Black Hill
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.
Earlston Diamond Jubilee Path to Leaderfoot
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Melrose and Gattonside Circular: Tweed and Village Views
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Melrose Eildon North Hill via Newstead
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Melrose to Newstead: River Tweed and Priorswalk
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
From Hay-on-Wye
A popular route starting from the charming town of Hay-on-Wye, leading up through the fields and along a steady ascent to the summit.
From the Herefordshire Beacon
This scenic route offers stunning views as you trek through woodlands and pastureland, with a steep but rewarding climb to the summit.
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
314m
1,030 ft
Prominence
171m
Coordinates
55.6249, -2.6598
NT585370
OS Map
73 74
Explorer: 338 339W
At the Summit
The summit features a prominent trig point, which is a popular photo-op spot. There are also fabulous views across the Black Mountains and into Wales.
Terrain & Geology
Black Hill is predominantly composed of Old Red Sandstone, which forms striking rocky outcrops and steep slopes, giving it both character and a sense of grandeur. The surrounding areas exhibit a mix of heather-clad hills and grassy pastures, providing a picturesque backdrop.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see the Brecon Beacons to the south, the hills of Herefordshire to the east, and on a clear day, even as far as the Malvern Hills.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Black Hill' is derived from the dark heather and rocky outcrops that dominate the landscape, evoking a sense of mystery.
Historical Significance
Historically, it has been a strategic point for watching over the surrounding valleys, with evidence of ancient pathways and settlements nearby.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is parking available at Hay-on-Wye, which is a short walk from the trailhead.
Public Transport
Regular buses run to Hay-on-Wye from nearby towns, making it an accessible starting point for hikers using public transport.
Nearby Facilities
Hay-on-Wye boasts a variety of cafes, shops, and public toilets, making it a lovely spot to gather supplies before or after your hike.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of sudden weather changes; winds can pick up quickly. There may also be some slippery patches after rain, so watch your step.
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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NT585370
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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