Overgrown Roman Road

This small footpath marks the line of what used to be the Fosse Way. It runs north straight up to and over the summit of Beacon Hill showing Roman road building engineers had little regard for physical obstructions

Nigel Mykura

Crossroads on Waggon and Horses Hill

This is the crossroads where King's Road running up Waggon and Horses Hill crosses Bolters Lane.

Nigel Mykura

Entrance to Knapps Farm

Knapps Farm is no longer a working farm but is a residential establishment with paddocks that could be used as an equestrian facility.

Nigel Mykura

House at Three Ashes

Three Ashes was probably once a large working farm but today it seems to consist of several large houses and no working farms although some of the houses have adjacent paddocks.

Nigel Mykura

Wet Saturday Dog Walking near Withybrook

The dog walker passing the box-in-the-wall post box is turning off the Fosse Road into the minor road that runs down to Stoke Bottom. The Fosse Rd carries on to Stoke St Michael. The road she is heading down is signposted to Nettlebridge.

Nigel Mykura

Path and Sign at Beacon Hill Wood

PAUL FARMER

Old Milestone near Long Cross crossroads

The Milestone is located on grass verge among undergrowth on the North of the road. Parish of Doulting (Mendip District). Metal plate attached to stone post, Frome square iron plate design, erected by the Frome turnpike trust in the 19th Century, broken top left corner of plate. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- FROME / 8 / WELLS / 7 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1221602 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_FRWL08

JR Dowding

Old Milepost by A37, Bath Road, opposite former Downside Inn, North of Shepton Mallet

The Milepost is located on the bank alongside the road on the East side. Parish of Shepton Mallet (Mendip District). Cast iron post, plated iron casting design, erected by the Shepton Mallet turnpike trust in the 19th Century, hole in top below "Bath", missing rivet. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- SHEPTON / MALLET / 1 : : BRISTOL / 19 : : BATH / 16 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1167921 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_SMBR01

JR Dowding

Old Milepost by A37, Bristol Road, near junction of A37 and A367

The Milepost is located on grass verge on the East of the road. Parish of Ashwick (Mendip District). Cast iron post, plated iron casting design, erected by the Shepton Mallet turnpike trust in the 19th Century. An earlier photograph can be found here: Link Inscription reads:- SHEPTON / MALLET / 2 : : BRISTOL / 18 : : BATH / 15 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1058479 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SO_SMBR02

JR Dowding