Beacon Hill

Hill, Mountain in Norfolk North Norfolk

England

Beacon Hill

Coastal defences, Nr Cliftonville When I first walked on this beach, about one year ago, I was amazed at all the coastal defences. The groynes do not seem to work any more, as there is no obvious build-up of sand on either side. — Coastal defences, Nr Cliftonville Credit: Julian Dowse

Beacon Hill is a prominent hill located in Norfolk, England. Standing at a height of approximately 103 meters, it is considered the highest point in the county. The hill is situated near the village of West Runton, approximately three miles west of Cromer, a popular coastal town.

Beacon Hill is part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the North Sea. At the summit, on clear days, visitors can enjoy vistas that stretch as far as the Norfolk Broads and the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The hill gets its name from the historical use of beacon fires, which were lit on its peak to warn of potential invasions during medieval times. Today, a stone obelisk stands as a monument to this history. The area surrounding the hill is also rich in archaeological finds, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and Roman artifacts discovered in the vicinity.

Beacon Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The surrounding heathland is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare bird species, butterflies, and wildflowers. The hill is crisscrossed by footpaths and bridleways, providing opportunities for hiking, horse riding, and birdwatching.

Visitors to Beacon Hill can also explore the nearby West Runton village, which features charming local shops, cafes, and a beautiful beach. The hill offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Norfolk.

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Beacon Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.892882/1.4007721 or Grid Reference TG2838. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coastal defences, Nr Cliftonville

When I first walked on this beach, about one year ago, I was amazed at all the coastal defences. The groynes do not seem to work any more, as there is no obvious build-up of sand on either side.

Julian Dowse

House in Cliftonville

N Chadwick

Terrace in Cliftonville

N Chadwick

Beach with groynes at Cliftonville

Alan Reid

Gimingham Village

The former mill pond left is now fishing lakes, the mill building is just off to the right. Link

Ashley Dace

Gimingham Mill

This former mill was once of the rare 'overshots' in Norfolk, fed by a large 20 acre broad fen. The wheel went early on and steam/diesel engines plus a water turbine (from 1912) was used to power the machinery. The mill worked until the mid 1970s using the diesel engine. Sadly the building burnt down but was rebuilt into a residential format. The diesel engine is preserved beside. Link

Ashley Dace

Gimingham Mill - Crossley Oil Engine

This preserved Crossley (of Manchester) oil engine ran the machinery via belt drive for many years. An impressive engine, a Blackstone can be seen running at Pakenham mill in Suffolk and a Hornsby can be seen at nearby (ish) Letheringsett mill. TG0638 : Ruston and Hornsby Diesel Milling Engine TL9369 : Paraffin Engine Pakenham Watermill

Ashley Dace

Gimingham Mill - Crossley Oil Engine

Ashley Dace

Gimingham Mill - Crossley Oil Engine

Ashley Dace

Gimingham Mill - Crossley Oil Engine

Ashley Dace

Road to Little Marl Point

The steep road leads to a small car park and to the beach from there.

Evelyn Simak

Beach by Little Marl Point

Evelyn Simak

Slipway below Little Marl Point

Evelyn Simak

Eroding cliffs by Little Marl Point

Evelyn Simak

Remains of a pillbox by Little Marl Point

It appears to have been of the same type as another one in a nearby field > Link. For a closer view see > Link. This seems to be the "Type 22 pillbox, Has fallen over the cliff - no remains" recorded in the Defence of Britain database with the reference number S0000938. The recorders cannot have looked very closely because the remains can clearly be seen even more than 20 years after the two field visits undertaken by the DoB recorders in October 1979 and in March 1985.

Evelyn Simak

Pillbox remains at Little Marl Point

It appears to have been of the same type as another one in a nearby field > Link. This seems to be the "Type 22 pillbox, Has fallen over the cliff - no remains" recorded in the Defence of Britain database with the reference number S0000938. The recorders cannot have looked very closely because the remains can clearly be seen even more than 20 years after the two field visits undertaken by the DoB recorders in October 1979 and in March 1985.

Evelyn Simak

Shingle beach between Little Marl Point and Marl Point

Evelyn Simak

Coastal erosion on Trimingham beach

Rates of erosion are highly variable, with the highest rates being found where there is a combination of easily erodable material and coastlines exposed to strong winds and high wave energy. The lowest rates (at Sheringham, Cromer and Bacton) reflect the effectiveness of the coastal protection schemes there. By contrast, the high rates of erosion between Overstrand and Trimingham are the result of the lack of coastal defences.

Evelyn Simak

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Beacon Hill is located at Grid Ref: TG2838 (Lat: 52.892882, Lng: 1.4007721)

Administrative County: Norfolk

District: North Norfolk

Police Authority: Norfolk