Enjoy a Memorable Hike on the Roseberry Topping Walk from Great Ayton
Start your Roseberry Topping walk by parking in Great Ayton at the east end of High Street, close to the village green. You’ll find a car park plus additional parking available at the junction of High Street, Newton Road, and Station Road. From the car park, walk briefly north along Newton Road and look for a public footpath on your right-hand side. Pass through the wrought iron gate and set off along the footpath heading east. The path is straightforward and easy to follow, though it may be muddy in places. After half a mile, you’ll cross the railway line; continue straight ahead and begin your ascent of Rye Hill, aiming for Cliff Ridge Wood.
As you enter Cliff Ridge Wood, you’ll notice a National Trust sign indicating that there are three paths: one to the left, one to the right, and one diagonally to the right. Take the diagonal uphill path to your right, which leads through the wood. Stay on the main trail, and as you emerge at the top, turn left briefly before turning right near a sign marked ‘In Search of Cook’s Cottage’. Follow the footpath straight ahead towards a farmhouse. Partway along this path, you can take a short detour to the left, steeply uphill, to explore Cliff Rigg Quarry. Once at the farmhouse, continue your Roseberry Topping walk by turning left, then almost immediately turning right. Ahead of you, Roseberry Topping’s distinctive peak will come into view.
Follow the straight footpath beside the hedgerow for nearly half a mile until you reach the stone shooting box at the base of Roseberry Topping’s south-western slopes. Walk past the shooting box on your left and a solitary wind-sculpted tree nearby before beginning your ascent. The stone slabbed steps will guide you all the way to the summit. As you approach the triangulation pillar at the top, note that your descent will involve a right-hand U-turn rather than retracing your steps. Take your time to enjoy the panoramic views from the summit before beginning your descent.
To descend, follow the stone-stepped path, which forms part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. The path zigzags down the hill, so avoid any side trails and continue until the terrain levels out. Keep the dry stone wall on your right-hand side as you follow the trail, still part of the Cleveland Way, towards the cone-shaped hill in the distance. Pass a gate on your right and a Roseberry Topping interpretation board on your left before climbing the stone-stepped path towards Newton Moor. This path skirts the right-hand side of the cone-shaped hill, eventually leading to a gate at the top.
Beyond the gate, you’ll encounter three route options: a path to the left, another diagonally left, and a wider track straight ahead. Continue your Roseberry Topping walk by taking the straight-ahead track, which leads south-east before curving south. With the dry stone wall on your right and open moorland to your left, follow this track for approximately one and a quarter miles. At the end of the track, descend the stone-stepped path to the road at Gribdale Gate. Turn right at the road, then almost immediately turn left onto a forestry track that ascends southward.
Follow the forestry track uphill for over half a mile. Eventually, the track narrows into a stone-stepped path, which leads to Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor, a highlight of this Roseberry Topping walk. From the monument, take the sharp right-hand path that briefly crosses the moorland and passes between two large stone gateposts. Ensure Roseberry Topping is in view to your right as you proceed. The path soon veers left, descending steeply through Ayton Banks Wood. Continue down the path until it crosses a forestry track and passes through a gate into open countryside.
At the gate, go straight ahead, soon meeting another path. Turn right and follow it north-west, descending the hill. As you near a few large houses, the path widens into a concrete lane. Turn left onto a stone track heading south-west for just under half a mile, crossing a railway bridge before arriving at Fletchers Farm in Little Ayton. Walk through the farm and continue straight along the tarmac road. At the junction with the main road near the River Leven bridge, turn right.
Conclude your Roseberry Topping walk by following the road north-west for half a mile, returning to the village of Great Ayton. This final stretch leads you back to your starting point, completing a rewarding and scenic journey through the North York Moors.
Roseberry Topping Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Roseberry Topping Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 6½ miles
Distance: 10¼ kilometres
Duration: 3½ hours
Ascent: 1325 feet
Ascent: 404 metres
Type: Circular walk
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the North York Moors Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL26, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
About Roseberry Topping
Roseberry Topping, a distinctive hill in North Yorkshire, England, is located near the villages of Great Ayton and Newton under Roseberry. Its summit, featuring a striking half-cone shape and jagged cliff, has drawn comparisons to the Matterhorn in the Swiss-Italian Alps. Recognised as a symbol of the region, it even appears in the logo of Teesside International Airport.
