Blackdown Hill

Hill, Mountain in Warwickshire Warwick

England

Blackdown Hill

Bericote Lane with Nishan Sahib This view over Bericote Lane, Blackdown, looking towards Bericote Wood, is framed by a pair of saffron-coloured Nishan Sahib flags, the &#039;exalted ensign&#039; of the Khalsa Panth of initiated Sikhs. They stand outside the entrance to the Baba Ke gurdwara or Sikh temple on the northern outskirts of Leamington Spa, which is unusual in Britain for its rural setting. For more on the Nishan Sahib see the Sikh Museum website here <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.sikhmuseum.com/nishan/index.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.sikhmuseum.com/nishan/index.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> . — Bericote Lane with Nishan Sahib Credit: A J Paxton

Blackdown Hill is an imposing geological feature located in the county of Warwickshire, England. Standing at an elevation of 275 meters (902 feet), it is considered one of the highest points in the county and is part of the wider Clent Hills range. The hill is situated within the Blackdown Nature Reserve, which covers an area of approximately 40 hectares.

Blackdown Hill is characterized by its gently sloping grassy terrain, adorned with patches of heather and bracken. The hill is largely composed of sandstone, a sedimentary rock that gives it its distinctive reddish color. The sandy soil, combined with the hill's elevation, fosters a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna.

At the summit of Blackdown Hill, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. On clear days, one can see as far as the Malvern Hills to the west and the Cotswolds to the south. The hill's vantage point also overlooks the peaceful village of Kenilworth, adding to its picturesque appeal.

The Blackdown Nature Reserve, managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, provides a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers alike. The area is home to an array of bird species, including buzzards, kestrels, and skylarks, making it a popular destination for birdwatching. The hill's diverse habitats also support a range of butterfly and wildflower species, adding to its ecological significance.

Overall, Blackdown Hill in Warwickshire offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the English countryside while enjoying breathtaking views and a rich biodiversity.

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Blackdown Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.317817/-1.5318275 or Grid Reference SP3268. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bericote Lane with Nishan Sahib

This view over Bericote Lane, Blackdown, looking towards Bericote Wood, is framed by a pair of saffron-coloured Nishan Sahib flags, the 'exalted ensign' of the Khalsa Panth of initiated Sikhs. They stand outside the entrance to the Baba Ke gurdwara or Sikh temple on the northern outskirts of Leamington Spa, which is unusual in Britain for its rural setting. For more on the Nishan Sahib see the Sikh Museum website here Link

A J Paxton

Field Path from Hill Wootton Road to Wootton Spinnies

The path along the edge of a ploughed field is indicated by a sign of the distinctive design of the Kenilworth Footpath Preservation Group. In the Spinnies, a linear wood by the River Avon, the path divides, one route continuing to Chesford Bridge over the Avon, the other to Leek Wootton village as indicated on the sign.

A J Paxton

Footpath from Hill Wootton village to Wootton Spinnies and Kenilworth Road

The direction of the path is indicated by a signpost of the distinctive design of the Kenilworth Footpaths Preservation Group. Wootton Spinnies by the River Avon can be seen on the horizon.

A J Paxton

Wall with Virginia creeper, Hill Wootton Road

This well-covered wall, and an unusual mansard roof behind the telegraph pole giving it a rather French appearance, can be seen in Hill Wootton village.

A J Paxton

Path through the maize to Wootton Spinnies

Tall maize plants heavy with cobs frame an oak tree on the edge of Wootton Spinnies, a linear wood which runs along the bank of the River Avon, then continues to the west in a sinuous path towards Leek Wootton village.

A J Paxton

Confluence of the Cattle Brook and the River Avon

The confluence is viewed from a footbridge over the Cattle Brook, a stream which rises on the southern outskirts of Kenilworth and flows eastwards for about two kilometres before flowing into the Avon by Wootton Spinnies.

A J Paxton

Looking across the River Avon towards New Farm, Blackdown

The Warwickshire Avon is here flowing to the south east in a sinuous curve, from left to right in this picture, though its overall course is south westwards towards Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, where it joins the Severn.

A J Paxton

Entrance to the Ramada Hotel, near Chesford Bridge

The hotel had been designated as an NHS Vaccination Centre for the Covid-19 booster programme. People coming by car were directed to a spacious rear car park, thence to a large but very odd function room. There was a long queue for the shots, which were professionally administered by at least half a dozen vaccinators. The Pfizer vaccine and a flu vaccine were given at the same time (we had had the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier in the year). Anyone attending by bus from the Kenilworth direction had to undertake a hazardous crossing of the A452 to reach the hotel.

Robin Stott

Garden of the Ramada Hotel, Chesford Bridge

The lower level is floodplain: the River Avon runs in the shadow of the distant trees. The red car, right, is heading north on the A452 Kenilworth Road. The old bridge is just visible, centre. The view from the queue for the booster.

Robin Stott