Black Down Hills

Range Of Mountains, Range Of Hills in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Black Down Hills

Pitminster : Lowton Road Lowton Road off Blackdown Hill.
Pitminster : Lowton Road Credit: Lewis Clarke

The Black Down Hills, located in Somerset, England, form a range of hills that stretch across the county. Despite their name, the Black Down Hills are not actual mountains but rather a range of rolling hills and plateaus, making them a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The highest point in the Black Down Hills is Black Down, standing at an elevation of 325 meters (1,066 feet). From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park.

The landscape of the Black Down Hills is characterized by a mix of open moorland, heathland, and dense woodlands. These diverse habitats support a wide variety of plant and animal species, including rare butterflies, birds, and wildflowers. The area is also home to several nature reserves, such as Neroche Forest and Staple Common, which provide important habitats for wildlife.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Black Down Hills also have a rich cultural history. The area is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, including burial mounds, standing stones, and hill forts, which date back thousands of years. Visitors can explore these sites and learn about the region's fascinating past.

Overall, the Black Down Hills in Somerset offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and historical significance. Whether it's hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the stunning views, there is something for everyone to appreciate in this picturesque part of the country.

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Black Down Hills Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.943196/-3.1492403 or Grid Reference ST1916. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pitminster : Lowton Road Lowton Road off Blackdown Hill.
Pitminster : Lowton Road
Lowton Road off Blackdown Hill.
Pitminster : Woodland Woodland seen off Blackdown Hill.
Pitminster : Woodland
Woodland seen off Blackdown Hill.
Pitminster : Blackdown Hill Looking along the road.
Pitminster : Blackdown Hill
Looking along the road.
Pitminster : Blackdown Hill Looking along Blackdown Hill.
Pitminster : Blackdown Hill
Looking along Blackdown Hill.
Pitminster : Track A track heading off Blackdown Hill to Sheep Wash.
Pitminster : Track
A track heading off Blackdown Hill to Sheep Wash.
Northern slopes of Blackdown Hills from Angersleigh Looking SSW from near Angersleigh church across farmland towards Leigh Hill
Northern slopes of Blackdown Hills from Angersleigh
Looking SSW from near Angersleigh church across farmland towards Leigh Hill
Farmland SE of Ruggin Looking WSW across the northern slopes of the Blackdown Hills, with Buckland Wood and Hill behind
Farmland SE of Ruggin
Looking WSW across the northern slopes of the Blackdown Hills, with Buckland Wood and Hill behind
Quants Nature Reserve Hidden within steep woods on the north-facing slopes of the Blackdown Hills, this meadow forms part of Quants SSSI, rich in plants indicative of ancient woodland, butterflies and other fauna
Quants Nature Reserve
Hidden within steep woods on the north-facing slopes of the Blackdown Hills, this meadow forms part of Quants SSSI, rich in plants indicative of ancient woodland, butterflies and other fauna
Woodland meadow near Farm Wood Bungalow Here the lower north-facing slopes of the Blackdown Hills form a patchwork of woods (here oak) and fields. Looking northwards, with a view across the Vale of Taunton Deane in the background.
Woodland meadow near Farm Wood Bungalow
Here the lower north-facing slopes of the Blackdown Hills form a patchwork of woods (here oak) and fields. Looking northwards, with a view across the Vale of Taunton Deane in the background.
Pitminster: near Chelmsine Looking west-north-west over farmland. Wellington, with its church tower, can be seen in mid distance
Pitminster: near Chelmsine
Looking west-north-west over farmland. Wellington, with its church tower, can be seen in mid distance
Pitminster: cemetery at Chelmsine chapel Looking east-south-east with the Blackdown Hills beyond.
Pitminster: cemetery at Chelmsine chapel
Looking east-south-east with the Blackdown Hills beyond.
Churchstanton: Ringdown Nature Reserve A 59-acre site acquired by the Somerset Wildlife Trust in 1998. It runs down to a tributary of the river Culm. The estate includes wet woodland, marshy grassland, spring line mire and improved grassland. Orchids and butterwort feature together with devils bit scabious and bog asphodel. Woodcock and snipe can be seen here in the winter
Churchstanton: Ringdown Nature Reserve
A 59-acre site acquired by the Somerset Wildlife Trust in 1998. It runs down to a tributary of the river Culm. The estate includes wet woodland, marshy grassland, spring line mire and improved grassland. Orchids and butterwort feature together with devils bit scabious and bog asphodel. Woodcock and snipe can be seen here in the winter
Churchstanton: Downlands Lane Looking north
Churchstanton: Downlands Lane
Looking north
Pitminster: road by Mount Pleasant This route links Wellington with the A303 at Yarcombe and for much of its length runs in a series of straight sections. The bends at Mount Pleasant are untypical. Looking east-south-east
Pitminster: road by Mount Pleasant
This route links Wellington with the A303 at Yarcombe and for much of its length runs in a series of straight sections. The bends at Mount Pleasant are untypical. Looking east-south-east
Churchstanton: Trickey Warren Lane A public bridleway. Looking east-south-east
Churchstanton: Trickey Warren Lane
A public bridleway. Looking east-south-east
Pitminster: towards Angersleigh Looking north-north-east on the road from Forches Corner (The Marry Harriers). Ahead The Glebe House stands by the road to Taunton. To the right the church of St Michael and All Angels and Leigh Court are half hidden by trees. Taunton lies in the distance
Pitminster: towards Angersleigh
Looking north-north-east on the road from Forches Corner (The Marry Harriers). Ahead The Glebe House stands by the road to Taunton. To the right the church of St Michael and All Angels and Leigh Court are half hidden by trees. Taunton lies in the distance
Churchstanton: Ring Down Typical upland scenery on the Blackdown Hills. Looking east-south-east
Churchstanton: Ring Down
Typical upland scenery on the Blackdown Hills. Looking east-south-east
Five-road cross roads at Forches Corner
Five-road cross roads at Forches Corner
Show me another place!

Black Down Hills is located at Grid Ref: ST1916 (Lat: 50.943196, Lng: -3.1492403)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Somerset West and Taunton

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

Also known as: Blackdown Hills

What 3 Words

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