Rising to 1049 feet (320 metres), Roseberry Topping was once thought to be the highest point on the North York Moors. However, 15 higher peaks exist, including Urra Moor, which stands at 1490 feet (450 metres). Walkers enjoying the Roseberry Topping walk are rewarded with sweeping views of landmarks such as Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor and the beacon monument on Eston Nab.
Geological Significance
Roseberry Topping is an outlier of the North York Moors uplands. Its sandstone, deposited during the Middle and Lower Jurassic periods between 208 and 165 million years ago, is the youngest found in any of England and Wales’ national parks. The hill’s distinctive conical shape formed because its hard sandstone cap protected the softer shales and clays beneath from erosion caused by ice, wind, and rain.
Until 1912, the summit resembled a sugarloaf. However, it collapsed due to a geological fault, likely worsened by alum and ironstone mining in the area. Today, the slopes below the summit remain scarred by these past mining activities. On clear days, walkers can enjoy breathtaking views across the countryside, with the Pennines visible 40–50 miles (64–80 kilometres) away.
Roseberry Topping’s Rich History
The area surrounding Roseberry Topping has been inhabited for thousands of years. Its distinctive shape has captured human imagination throughout history. Archaeologists uncovered a Bronze Age hoard on its slopes, now displayed in Sheffield City Museum. Evidence of Iron Age settlement is also present, with walled enclosures and hut remains near the hill. Jet mining may have occurred in the area during this period.
During the Viking era, Roseberry Topping likely held special significance. Settlers in Cleveland gave the hill its name, recorded in 1119 as Othenesberg. The name combines Old Norse elements: bjarg (rock) and the personal name Authunn or Óthinn. If the latter, the hill may honour Odin, the Norse god, making it one of the few places in England named after a pagan deity. Over time, the name evolved through forms such as Ounsberry before becoming Roseberry. The word ‘Topping’ comes from a Yorkshire dialect term for the top of a hill.
In 1736, explorer James Cook’s family moved to Airey Holme Farm near Great Ayton. During his free time, young James often climbed Roseberry Topping, fostering his adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world. Today, an information board about Cook can be found along this Roseberry Topping walk, offering visitors a glimpse into his connection to the hill.
Community and Cultural Importance
For centuries, Roseberry Topping has served as a weather indicator for farmers and sailors. A traditional rhyme reflects this:
When Roseberry Topping wears a cap, let Cleveland then beware of a clap!
The hill was privately owned for many years, forming part of a game estate managed by the Cressy family. In the early 18th century, Dorothea Cressy married Archibald Primrose, later the Earl of Rosebery. Today, the National Trust manages Roseberry Topping, which lies within the North York Moors National Park, just off the A173 road.
A spur of the Cleveland Way National Trail leads to the summit, making the hill a popular destination for walkers. Sightseeing at Roseberry Topping dates back to at least 1700, when travellers marvelled at the ‘delightful prospect’ of the Cleveland Plain below and the surrounding hills above.
National Recognition
In 1954, Roseberry Topping was designated a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. A boundary extension in 1986 expanded the protected area to over 10 hectares. The site is also listed as nationally significant in the Geological Conservation Review.
Anecdotes from History
Roseberry Topping features in a fascinating story from the Napoleonic Wars. During this time, the Wensleydale volunteers mistakenly responded to what they believed was a lit beacon on Roseberry Topping. In reality, the signal was burning heather. This miscommunication prompted the lighting of the Penhill Beacon, 40 miles (64 kilometres) away.
Roseberry Topping’s Lasting Legacy
Roseberry Topping remains a cherished landmark in North Yorkshire. Its stunning views, geological significance, and rich cultural heritage continue to attract countless visitors. Every year, thousands of people are drawn to the hill, inspired to take on the popular Roseberry Topping walk and experience its timeless charm for themselves.
Roseberry Topping Walk: My Photos
Upon leaving Great Ayton, I cross the railway line and ascend Rye Hill. Next, I enter Cliff Ridge Wood, which the National Trust owns. Inside the wood, I discover a sign that introduces me to Cliff Rigg Quarry. I notice three possible paths: one to the left, one directly to the right, and another diagonally to the right leading uphill through the woodland. I choose the uphill trail to continue my Roseberry Topping walk.
