Selworthy Beacon, Hill in Exmoor National Park, England
Selworthy Beacon is a hill in Exmoor National Park in Somerset with a summit offering views toward the Welsh coast on clear days. The hill is managed by the National Trust and can be reached by marked walking paths that cross open moorland.
The hill was part of England's coastal defense system in the 16th century, with beacon fires to warn of enemy ships approaching. This fire system is where the hill gets its name and shows its early importance for national security.
Ancient cairns and round barrows near the summit indicate early human presence and burial practices in this section of Somerset's landscape.
The path rises from Selworthy Church across open moorland, which can become muddy in wet weather. Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are important since the exposed hilltop offers little shelter from wind or rain.
Near the summit sits a 19th-century mausoleum built for Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, appearing unexpectedly grand for such a remote location. The structure tells of local landownership and remains a relic of an era with different priorities for memorials.
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