Round Hill

About Round Hill

Rising above the Wharfedale village of Middleton, this heather-clad Hump is the high point of Beamsley Moor. Its broad, peaty plateau is crowned by a trig pillar, offering a grandstand view over the Wharfe valley toward the gritstone edges of Ilkley Moor and the distant silhouette of Simon’s Seat.

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Did You Know?

• •Round Hill is the true summit of Beamsley Moor, standing nearly 20 metres higher than its more famous neighbour, Beamsley Beacon, which occupies a more prominent position further south along the ridge.
• •The approach from the south-west follows a well-trodden ridge path across the heather, providing a classic Southern Dales walk that looks down upon the village of Addingham and the winding River Wharfe.
• •From the summit trig pillar, the view south-east offers a clear sight of the 'Cow and Calf' gritstone rocks on Ilkley Moor, while the north-western horizon is dominated by the dark, blocky gritstone of Simon's Seat.
• •The surrounding moorland is a significant habitat for ground-nesting birds; walkers in late spring are likely to hear the distinctive, bubbling call of the curlew echoing across the plateau.
• •Naming a peak 'Round Hill' is a fine example of Yorkshire literalism, accurately describing the topography while remaining entirely silent on the deep peat hags that can complicate the crossing.