The best walks and hikes around Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve
4.5
(342)
2,089
hikers
118
hikes
Hiking around Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve offers a diverse landscape characterized by a steep volcanic rock summit, which once housed an Iron Age hillfort. The area features remnants of historical lead and barite mining, creating unique habitats including old mine adits that now serve as bat roosts. Hikers will also encounter traditionally managed hay meadows and a rich biodiversity, as the reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR). The terrain includes…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
5.0
(1)
22
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
17.4km
05:15
530m
530m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
6.52km
02:15
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
20
hikers
10.6km
03:14
360m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
Go up the lane past the steep access-path, go past a spring which crosses the stoney lane, arrive at a gate that gives easier access to the summit !! (Only discovered after having hauled my 78years up the previous path!!) Definitely going again! Offa*s Dyke path clearly visible over Long Mountain !! Peter P. from N/C u Lyme.
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The area has an extensive mining history. It is said to go back as far as Roman era, up until its height in the early 19th century. Many of the smallholders who were the original commoners on Stapeley, would have, even if only occasionally, taken advantage of the employment opportunities the mines brought with them. Mining can be a high-risk occupation, and many of these local families will have been touched by incidents and tragedy. You will walk past several mining features, such as simple adits (short tunnels cut into the hillside in search of lead and barytes). The landowner still retains the mineral rights on the common and most of the surrounding area. While taking soil, sand, stone or gravel from a common is an official ‘common right’, no such rights apply to Stapeley. The quarrying activity on Stapeley will have been for the sole benefit of the landowner. In addition to grazing rights, there are commoners who hold ‘estover’ rights. These rights refer to the taking of firewood, roof thatchings and even bracken for bedding animals on in winter. One of the two current graziers still cuts and bales bracken for bedding now. This cutting of bracken also helps in the control of this invasive species.
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Now on the common, as you climb the gentle slope up the ridge towards Stapeley hill, notice the ridge and furrow pattern of the ground underfoot. It is thought this is relatively modern. In the war years, to support the food effort, even the gentle slopes of some commons were ploughed to maximise agricultural output. Just beyond the first cairn lies the first of the features which is far older, a great example of a ring cairn. Common land, with its traditionally unploughed soils of permanent pasture, managed through long term commoning, have provided ideal conditions for the safeguarding of thousands of archaeological monuments. Some 11% of all scheduled monuments in England can be found on commons. These include Mesolithic flint workings, henges, stone circles, standing stones and stone rows, barrows, hillforts, dykes, settlements, roman camps and industrial and military relics. Stapeley can boast features across several of these categories.
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Good all-weather track. Enjoy the views as you cruise!
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A Wellington boot tree... for who knows what reason, but it raised a smile on the home stretch!
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There are three distinct drinking areas all of which have low beams, exposed stone walls, a seemingly generous provision of wood burning stoves/fires - and a well in a corridor!
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During a time of famine, a fairy gave a magic cow that provided an endless supply of milk. One night an evil witch milked her into a sieve. When the cow realised the trick, she disappeared. The witch was turned to stone and a circle of stones was erected around her, to ensure that she could not escape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve?
There are over 100 hiking routes available around Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and more challenging paths to explore the area's unique landscape.
What kind of terrain can I expect when hiking around Roundton Hill?
The terrain around Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve is diverse. You can expect paths that traverse volcanic rock formations, some of which can be steep, uneven, and rocky. There are also traditionally managed hay meadows and areas with remnants of historical lead and barite mining, which have created unique habitats.
What is the best time of year to visit Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve for hiking?
Spring (March/April) is an excellent time to visit to witness the 'spring ephemerals' – tiny ground-hugging plants that flourish in the thin, dry soils. Spring and summer also offer abundant birdsong and butterflies. The reserve's diverse habitats provide interest throughout the year, but warmer months are ideal for experiencing its full biodiversity.
Are there any historical landmarks or interesting features to see while hiking?
Yes, Roundton Hill itself is home to an Iron Age hillfort at its summit, offering a glimpse into ancient history. You can also see remnants of past lead and barite mining activities, with old mine adits now serving as protected bat roosts. Some routes, like the Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle – Stapeley Hill loop, pass by significant historical features such as the Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle.
What natural features make Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve unique?
Roundton Hill is recognized as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR) due to its exceptional biodiversity. Its unique geological and industrial past supports over 300 nationally or locally important species, including rare plants like Rock Stonecrop and Knotted Clover, an impressive 200 species of lichen, and diverse birdlife such as Yellowhammer and Pied Flycatcher.
Are there family-friendly hiking options at Roundton Hill?
Yes, there are several easy walks suitable for families. For example, the Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle – Stapeley Hill loop from Mitchell's Fold is an easy 4.2 km trail that offers scenic views and is manageable for various fitness levels, including those with children.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails at Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve?
While dogs are generally welcome in the reserve, it's important to keep them under close control, preferably on a lead, especially during nesting seasons or when livestock are present in the hay meadows. This helps protect the sensitive wildlife and habitats of the National Nature Reserve.
Is there parking available at Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve?
Yes, there is car parking available at Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve, making it an accessible destination for hikers. Information boards are also present to help you navigate the trails.
Are there circular hiking routes available around Roundton Hill?
Yes, many of the trails around Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle – Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle loop from Mitchell's Fold, a 7.5 km trail that takes you through open hills and past historical features.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the spectacular panoramic views from the summit, the rich biodiversity, and the sense of historical intrigue provided by the Iron Age hillfort and mining remnants. The variety of trails, from easy to challenging, is also frequently appreciated.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes in the area?
For those seeking a more strenuous trek, there are indeed more challenging routes available. The Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle – Stapeley Hill loop from Churchstoke is a difficult 17.4 km path that includes significant elevation gain and traverses varied terrain, offering a rewarding experience for experienced hikers.
What wildlife can I expect to see at Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve?
Roundton Hill is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot threatened species like the Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher, and Redstart. Butterflies are abundant in warmer months, and the dry stone walls provide shelter for invertebrates, small mammals, and Common Lizards. The old mine adits are also protected roosts for bats.
Most popular routes around Roundton Hill National Nature Reserve
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