Ashton Hill

Hill, Mountain in Somerset

England

Ashton Hill

Ashton Hill is a prominent geographical feature located in Somerset, England. Rising to an elevation of 307 meters (1,007 feet), it is classified as a hill rather than a mountain. Situated near the village of Long Ashton, Ashton Hill offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Covered in lush green vegetation, the hill is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The slopes are adorned with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, providing a rich habitat for various bird species, small mammals, and insects. Hikers and walkers can explore the numerous footpaths and trails that crisscross the hill, offering opportunities to observe the local wildlife up close.

Additionally, Ashton Hill boasts a rich historical significance. The hill was once part of a larger estate owned by the Ashton family, who were prominent landowners in the area during the medieval period. Today, remnants of old stone walls and structures can still be found scattered across the hill, providing glimpses into its past.

Reaching the summit of Ashton Hill rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding Somerset countryside. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the Bristol Channel and even the distant coastline of Wales. This vantage point makes Ashton Hill a popular spot for photographers and those seeking a peaceful retreat to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Overall, Ashton Hill in Somerset offers a combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical charm, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Ashton Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.386618/-2.4679713 or Grid Reference ST6765. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Wheatsheaf

thejackrustles

Saltford - The River Avon by the Riverside Inn

Colin Park

Saltford - The River Avon east of Saltford Marina

Colin Park

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the Wheatsheaf Inn. It marks a point 96.079m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Bluebells, Stantonbury Hill

Perfect weather this Spring has brought out a large showing of woodland bluebells.

Neil Owen

White bluebells

Despite the obvious misnomer, there are white flowers among the traditional blue variety. Pink ones also occur. Some estimate that whites occur less than 1:10,000, and are a natural phenomenon. The introduction of the Spanish Bluebell variety has produced hybridisation, making identifying the exact species tricky.

Neil Owen

Awash with Bluebells, Stantonbury Hill

The footpath up to the top of Stantonbury Hill has been blessed this year with a fabulous showing of the traditional woodland bluebell.

Neil Owen

Bluebells, Stantonbury Hill

Bluebells thriving on the slopes of the old hill-fort, along with a generous mixture of deciduous trees.

Neil Owen

Hilltop agriculture

The top of Stantonbury Hill is a small plateau. After passing through the tree-lined and bluebell covered slopes (see ST6763 : Awash with Bluebells, Stantonbury Hill for example), the open area is a bit of a surprise. Here there is clear evidence of cultivation, and ST6763 : Take-away for pheasants? may indicate the area is kept for the benefit of pheasants.

Neil Owen

Take-away for pheasants?

A feeder constructed from handy materials, presumably for the use by pheasants. A nearby sett may be home to a few more interested parties. The thin hedgeline and the cultivated ground behind it may suggest the hilltop is being specifically prepared for birds, though. See ST6763 : Hilltop agriculture for a better view of the machinery.

Neil Owen

Bluebells this way

In fact, they are almost everywhere!

Neil Owen

Footpath through the bluebells

Stantonbury Hill is the site of an old hill-fort, and the footpath goes right across it. The weather this Spring has certainly brought the best out of these traditional woodland flowers.

Neil Owen

Profile of Stantonbury Hill

A view of the old hill-fort showing the outline of the land and the trees on the higher slopes. The ancient earthworks known as the Wansdyke ran across it, although little evidence remains here now.

Neil Owen

Bowing Bluebells

The bluebell, (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), seen here in classic pose. This traditional woodland flower arrives in Spring typically in older, deciduous woodland; it is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 too.

Neil Owen

The marina at Saltford

Steve Daniels

The River Avon by Saltford

Steve Daniels

Whoops!

The notorious A39/B3116 junction is known locally as the Two-Headed Man - which is what you will need to be if you want to negotiate this hazardous area. Despite having installed traffic lights recently, someone has clearly gone straight on into the lamps and earth banking.

Neil Owen