Beacon Hill

Hill, Mountain in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Beacon Hill

The lychgate to St Margaret's Church
The lychgate to St Margaret's Church Credit: Steve Daniels

Beacon Hill is a prominent geographical feature located in Oxfordshire, England. Rising to an elevation of 261 meters (856 feet), it is classified as a hill or mountain depending on one's perspective. Situated near the village of Watlington, Beacon Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The hill's name originates from the historical use of beacons, which were lit on its summit to warn of impending danger or to communicate important messages across long distances. This practice dates back centuries and was particularly prevalent during times of war. Today, the remnants of these beacons can still be seen at the top of the hill, adding to its historical significance.

Access to Beacon Hill is relatively easy, with footpaths and trails leading up from the village of Watlington. The ascent is moderate, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Oxfordshire countryside, including rolling hills, picturesque farmland, and charming villages.

In addition to its natural beauty, Beacon Hill is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The hill's diverse ecosystem supports numerous species of plants and animals, making it an important ecological site within the region. It is not uncommon to encounter wildlife such as rabbits, foxes, and various bird species during a hike.

Overall, Beacon Hill in Oxfordshire offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Whether one seeks a peaceful walk in nature or a chance to learn about the area's past, this hill is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Beacon Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.667278/-0.94781875 or Grid Reference SU7297. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The lychgate to St Margaret's Church
The lychgate to St Margaret's Church
St Margaret's Church in Lewknor The Church of England parish church was built some time after 1146 and enlarged in the 14th century.
St Margaret's Church in Lewknor
The Church of England parish church was built some time after 1146 and enlarged in the 14th century.
St Margaret's Church in Lewknor The Church of England parish church was built some time after 1146 and enlarged in the 14th century.
St Margaret's Church in Lewknor
The Church of England parish church was built some time after 1146 and enlarged in the 14th century.
Ye Olde Leathern Bottle in Lewknor Ye Olde Leathern Bottle is a Brakspear pub.
Ye Olde Leathern Bottle in Lewknor
Ye Olde Leathern Bottle is a Brakspear pub.
Gallop, Aston Rowant View up to Aston Wood on the Chilterns scarp.
Gallop, Aston Rowant
View up to Aston Wood on the Chilterns scarp.
Corralled horse, view to Beacon Hill This horse in the field with gallops appears to have been put into solitary confinement in its own little cage. The view beyond is to Beacon Hill, part of Aston Rowant  National Nature Reserve.
Corralled horse, view to Beacon Hill
This horse in the field with gallops appears to have been put into solitary confinement in its own little cage. The view beyond is to Beacon Hill, part of Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve.
Woodway Cottages, Aston Rowant
Woodway Cottages, Aston Rowant
Ploughed and seeded field, Aston Rowant The green of a new crop is just beginning to show.
Ploughed and seeded field, Aston Rowant
The green of a new crop is just beginning to show.
White horses with black-clad riders, Aston Rowant The horse exercise gallops and Woodway Farm are seen on the left.
White horses with black-clad riders, Aston Rowant
The horse exercise gallops and Woodway Farm are seen on the left.
Gallop on Woodway Farm, Aston Rowant
Gallop on Woodway Farm, Aston Rowant
Horse riders with hi-viz jackets, Aston Rowant They are on the track from Icknield Way to Aston Rowant.
Horse riders with hi-viz jackets, Aston Rowant
They are on the track from Icknield Way to Aston Rowant.
Icknield Way near Aston Rowant This is also the Ridgeway long-distance trail.
Icknield Way near Aston Rowant
This is also the Ridgeway long-distance trail.
Sloes by the Ridgeway
Sloes by the Ridgeway
Blackberries by the Ridgeway
Blackberries by the Ridgeway
Haws by the Ridgeway
Haws by the Ridgeway
Rose hips by the Ridgeway
Rose hips by the Ridgeway
7-spot ladybird in hedgerow Seven-spot ladybird in hedgerow by the Ridgeway. I think it is on a hazel leaf.
7-spot ladybird in hedgerow
Seven-spot ladybird in hedgerow by the Ridgeway. I think it is on a hazel leaf.
Track to Grove Farm Grove Wood and Kingston Wood clothe the Chilterns scarp behind the farm. Photo from the Ridgeway.
Track to Grove Farm
Grove Wood and Kingston Wood clothe the Chilterns scarp behind the farm. Photo from the Ridgeway.
Show me another place!

Beacon Hill is located at Grid Ref: SU7297 (Lat: 51.667278, Lng: -0.94781875)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: South Oxfordshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///painter.observers.proposals. Near Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire

Nearby Locations

Beacon Hill

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.667278,-0.94781875
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 51.6643433/-0.9446776
Direction: 300
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 51.6683661/-0.949707
Phone
Check Date: 2022-04-13
Emergency: phone
Lat/Long: 51.6665742/-0.9544342
Hazard: falling_rocks
Note: Falling rocks hazard sign
Source: survey
Traffic Sign: GB:559
Lat/Long: 51.6635596/-0.9481958
Bench
Lat/Long: 51.6675796/-0.9530618
Bench
Lat/Long: 51.6676154/-0.9530949
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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