Skillet Hill

Hill, Mountain in Essex Epping Forest

England

Skillet Hill

Bridge over the M25 near Upshire Officially named the London Orbital and frequently derided as nothing more than a very big car park, the M25 is a 117-mile orbital motorway that encircles London; one of the world&#039;s biggest ring roads (Europe&#039;s second longest orbital road after the Berliner Ring, which is 122 miles). It is not, however, a continuous loop of motorway as the Dartford Crossing section (comprising the Dartford Tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge) over the Thames and its approach roads are designated as the A282.

Constructed between 1975 and 1986, the M25 is reputedly the most expensive motorway Britain ever built, costing a total of £909m or roughly £7.5m per mile, but at the time of its planning, the demand for the road was considerably underestimated so that when it was finally completed in 1986, it was already out of date. Demand outstripped capacity within a few years and ever since then it&#039;s been very heavily congested.

The M25 is one of the UK’s busiest motorways, carrying up to 200,000 vehicles and 10,000 HGVs per day (AADT - Annual Average Daily Traffic flow) on the section near to Heathrow Airport. Since its opening in the 1980s, the southern, western and eastern sections have been widened to largely dual four lane (D4M) standard, but much of the motorway retains its dual three lane road (D3M) cross-section as originally built.

The M25 was home to England&#039;s first Variable Speed Limits on motorways between the A3 and M4 in the early 1990s.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.cbrd.co.uk/motorway/m25/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cbrd.co.uk/motorway/m25/">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> cbrd
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=M25" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=M25">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> SABRE — Bridge over the M25 near Upshire Credit: David Dixon

Skillet Hill is a prominent natural landmark located in Essex, England. Situated in the eastern part of the county, it is known for its distinctive shape and stunning views. Despite its name, Skillet Hill is not actually a hill but rather a small mountain, with an elevation of approximately 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level.

The hill is characterized by its steep slopes and rugged terrain, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. It is covered in a dense forest, primarily consisting of oak and beech trees, which adds to its picturesque appeal. The thick vegetation also provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.

At the summit of Skillet Hill, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby villages and the rolling hills of Essex. On a clear day, it is even possible to see as far as the coast, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Skillet Hill has a rich history dating back centuries. It has been the subject of various folklore and legends, with tales of buried treasures and mythical creatures associated with the area. Additionally, archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of ancient settlements, indicating that the hill has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

In conclusion, Skillet Hill in Essex is a remarkable natural feature, offering both beauty and intrigue to those who explore its slopes. Whether for hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the stunning vistas, it is a destination that captivates and delights visitors.

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Skillet Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.679121/0.039418475 or Grid Reference TQ4199. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge over the M25 near Upshire

Officially named the London Orbital and frequently derided as nothing more than a very big car park, the M25 is a 117-mile orbital motorway that encircles London; one of the world's biggest ring roads (Europe's second longest orbital road after the Berliner Ring, which is 122 miles). It is not, however, a continuous loop of motorway as the Dartford Crossing section (comprising the Dartford Tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge) over the Thames and its approach roads are designated as the A282. Constructed between 1975 and 1986, the M25 is reputedly the most expensive motorway Britain ever built, costing a total of £909m or roughly £7.5m per mile, but at the time of its planning, the demand for the road was considerably underestimated so that when it was finally completed in 1986, it was already out of date. Demand outstripped capacity within a few years and ever since then it's been very heavily congested. The M25 is one of the UK’s busiest motorways, carrying up to 200,000 vehicles and 10,000 HGVs per day (AADT - Annual Average Daily Traffic flow) on the section near to Heathrow Airport. Since its opening in the 1980s, the southern, western and eastern sections have been widened to largely dual four lane (D4M) standard, but much of the motorway retains its dual three lane road (D3M) cross-section as originally built. The M25 was home to England's first Variable Speed Limits on motorways between the A3 and M4 in the early 1990s. Link

cbrd Link

SABRE

David Dixon

Variable Message Sign on the M25 at Copthall Green

Variable message signs (VMS), also sometimes referred to as matrix signs, are electronic traffic signs used on motorways (and some other major routes) to give drivers information about special events and to warn them about traffic congestion, accidents, incidents, roadworks or speed limits on specific sections of the route. They may also suggest (or instruct) drivers to take alternative routes, limit speed, warn of the duration and location of the incidents or just inform them of the traffic conditions. Drivers carrying freight bound for the cross-channel port of Dover are instructed to use the M20 by this sign.

David Dixon