Although it is not directly on my route, I make a brief detour to explore Cliff Rigg Quarry. This decision proves worthwhile because I enjoy magnificent views as I walk around the upper ridge of the quarry area. Cliff Rigg Quarry, overseen by the National Trust, resulted from the extraction of igneous whinstone from the Cleveland Dyke. This whinstone ridge extends from the Yorkshire Coast to the Isle of Mull, outcropping in multiple places along its course. Workers primarily used the extracted stone for road building, and the quarry remained operational until 1973.
After climbing up through Cliff Ridge Wood and emerging at the top of the hill, I pass a sign near a small cluster of old, twisted larch trees. The sign explains that in 1736, the renowned explorer James Cook moved from Marton to Great Ayton with his siblings and their parents, James and Grace. James Cook Senior was appointed by Thomas Skottowe as manager at Aireyholme Farm, and it was likely that a cottage came with this job. A recently discovered 1930s photograph, displayed on the sign, shows the then-tenant farmer William Martin standing at the edge of a cultivated plot with mature trees behind him. Writing on the back of the photograph suggests it was the site of the James Cook family cottage.
James Cook Senior retired from the farm in 1755, and only a few families have been tenants at Aireyholme since then. Thus, historic accounts were probably handed down orally. The sign also notes that the large trees here closely match those shown in the photograph. Research indicates they were planted in the 19th century, well after James Cook Senior moved to the village of Great Ayton. In spring 2015, three trenches were excavated, revealing fragments of handmade bricks and roof tiles of the correct age in each trench. Substantial amounts of stone and lime mortar in one trench hint at the former existence of a building on the site. Although this structure almost certainly stood here when James Cook Senior worked on the farm, nothing conclusively proves it was the Cook family home.
Continuing slightly farther from the larch trees, I come upon a picturesque stone farmhouse. There is a gate and a stile, and if I take the footpath on my right, it leads directly to Aireyholme Farm. This route also provides an alternative way to reach Roseberry Topping. However, I decide to turn left and follow another path instead.
After turning left, I am almost immediately rewarded with a spectacular view of Roseberry Topping, framed by a path running alongside the hedgerow. The sight energises me to continue my Roseberry Topping walk.
The path is nearly half a mile in length and stretches almost perfectly straight, aligning precisely with the summit of Roseberry Topping. I can just discern the shooting box, which I intend to visit before starting my climb. It is perched on the small hill above the dark green wooded area in this photograph.
The shooting box sits on the southwestern slopes of Roseberry Topping. Built in the late 18th century for Captain Wilson, a friend of Captain Cook, it served as a shelter for local gentry who visited this spot for picnics and shooting.
This structure is a Grade II listed building, officially designated on 22 December 1995. Constructed from coursed, dressed stone, the west-facing side features a single doorway, and each of the three remaining sides contains a single window opening. It is crowned by a square stone ogee dome with a ball finial. From here, I observe fellow walkers ascending Roseberry Topping, and I see a number of people on the summit as well.
After visiting the shooting box, I begin my primary climb to the top of Roseberry Topping. The path is well maintained, consisting of large stone steps that are easy to follow. These flags also help the route stay mud-free and protect it from erosion. I appreciate how this approach contributes to a sustainable Roseberry Topping walk.
The paved and stepped path continues all the way to the summit of Roseberry Topping. This hill is popular and often bustling, especially on weekends. Before visiting the triangulation pillar at the top, I remind myself of my intended descent: I plan to turn right on the summit and make a U-turn, avoiding the need to backtrack on the same path. Several trails lead here, so it is simple to become momentarily confused.
The 360-degree views from the summit are outstanding, though the mist hampers visibility today. In this picture, I am looking to the south-west and see many walkers below, looking like tiny ants as they ascend. I also spot the long, straight path I used earlier in my Roseberry Topping walk. In the distance, behind the extensive stand of trees known as Newton Wood, I glimpse the village of Great Ayton.
Here, I look to the west and see the small village called Newton under Roseberry. People are making their way up the hill from Roseberry Lane, highlighting the popularity of this spot. Normally, the views are far more expansive. Without the mist, I could easily see Middlesbrough and Stockton in Teesside, and sometimes as far as Billingham and Hartlepool.
