Beacon Hill

The last time we visited the Beacon see here we walked up from Halifax this time we only walked from the top of Shibden Park must be getting lazy/old!


Beacon Hill over looks Halifax from the East and as the name suggests is the site of the towns Beacon. The Beacon Pan, used to signal warnings to neighbouring townships in ancient times, has been replaced a number of times over the centuries. A working replica stands in its place today and is still used on special occasions such as the Queens Jubilee. The hill has seen a number of executions take place in the past and was the site of the last public executions in the town in 1783. Despite it's gruesome past, modern day Beacon Hill is a much more peaceful spot and at 864ft above sea level is one of the best locations for uninterrupted panoramic views of Halifax. It can be accessed from Beacon Hill road via the ancient Wakefield Gate pathway which winds its way steeply up the hill or via a much gentler incline from Cunnery Wood at Shibden Hall. On a clear day the views are spectacular and not to be missed.