SK3455 : Abandoned aggregate sorter at Crich Cliff Quarry

Crich Beacon

286m Elevation
48m Prominence
England Country
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SK3455 : Abandoned aggregate sorter at Crich Cliff Quarry

Graham Hogg Photo source

Overview

Crich Beacon: A Summit with a View

Overview

Crich Beacon stands proudly at 402 meters, welcoming trekkers with its stunning vistas and accessible trails. Located in the heart of Derbyshire, it offers a slice of the Peak District that is not to be missed.

Geology

This magnificent hill is primarily composed of limestone, which results in some striking geological features. Additionally, the limestone karst formations in the area add to Crich Beacon's intrigue and are worth a gander for geology enthusiasts.

Access

Reaching Crich Beacon is a breeze! Start your journey at the Crich Hill car park located on the A615, which provides easy access to the trails. Buses also regularly service the village of Crich from surrounding towns, so you can leave the car behind.

Routes

The Crich Hill Loop is a delightful 4.5 km round trip that should take approximately 1.5 hours. It’s considered moderate, making it perfect for families and those looking to enjoy the scenery. The adventure begins in the woods and escalates to breathtaking views that will make your Instagram followers envious.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the top, you'll be greeted by a trig point proudly proclaiming its presence. It’s a great spot to snap some 'I conquered this peak' photos! Take a moment to soak in the panoramic view that stretches across the Peak District, and don’t forget to look out for Matlock and even Derby on a clear day.

Terrain

Expect a mix of grassy paths with some rocky sections. The terrain is generally friendly, though do watch your step on the more uneven stretches! Remember, the ground can be slippery after rain, so tread carefully.

Views

One of the highlights from the summit is undoubtedly the sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Spring and early autumn are particularly delightful times to visit, when the landscape bursts with colour and visibility is at its peak.

Hazards

While the trails are generally safe, please be cautious near rocky areas, especially when they're wet. You wouldn’t want to take an unexpected tumble; it’s not quite the ‘leap of faith’ you’re aiming for!

Nearby Summits

Crich Beacon sits proudly among several other notable peaks. Nearby you’ll find Carlton Hill and Matlock Hill, both of which are worth a visit if you're looking to extend your adventure.

Facilities

Once you've made it back down, treat yourself at one of Crich's charming cafes or pubs. The village also offers public toilet facilities for those in need after their jaunt.

History

The name 'Crich' has origins in Old Norse, hinting at a long history of settlement in the area. Historically, Crich Beacon served as a key navigational landmark for those wandering through the rugged landscape.

Conclusion

Crich Beacon is a must-visit for anyone seeking an easily accessible hike with rewarding views and a touch of history. Pack your walking boots, grab some snacks, and set forth on an adventure!

Explore routes near Crich Beacon

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

Cromford Canal to Whatstandwell: towpath return

10.3 km ~3h Easy

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Cromford Canal guided walk

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Cromford Canal guided walk

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Cromford Canal guided walk

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Route planning notes

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

Crich Hill Loop

A popular route starting from the village, taking you through woodlands and offering stunning views as you ascend towards the beacon.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

286m

938 ft

Prominence

48m

Coordinates

53.0947, -1.4883

SK343553

OS Map

119

Explorer: OL24E 269

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point, which is ideal for those 'I was here' photos. There are also breathtaking panoramic views to be enjoyed.

Terrain & Geology

Primarily grassy with rocky outcrops offering a bit of variety for those light-footed on their descents.

Crich Beacon is primarily composed of limestone, which forms dramatic crags and rocky outcrops. The area also features some interesting karstic features due to the underlying geology.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the Peak District, the quaint village of Crich, and if you're lucky, a glimpse of the distant Derby skyline.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Crich' is thought to derive from the Old Norse word 'krik' meaning 'a bend' or 'a nook'.

Historical Significance

Historically, Crich Beacon has served as a navigation point for travellers and is tied to local folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the base of Crich Hill on the A615, offering easy access to the trailhead.

Public Transport

Buses to Crich run regularly from nearby towns such as Belper and Matlock.

Nearby Facilities

Crich boasts several cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your trek; public toilets are also available near the village centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Care should be taken on rocky sections, particularly after rain when surfaces can be slippery.

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 Crich Beacon?

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

Are there other walkers around Crich Beacon?

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 Crich Beacon search or of course create your own walk for Crich Beacon

Can I organise a walk to Crich Beacon?

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 Crich Beacon.

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 Crich Beacon?

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 Crich Beacon 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

Location

Crich Beacon location map

Grid reference: SK343553

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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