Highlight • Natural
Blackmoor Nature Reserve
Hiking
4.8
(30)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
March 1, 2021
Hiking
reserve has its …
May 25, 2021
Hiking
March 16, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Blackmoor Nature Reserve
4.4
(9)
75
hikers
12.0km
03:15
170m
170m
Embark on a moderate 7.4-mile (12.0 km) hike through the Mendip Hills, gaining 560 feet (171 metres) of elevation over approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. This loop from Black Gate takes you through the varied landscapes of Velvet Bottom and up to Beacon Batch. You will experience woodlands, open moorland, and pastures, with the path in Velvet Bottom traversing a dry river valley. As you ascend towards Beacon Batch, the terrain becomes more challenging, leading to the highest point in the Mendips.
When planning your visit, be aware that paths in Velvet Bottom can be wet and muddy, especially after rain. The ascent to Beacon Batch also involves some short climbs and potentially loose terrain and rocks. The Mendip Trail sections can be very muddy in wet conditions, so appropriate footwear is essential. This route is generally considered moderate, requiring good fitness, but it offers easily accessible paths for most hikers.
This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. Velvet Bottom, now a nature reserve, reveals a landscape shaped by extensive lead mining from Roman times through the Victorian era, with visible remains of dams and buddle pits. From Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendip Hills at 325 meters (1066 feet), you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views that can stretch to the Bristol Channel and South Wales on clear days. The area is also rich in wildlife and home to Bronze Age round barrows.
4.0
(2)
23
hikers
7.25km
01:59
120m
120m
Embark on the Butcombe and Mendip Trail: Beacon Batch Loop, an easy hiking route that guides you through a varied landscape of woodlands, open moorland, and pastures. This loop covers 4.5 miles (7.2 km) and involves a gentle ascent of 379 feet (116 metres), making it a pleasant journey for most hikers. You can expect to complete the entire route in about 1 hour and 59 minutes, enjoying the fresh air and changing scenery as you go.
To begin your adventure, you'll find parking typically available near the starting point in Charterhouse. While the trail is generally accessible, some sections might present loose ground or rocky patches, so it's a good idea to wear sturdy walking shoes for comfort and stability. Planning your visit during daylight hours will allow you to fully appreciate the views and navigate the path with ease.
The highlight of this route is reaching Beacon Batch, which stands as the highest point in the Mendip Hills. From its summit, marked by a trig point, you'll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views that stretch across the Bristol Channel and even into Wales. Keep an eye out for Bronze Age burial mounds near the summit, adding a touch of ancient history to your hike through the Blackmoor Nature Reserve.
2
hikers
1.63km
00:26
10m
10m
Embark on the Blackmoor Nature Reserve & Nether Wood loop, an easy hike spanning just 1.0 miles (1.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 41 feet (12 metres). This short route takes about 25 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick outdoor escape. You will wander through a diverse landscape featuring unimproved grassland, scrub, heathland, and secondary woodland, including the peaceful Nether Wood. Keep an eye out for the distinctive "gruffy ground," an uneven terrain left behind by historical opencast mining, adding a unique visual element to your walk.
This trail is generally considered easy and accessible for most abilities, though some sections may have stony or uneven paths, especially after rain. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, so please respect the unique environment and historical remnants. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, it is advisable to check local information for the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) before your visit to ensure a smooth start to your hike.
What makes this loop truly special is its rich history and ecological significance. The Blackmoor Nature Reserve sits on an ancient lead mining site, with operations dating back to Roman times. You can still see remnants like buddle pits, dams, and ruined mine structures. The high lead concentration in the soil has led to unusual flora, and the reserve is a haven for wildlife, including rare plants, wildflowers, butterflies, and various birds. It is also a significant stronghold for the protected adder, highlighting its importance for conservation.
Details
Informations
Elevation 250 m
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Tuesday 9 June
14°C
8°C
42 %
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Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h
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