The walk up Beamsley Beacon (also known as Howber Hill) in North Yorkshire takes approximately:
🚶♂️ 45 minutes to 1 hour – from the nearest parking spots to the summit.
⏳ 2 to 3 hours – for a circular route, depending on your starting point and pace.
Popular Walking Routes & Estimated Times
✔️ Short Walk from Beamsley Village
- Distance: ~2.5 miles (4 km) round trip.
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (including time at the summit).
- Route: Starts from Beamsley village or nearby laybys, following paths through open moorland to the beacon.
✔️ Circular Walk from Bolton Abbey
- Distance: ~6 miles (9.6 km).
- Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours (moderate difficulty).
- Route: Starts at Bolton Abbey, passing through farmland, moorland, and scenic trails.
✔️ Route from Langbar
- Distance: ~4 miles (6.4 km).
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Route: A gradual climb through moorland, with panoramic views over Wharfedale and Ilkley Moor.
What to Expect on the Walk?
🏞️ Great Views – From the top, you can see Ilkley Moor, the Yorkshire Dales, and even the Pennines on a clear day.
🛤️ Easy to Moderate Terrain – Mostly gradual ascent with some rocky and uneven paths near the summit.
📍 Historic Summit Cairn – The beacon is a stone cairn used historically as a warning signal in times of war.
Final Thoughts
Beamsley Beacon is a great short hike with rewarding views. If you’re after a quick but scenic walk, the short route from Beamsley village is ideal, while a longer circular route from Bolton Abbey offers more variety. A perfect half-day walk in the Yorkshire countryside! 🥾🏔️✨