Highlight • Viewpoint
Beacon Hill Trig Point
Hiking
5.0
(43)
Running
5.0
(15)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
April 25, 2022
Hiking
January 11, 2024
Hiking
January 13, 2024
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Beacon Hill Trig Point
4.8
(12)
62
hikers
15.2km
04:24
390m
390m
Embark on the Bignolla Post, Black Hill & Holford loop, a moderate hike that guides you through the varied terrain of the Quantock Hills. This route spans 9.5 miles (15.2 km) and includes an elevation gain of 1279 feet (390 metres), offering a rewarding challenge. You can expect to complete this journey in about 4 hours and 24 minutes, traversing natural paths through woodlands and open hillsides adorned with gorse and heather, with the Beacon Hill Trig Point providing expansive coastal views.
When planning your visit, note that the trail is generally accessible, but you should be ready for varied and unpaved paths. Parking is typically available in or near Holford Village, which serves as a convenient starting point for your adventure. While no specific permits or fees are mentioned, it is always a good idea to check local conditions before you head out.
This loop showcases the diverse beauty of the Quantock Hills, now a National Landscape, known for its unique blend of moorland and coastline. You will encounter charming Holford Village, distinguished by its thatched cottages and historic character, adding a cultural highlight to your outdoor experience. The route offers glimpses across the Bristol Channel to Wales, making it a memorable exploration of this distinctive region.
5.0
(3)
48
hikers
10.9km
03:10
300m
300m
Embark on the Holford & Beacon Hill loop, a moderate 6.8-mile (10.9 km) hike in the Quantock Hills that typically takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete. You will gain 969 feet (295 metres) in elevation as you traverse deep wooded valleys, known as "combes," and ascend to open heathland. From Beacon Hill, enjoy panoramic views stretching across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales, and even glimpse Exmoor's distant peaks. The trail winds through ancient oak woodlands, offering a diverse landscape of rolling hills and stream-filled combes. You will need good fitness and sure-footedness for the varied terrain, which includes some steep climbs and descents. This popular route offers a rich experience of the Quantock Hills' natural beauty. Holford village serves as the starting point for this loop. While the trail is generally accessible, be prepared for varied paths including forest tracks, quiet country roads, and both smooth and stony sections. Some shallow stream crossings require careful footing. The Coleridge Way, which this loop follows a section of, is well-regarded for its scenic beauty, making it a rewarding choice for a day hike. The Quantock Hills are recognized as England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing a stunning backdrop for your adventure. This particular loop is the most popular hiking route around Holford, offering a taste of the longer 51-mile (82 km) Coleridge Way. You will pass by Alfoxton Park, once home to William Wordsworth, and discover Beacon Hill, which features a trig point on an ancient burial site. The historic Holford village itself adds to the charm, with its past as a Huguenot silk factory site.
4.8
(5)
23
hikers
20.1km
05:37
370m
390m
Prepare for a challenging hike on the Beacon Hill & Kilve Coast loop, a difficult route covering 12.5 miles (20.1 km) with an elevation gain of 1225 feet (373 metres). This adventure will take you around 5 hours and 36 minutes to complete. You will experience a diverse landscape, from the open, rolling heathland of Beacon Hill, offering expansive views across the Bristol Channel, to sheltered wooded combes. The trail also guides you along dramatic coastal paths, where the sea meets ancient geology. Expect varied terrain underfoot, making for a truly engaging day out.
This is a difficult hike, so ensure you have very good fitness before setting out. You will encounter muddy footpaths, rocky ground, and stream crossings, so come prepared with sturdy shoes suitable for varied terrain. While this full loop is demanding, you can find shorter, easier routes in the area if you prefer a less strenuous walk. Always check local conditions before you go, especially regarding tides if you plan to explore the beach.
This route takes you through the Quantock Hills National Landscape, an area known for its unique blend of inland and coastal scenery. A highlight is the stretch along the Jurassic Coast, where you can explore the Kilve Beach Fossil Beds when the tide is out. You will also pass St Audries Bay, notable for its picturesque cascading waterfalls. This trail offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the natural beauty and geological wonders of this part of the English coastline.
Details
Informations
Elevation 290 m
Weather
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Friday 15 May
13°C
7°C
79 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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