Black Hill

581m Elevation
165m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Explore routes near Black Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Hay on Wye to Black Hill

A scenic route through the picturesque Wye Valley, leading to the summit from the charming market town of Hay on Wye.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Southwest Ridge Trail

A direct approach via the southwest ridge, offering some steep sections but rewarding views.

6 km ~2.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Dewey Ethel Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

581m

1,906 ft

Prominence

165m

Coordinates

53.5395, -1.8835

SE078047

OS Map

110

Explorer: OL1W

At the Summit

The summit is adorned with a prominent trig point, a large stone cairn, and offers panoramic vistas of the Black Mountains and Herefordshire countryside.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops varied underfoot with occasional boggy patches in wetter seasons.

Black Hill primarily consists of volcanic rock from the Late Quaternary period, known for its rugged beauty and typical hillocks seen in the region. The area also features remnants of ancient glaciation.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the Brecon Beacons to the west, the Malvern Hills to the east, and a patchwork of fields and woodlands below.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Black Hill' derives from the dark volcanic rocks that give the hill its distinctive appearance.

Historical Significance

Historically, the hill has been a prominent marker in the landscape and is part of the ancient trade routes used by local communities.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Official parking is available at the Hay Bluff Car Park, approximately 7 km from the summit; it's a popular spot, so arrive early.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run to Hay on Wye from Hereford. Be sure to check schedules as services may vary.

Nearby Facilities

There are several cafes and pubs in Hay on Wye offering refreshments and restrooms. The town is known for its bookshops and vibrant literary festival, making it a delightful stop.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for sudden weather changes, especially during autumn and winter. Some paths may be boggy, so waterproof footwear is advisable.

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 Black Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Black Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Black 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 Black Hill search or of course create your own walk for Black Hill

Can I organise a walk to Black 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 Black 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 Black 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 Black 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