SK0958 : Pump House at Ecton Mines

Ecton Hill

369m Elevation
88m Prominence
England Country
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SK0958 : Pump House at Ecton Mines

Graham Hogg Photo source

Overview

Welcome to Ecton Hill

Ecton Hill, standing proudly at an elevation of 430 meters, offers not only a delightful hike but also a dash of history as you traverse its trails. Nestled within the captivating Peak District, this Marilyn beckons walkers from near and far.

Geology

Ecton Hill is crafted from limestone, part of the rich Carboniferous limestone formations that underpin this area. While you hike, take a moment to ponder the ancient seabed that once covered this land. It's hard to believe that these rugged hills were once home to marine life – imagine fish swimming where you're now walking!

Routes

The Ecton Hill Circular Walk is a fantastic route that spans approximately 6.5 km and will take about 2.5 hours to complete. It’s a moderate trek, which means you'll be left with enough energy to tackle a hearty lunch afterward!

Summit Features

At the summit, you'll find a sturdy trig point, a great spot for a selfie or two! The remnants of mining activity surrounding the summit are a reminder of the industrious past of this hill.

Terrain

Hikers can expect a mix of grassy stretches and rocky outcrops, with paths that weave through old mining routes. A little watchfulness is required to navigate the loose stones underfoot.

Views

Once you reach the summit, prepare to feast your eyes upon the stunning views of the Peak District. You can spot far-off ridges and, on a clear day, the charming town of Buxton. The best seasons for these panoramas are conclusively spring and autumn, when the landscape bursts into beautifying colours.

Hazards

Though the views are breathtaking, be mindful of the terrain. Loose stones can trip up even the most seasoned of walkers, not to mention the unpredictable weather that the Peak District is notorious for. A sun hat and a waterproof jacket could be your best friends on this outing!

Nearby Summits

Not too far from Ecton Hill, you can explore additional nearby summits like Moorland Hill and Great Carrs, adding to your outdoor adventure.

Access

To reach this beautiful hill, park in the small layby off the B5053. For those relying on public transport, bus services from Ashbourne and Leek do make it easy to get there. Once you've conquered Ecton Hill, consider a jaunt into Ashbourne for refreshments.

Facilities

While Ecton Hill itself offers no facilities, venture into Ashbourne for cafes, pubs, and toilet amenities to recharge.

History

The name ‘Ecton’ is believed to be derived from Old Norse or Old English terms referring to oak trees, a nod to the region's flora. Historically, Ecton Hill made its mark due to the lead mining activities that took place from the 18th century.

Conclusion

Overall, Ecton Hill doesn’t just challenge your legs; it also feeds your mind with history and geological wonders. So lace up those boots and grab your backpack – adventure awaits!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Ecton Hill

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

Tissington Trail: Parsley Hay, Hartington Station and Heathcote

8.1 km ~2h 30m Easy

View route

High Peak Trail: Friden, Newhaven Tunnel and Hurdlow Bridge

13.3 km ~4h Moderate

View route

Tittesworth Reservoir

7.6 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Tissington Trail: Ashbourne, Thorpe Station and Tissington return

12.1 km ~3h 15m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Ecton Hill Circular Walk

A scenic circular route that offers stunning views and a chance to explore the remnants of the area's mining heritage.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

300-399m hill Ethel

Elevation

369m

1,211 ft

Prominence

88m

Coordinates

53.1191, -1.8523

SK099580

OS Map

119

Explorer: OL24W

At the Summit

The summit features a large trig point, a relic of surveying and navigation, surrounded by remnants of old mining activity.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops interspersed with old mining tracks.

Ecton Hill is primarily composed of limestone, part of the Carboniferous limestone formation. The area is rich in mineral deposits, which historically made it a significant site for lead mining.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the Peak District, the distant ridges of the Staffordshire Moorlands, and on a clear day, the town of Buxton.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ecton' likely originates from the Old Norse word 'ect,' meaning 'oak', or from Old English 'æc,' again referring to oak trees. The 'hill' is a straightforward descriptor of its topography.

Historical Significance

Ecton Hill has historical importance due to its lead mining activities which flourished from the 18th century up until the mid-20th century.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small layby off the B5053 main road, close to the starting point of the circular walk.

Public Transport

Bus services operate from nearby towns such as Leek and Ashbourne, with stops at the B5053.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Ecton Hill, but Ashbourne offers various cafes, pubs, and toilet facilities.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for loose stones on the paths and be wary of sudden changes in weather typical of the Peak District.

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 Ecton Hill?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Ecton 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 Ecton 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 Ecton 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 Ecton 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

Location

Ecton Hill location map

Grid reference: SK099580

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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