Roseberry Topping’s triangulation pillar stands at 320 meters (1049 feet). Although traditionally regarded as the North York Moors’ tallest hill, there are actually 15 higher summits, with the nearby Urra Moor reaching 450 meters (1490 feet). From this vantage point, I also spot Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor, which will be my next destination in this Roseberry Topping walk.
My descent from Roseberry Topping follows a stone path heading east and forming part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. This route lies on the opposite side of the hill from the path ascending from Roseberry Lane.
Once again, the path is well constructed, featuring stones and effective drainage. It zigzags all the way down, ensuring a comfortable descent. From here, I can already see my forthcoming route in the distance, skirting the wall and leading uphill in the centre of this photograph. I also notice many people scattered throughout Roseberry Common below, all enjoying this splendid setting.
At the bottom of the hill, I continue my Roseberry Topping walk by following the Cleveland Way along the dry stone wall on my right. The path stretches straightforwardly uphill to the next ridge, bringing me onto Newton Moor and then curving south (right in this picture).
As I climb toward Newton Moor, I look back at Roseberry Topping and savour the superb view. Numerous trails weave around this hill, some circling it, while others lead directly to the summit. A number of these paths are already well surfaced, and there are plans to upgrade several more. An interpretation board at the bottom highlights ten trails in varying stages of improvement, further enhancing this Roseberry Topping walk.
As I ascend toward Newton Moor, I glance south and can make out Captain Cook’s Monument atop Easby Moor. The route I intend to follow will cross the ridge in this photograph from left to right. It is magnificent countryside, and on clear days, the views reach even farther, encompassing the Cleveland Hills.
I pause to look back at Roseberry Topping once again, relishing this Roseberry Topping walk. The morning is cold and frosty, yet I am well wrapped up and hardly feel the chill. The entire journey remains wonderfully enjoyable.

After topping the hill, I proceed south along a clearly marked path for roughly one and a quarter miles, with a dry stone wall to my right and Newton Moor and Great Ayton Moor to my left. This section is relatively flat and offers a relaxing stroll after the earlier ascents up Roseberry Topping and onto Newton Moor.
Eventually, I reach the end of this one-and-a-quarter-mile stretch and start descending from Great Ayton Moor. I have a clear view of Captain Cook’s Monument standing proudly on Easby Moor across the valley, and I look forward to continuing my Roseberry Topping walk there.
The path down from Great Ayton Moor is stepped and leads me to Gribdale Gate, a popular location with a spacious car park and picnic area. I already spot the track I plan to follow uphill through the woodland to reach Captain Cook’s Monument.
From Gribdale Gate, I head uphill along Cockshaw Hill, a forestry track that is also part of the Cleveland Way National Trail. It climbs moderately for about two-thirds of a mile before reaching Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor, adding another rewarding element to my Roseberry Topping walk.
Just before I reach the halfway point on this forestry track, I come upon a charming seating area on my right. I take a moment to pause my Roseberry Topping walk here. Two memorial benches provide a tranquil place to rest.
Near the memorial benches, I notice other tributes honouring loved ones, including a wreath decorated with pinecones, red berries, and a ribbon. These poignant details bring a reflective aspect to my journey.
I am nearly at the top of Easby Moor, where the wider forestry track narrows into a stone-stepped path. As I continue, I pass a plaque commemorating a Lockheed Hudson that crashed in 1940, owing to ice forming on its wings. Out of the four crew members, only one survived.
The plaque reads as follows:
Near to this place, RAF Lockheed Hudson NR-E from Thornaby Aerodrome crashed on 11 February 1940. Flying Officer Tom Parker, Sergeant Harold Bleksley, and Corporal Norman Drury perished.
Leading Aircraftman Atholl Barker survived this crash, but in November 1943, as Flying Officer Barker, he was lost over Germany.
Their sacrifice in defence of our freedom will always be remembered.
Great Ayton Community Archaeology Project. (Funded by the Local Heritage Initiative, a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Nationwide Building Society, and the Countryside Agency).
North York Moors National Park Authority 2003.
Continuing along the path toward the monument, I pass a small Christmas tree adorned with red baubles. I have taken this route before, and I often find the trees embellished with various decorations. Now, I am just a minute away from the monument and eager to add this stop to my Roseberry Topping walk.
