Beacon Batch

Heritage Site in Somerset Mendip

England

Beacon Batch

Rhodyate Hill Farm
Rhodyate Hill Farm Credit: Tim

Beacon Batch, also known as Mendip's highest point, is a prominent hill located in Somerset, England. Situated within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it stands at an elevation of 325 meters (1,066 feet) above sea level. This makes it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The hill is home to an array of flora and fauna, including heather, gorse, and various species of butterflies and birds. Its location within the Mendip Hills also means that it forms part of an important limestone landscape, offering visitors the opportunity to explore unique geological features such as sinkholes, caves, and underground rivers.

At the summit of Beacon Batch, there is a stone cairn marking the highest point, providing a perfect vantage point for enjoying the scenic vistas of Somerset, Bristol, and even glimpses of the Welsh coast on clear days. The site has a historical significance as well, with evidence of Iron Age hillforts and Roman settlements in the vicinity.

In addition to its natural and historical significance, Beacon Batch is also known for its cultural importance. It has been used as a beacon site for centuries, with fires lit on its summit to signal important events or warnings. This tradition continues today, with beacon lighting ceremonies held on special occasions.

Overall, Beacon Batch in Somerset is a cherished heritage site that offers a rich blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural traditions. It truly encapsulates the charm and diversity of the Mendip Hills region.

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Beacon Batch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.3121/-2.7408 or Grid Reference ST4857. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rhodyate Hill Farm
Rhodyate Hill Farm
Burrington Combe The cliffs of Burrington Combe from the lower slopes of Black Down
Burrington Combe
The cliffs of Burrington Combe from the lower slopes of Black Down
On Beacon Batch The view from near the highest point in the Mendips. The Mendip hills are mostly made of limestone, but here older sandstones survive with a decrease in fertility, hence the moorland. The view north is dominated by Blagdon  Lake which supplies Bristol.
On Beacon Batch
The view from near the highest point in the Mendips. The Mendip hills are mostly made of limestone, but here older sandstones survive with a decrease in fertility, hence the moorland. The view north is dominated by Blagdon Lake which supplies Bristol.
Near Tyning's Farm, looking North West Near Tyning's Farm, looking North West towards the managed woodland in Rowberrow Warren
Near Tyning's Farm, looking North West
Near Tyning's Farm, looking North West towards the managed woodland in Rowberrow Warren
Middle Ellick Farm
Middle Ellick Farm
Top of Burrington Combe
Top of Burrington Combe
Rock of Ages Cleft in the rock inspired Rev A M Toplady to write the hymn 'Rock of Ages' after he sheltered here during a storm in 1767.
Rock of Ages
Cleft in the rock inspired Rev A M Toplady to write the hymn 'Rock of Ages' after he sheltered here during a storm in 1767.
Stile above Tynings Farm Looking South
Stile above Tynings Farm
Looking South
Footpaths on Blackdown Looking West. The hill in the right background is Worlebury, near Weston-super-Mare. The paths here are criss-crossed by lines of mounds about 1.5metres high ; said to have been made to stop enemy planes landing in WWII.
Footpaths on Blackdown
Looking West. The hill in the right background is Worlebury, near Weston-super-Mare. The paths here are criss-crossed by lines of mounds about 1.5metres high ; said to have been made to stop enemy planes landing in WWII.
Tumulus Near Tyning Farm
Tumulus
Near Tyning Farm
Radio Transmitters
Radio Transmitters
Tractor working near Tynings farm taken late autumn afternoon
Tractor working near Tynings farm
taken late autumn afternoon
Ephemeral Channel Pipeflow and interflow combine, with surface runoff between heather ling clumps and peat mounds, to form an ephemeral channel migrating down channel. This moves forward on the drier soils, the stream advancing in form. Peaty podzol, East Twin Brook, Blackdown Hills ORS, Mendip. source Research: 
MD Stagg University of Bristol thesis copyright 1973 and Dr Weyman MJ Kirkby LF Curtis 1969 and 1970.
That which stuns me is the erosion increase at Beacon Batch, south end headwater at the watershed, Richard Webb 2000 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/8099">ST4857 : On Beacon Batch</a>.
This picture is the basin head of the east tributary depression, winter bracken to the side, exact date uncertain, 1970 is given nearest to flume completion, closest flow record.
Ephemeral Channel
Pipeflow and interflow combine, with surface runoff between heather ling clumps and peat mounds, to form an ephemeral channel migrating down channel. This moves forward on the drier soils, the stream advancing in form. Peaty podzol, East Twin Brook, Blackdown Hills ORS, Mendip. source Research: MD Stagg University of Bristol thesis copyright 1973 and Dr Weyman MJ Kirkby LF Curtis 1969 and 1970. That which stuns me is the erosion increase at Beacon Batch, south end headwater at the watershed, Richard Webb 2000 ST4857 : On Beacon Batch. This picture is the basin head of the east tributary depression, winter bracken to the side, exact date uncertain, 1970 is given nearest to flume completion, closest flow record.
Moorland summer East Twin Brook Mendip Hills Blackdown ORS Peaty Podzol Ashen 
bracken and ling moorland
Flume discharge 3 was removed January 1971 
and the base unit by Darrell Weyman by 1973
Moorland summer
East Twin Brook Mendip Hills Blackdown ORS Peaty Podzol Ashen bracken and ling moorland Flume discharge 3 was removed January 1971 and the base unit by Darrell Weyman by 1973
Moorland winter The basin of East Twin Brook headwater with fallen bracken
after Weyman before Stagg nearest estimate on the research record set
is Tuesday 09 December 1969, if weather is correct.
It does illustrate the difference now and 1978 compared to 
managed moorland prior to the research (Derek Findlay: Soil Survey)
Moorland winter
The basin of East Twin Brook headwater with fallen bracken after Weyman before Stagg nearest estimate on the research record set is Tuesday 09 December 1969, if weather is correct. It does illustrate the difference now and 1978 compared to managed moorland prior to the research (Derek Findlay: Soil Survey)
Show me another place!

Beacon Batch is located at Grid Ref: ST4857 (Lat: 51.3121, Lng: -2.7408)

Administrative County: Somerset

District: Mendip

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset

What 3 Words

///domain.digitally.barman. Near Burrington, Somerset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.3121,-2.7408
Beacon Batch
Ele: 325
Man Made: survey_point
Natural: peak
Tpuk Ref: TP1472
Lat/Long: 51.3121253/-2.7408652
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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