Beacon Hill
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Beacon Hill
Located near the picturesque town of Melton Mowbray, Beacon Hill is a charming Marilyn that deserves a place on every hiker's checklist.
Geology
Beacon Hill's fascinating limestone and rocky outcrops tell a story that dates back to the Jurassic period. If you're interested in geology, keep your eyes peeled for interesting fossils embedded in the rocks. Just don’t get too distracted—you wouldn’t want to end up face-first in a bush!
Routes
The main route to the summit is the Beacon Hill Circular Walk, which stretches approximately 5 km and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. This walk gives you not only a chance to ascend the hill but also to appreciate the stunning surrounding countryside. The path is well marked but do take care on wet days; a slip isn’t the best way to remember your hike!
Summit Features
Upon reaching the summit, you'll be welcomed by a classic trig point, a perfect spot for a victory selfie. Additionally, the standing stones nearby add an air of intrigue and may inspire you to ponder the mysteries of the universe or just why you forgot to pack those snacks!
Views
The views from Beacon Hill are nothing short of enchanting. On a clear day, the hills of Leicestershire stretch out before you, with the Charnwood Forest providing a stunning backdrop. Spring and early autumn are wonderful times to visit, with great visibility and vibrant colour all around.
Access
Accessible by a small car park off the B6047, Beacon Hill welcomes adventurers from all walks of life. If you're arriving by public transport, there are regular bus services from Melton Mowbray to the nearby village, making the hill a convenient escape from daily life.
Facilities
While you won’t find any facilities right on the hill, the nearest town, Melton Mowbray, has plenty of cafés to recharge yourself after a hike. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in a local delicacy like a pork pie—after all, calories consumed outdoors don't count!
History
The name 'Beacon Hill' is a nod to its historical significance. Once a signalling point for invasions, the hill is steeped in folklore, with tales of ghostly apparitions keeping watchers on their toes. Remember to keep your eyes sharp—you never know what may appear among the trees!
In conclusion, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Beacon Hill has something for everyone. So lace up those boots, pack a picnic, and prepare to enjoy not just the journey, but one of the hidden gems of Leicestershire.
Happy hiking!
Explore routes near Beacon Hill
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Port Solent Walk with Men Walking & Talking
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Testwood Lakes Nature Babies and Tots
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Testwood Lakes Nature Babies and Tots
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Testwood Lakes Nature Babies and Tots
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
Beacon Hill Circular Walk
A scenic circular walk starting from the nearby village, providing good paths and stunning views.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
57m
187 ft
Prominence
31m
Coordinates
50.8741, -1.2718
SU513085
OS Map
196
Explorer: OL3 119
At the Summit
The summit is crowned with a prominent trig point, making it a popular photo spot. There are also several standing stones that add to the charm, perfect for a little whimsy and your Instagram feed.
Terrain & Geology
Beacon Hill is primarily composed of limestone and offers fascinating outcrops that reveal the area's geological history. The rocks date back to the Jurassic period, making it a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts.
Views & Scenery
On a clear day, you can see the rolling hills of the Leicestershire countryside, as well as distant views of the Charnwood Forest.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Beacon Hill' derives from its historic use as a signalling point, where beacons would be lit to warn of impending invasions.
Historical Significance
This area has been significant since ancient times and is steeped in local folklore, with stories of ghostly figures appearing at dusk.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
There is a small car park at the start of the circular walk, located just off the B6047. It's quite handy with ample space for a few cars.
Public Transport
Regular bus services from Melton Mowbray operate to the nearby village. The stop is just a stone's throw from the trailhead.
Nearby Facilities
The nearest facilities can be found in Melton Mowbray, including cafés and public toilets. Bring a scone; it's not a proper outing without one!
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Care should be taken on wet days as some sections can become slippery. Watch your step on the rocky outcrops!
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Beacon Hill?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Beacon Hill through the maps
Are there other walkers around Beacon Hill?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Beacon Hill search or of course create your own walk for Beacon Hill
Can I organise a walk to Beacon Hill?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Beacon Hill.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Beacon Hill?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Beacon Hill here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: SU513085
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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