Captain Cook’s Monument
I arrive at Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor. Built in 1827, it honours the celebrated circumnavigator James Cook, who spent his childhood in Great Ayton between 1736 and 1745. He attended a local school on the High Street, now home to the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum. Robert Campion, a prominent banker from Whitby and owner of the Easby Manor estate, commissioned and fully financed the monument. Initially, he sought public donations, but when none appeared, he covered the entire cost himself. He laid the foundation stone on 12 July 1827—his birthday—and the monument was finished on 27 October 1827, Captain Cook’s birthday.
Captain Cook’s Monument is fashioned from sandstone quarried in the vicinity, standing 60 feet (18 meters) tall and topped with a pyramidal ‘benben’ stone. The original plan specified a height of 40 feet (12 meters) and a base measuring 12 square feet (3.6 square meters), but the design changed during construction to make it taller. Initially hollow, it featured a doorway, which was later sealed during restoration in 1895. In that year, workers repaired the masonry and capstone, installed iron railings around the base, and added a lightning conductor. However, the conductor eventually rusted, and in 1960 a lightning strike caused significant damage, nearly splitting the monument in two. It was subsequently repaired and restored to its earlier condition.
A rectangular panel near the base of the monument commemorates Cook with the following text:
In memory of the celebrated circumnavigator Captain James Cook, F.R.S.
A man of nautical knowledge inferior to none, in zeal, prudence, and energy, superior to most. Regardless of danger, he opened an intercourse with the Friendly Isles and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere. He was born at Marton, 27th October 1728, and massacred at Owythee, 14th February 1779, to the inexpressible grief of his countrymen. While the art of navigation shall be cultivated among men, whilst the spirit of enterprise, commerce, and philanthropy shall animate the sons of Britain, while it shall be deemed the honour of a Christian nation to spread civilisation and the blessings of the Christian faith among pagan and savage tribes, so long will the name of Captain Cook stand out amongst the most celebrated and most admired benefactors of the human race.
As a token of respect for and admiration of the great man, this monument was erected by Robert Campion, Esq., of Whitby, A.D. 1827.
By the permission of the owner of the Easby Estate, J.J. Emerson, Esq., it was restored [date obscured], 1895, by the readers of the North Eastern Daily Gazette.
Several paths diverge on Easby Moor, which can be slightly disorienting. From my approach to Captain Cook’s Monument, I select the track that veers sharply to my right, passing between two tall stone posts. I then continue my Roseberry Topping walk by heading into Ayton Banks Wood.
From the two stone posts, the trail initially remains level but then descends steeply into Ayton Banks Wood. I tread with care to avoid slipping, thankful that today is dry. In wet weather, I can imagine this section becoming slightly tricky.
At the bottom of the woodland, I emerge into open countryside and enjoy a magnificent view north toward Roseberry Topping. Moments like this reinforce why I cherish this Roseberry Topping walk.
My route from Ayton Banks leads me downhill along paths and tracks, eventually arriving in Little Ayton, where I pass Fletchers Farm Shop. I find each stage of my Roseberry Topping walk offers its own distinctive charm.
From Little Ayton, I join the main road and turn right, pausing to admire a small bridge spanning the River Leven. The river’s source lay on Warren Moor, part of Kildale Moor, just south of Kildale. It flows through Kildale, Low Easby, Little Ayton, Great Ayton, Hutton Rudby, and Crathorne, then between Ingleby Barwick and Yarm before merging with the River Tees.
As I walk back into Great Ayton, I notice a massive tree on my left in the grounds of the Great Ayton Quaker burial ground. Founded in 1700 alongside a Quaker Meeting House built in 1722, the area is enclosed by stone walls and timber fences, featuring gravestones that follow uniform Quaker traditions. Notable burials include members of the Richardson family, who were successful farmers and tanners. Records indicate that 102 individuals lie here, with some possibly interred vertically due to restricted space. The oldest visible markers date to 1825. Although the site still occasionally hosts burials and the scattering of ashes, it remains a crucial testament to the local Quaker community’s heritage.
I finally arrive back in Great Ayton, take a quick left turn at the junction, and return to the car park. This marks the end of an excellent Roseberry Topping walk, leaving me both exhilarated and informed after experiencing so many fascinating highlights along the way.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
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Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
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Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.