The 14 Most Amazing Peaks around Great Ayton
Best mountain peaks around Great Ayton are situated at the foot of the Cleveland Hills in North Yorkshire. The region features a diverse natural landscape, including distinctive geological formations and expansive moorland. These peaks offer varied experiences, from challenging ascents to historical sites. The area provides opportunities to explore significant landmarks and natural viewpoints.
Best mountain peaks around Great Ayton
- The most popular mountain peaks is Roseberry Topping Summit, a summit known for its distinctive half-cone shape. It offers panoramic views over the surrounding area and provides challenging yet manageable hikes to its top.
- Another must-see spot is The Wainstones, a climb featuring a distinctive rocky outcrop on Hasty Banks. This spot provides views across to Middlesbrough and the Tees.
- Visitors also love Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, a natural monument offering expansive moorland views. From its peak, Roseberry Topping and the North York Moors are visible.
- Great Ayton is known for summits, natural monuments, and climbs. The area offers a variety of mountain peaks to see and explore, ranging from distinctive geological formations to high moorland points.
- The mountain peaks around Great Ayton are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 380 upvotes and more than 220 photos shared.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Roseberry Topping Summit
Highlight • Summit
Roseberry Topping is known locally as the ‘Yorkshire Matterhorn’ because its shape reminds people of the pyramidal peak that straddles the Swiss and Italian border. There are a few different route options to the top, of varying difficulties.
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Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point
Highlight • Natural Monument
To the northeast, you can see the distinctively shaped Roseberry Topping. To the east and south, the stunning undulations of the North York Moors rise and fall. To the west, the hills drop away into the Tees Valley and you might just be able to see the shadowy form of the Pennines on the horizon.
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The Wainstones
Highlight • Climb
The rocks are situated on a hill called 'Hasty Banks', and there are fantastic views across to Middlesbrough and the Tees from here.
On the lower ground surrounding the Wainstones, there's a small collection of rocks with prehistoric carvings on them. Due to the area’s exposed location and consequent erosion, the carvings can be difficult to see, however.
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Urra Moor – Highest Point of the North York Moors
Highlight (Segment) • Summit
Other than fellow walkers, there's a chance you'll bump into archaeologists up on the moor. This specific area is home to a number of prehistoric remains, including barrows and carved stones, some with cup and ring carvings.
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Round Hill Summit (Highest Point of Urra Moor)
Highlight • Summit
The views north and south are spectacular, and whilst the summit views don't boast craggy rock faces that are common to this area, the vastness of the surrounding fells provides a real sense of peace.
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Tips from the Community
Until 1912, Roseberry Topping had a smooth, sugarloaf‑like peak. A geological fault combined with underground mining caused a massive collapse, giving the summit its modern jagged profile. The climb up from the car park is steep and can be very busy, even before sunrise in winter where you can see a small procession of torches slowly ascending.
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This is where I realised wearing new boots for a hike this long was a BAD idea!
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Lots of view points, people rock climbing and the up and downs test you as they are short, but a touch punchy for their short elevation!
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Just off the Cleveland Way and about halfway between Carr Ridge to the west and Bloworth Crossing to the east, spectacular views all around on a clear day.
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Urra Moor is fairly large and criss-crossed with several walking routes, some more popular than others. As a result, there are great panoramic views to be had in all directions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urra_Moor
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Judging from the number of recommendations, photos and tips, this is a hugely popular spot. If you can, get up there nice and early (I started 5.30am in May) to catch the rising sun and see the stones in a mix of sunlight and shadow, both from afar and close up. Spectacular rock formations and views all round.
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More spectacular views. The approach from the west is easier with a more gentle incline than the approach from the east, which involves a series of twisting turning steep steps, good safe footing but hard going both up and down.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular mountain peaks around Great Ayton?
Among the most popular peaks in the area is Roseberry Topping Summit, known for its distinctive half-cone shape and panoramic views. Other highly regarded spots include The Wainstones, a unique rocky outcrop offering views towards Middlesbrough, and Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, which provides expansive moorland vistas.
Are there family-friendly mountain walks near Great Ayton?
While many peaks offer challenging sections, some routes to destinations like Roseberry Topping can be adapted for families, depending on the chosen path. For a more general family outing, consider exploring the lower sections of the Cleveland Way or paths around Captain Cook's Monument, which offer scenic views without extreme difficulty.
What historical sites can I find on the mountain peaks around Great Ayton?
Easby Moor is home to Captain Cook's Monument, erected in memory of the legendary circumnavigator who received his early education in Great Ayton. Urra Moor, the highest point of the North York Moors, also features several prehistoric remains, including barrows and carved stones with cup and ring carvings, offering a glimpse into ancient history.
What is the highest point in the North York Moors near Great Ayton?
The highest point in the North York Moors is Urra Moor, with Round Hill Summit marking its highest elevation at 454 meters (1,490 feet). From here, you can enjoy spectacular, vast views across the moorland.
What kind of views can I expect from the peaks in this region?
The peaks around Great Ayton offer diverse views. From Roseberry Topping Summit, you get 360-degree panoramic views over Newton-under-Roseberry, Great Ayton, and the east coast. Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point provides expansive moorland views, including Roseberry Topping, the North York Moors, and the Tees Valley. From Easby Moor, you can see for miles, with tantalizing glimpses of the North Sea.
Are there hiking trails near these mountain peaks?
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails. For example, you can find routes like 'Captain Cook's Monument & Roseberry Topping loop from Great Ayrton' or 'Roseberry Topping – UK Hill Walks for Beginners'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Great Ayton guide page.
Can I go cycling near the mountain peaks around Great Ayton?
Absolutely. The area offers various cycling opportunities. For road cycling, routes like 'Carlton in Cleveland Village – Hutton Rudby Village loop from Great Ayton' are available. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails such as 'Hudson Aircraft Crash Memorial – Skinner Howe Cross Road loop from Kildale'. More details can be found on the Road Cycling Routes around Great Ayton and MTB Trails around Great Ayton guide pages.
What makes Roseberry Topping unique?
Roseberry Topping Summit is often called the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn' due to its distinctive half-cone shape and jagged cliff. Its unique profile was formed by a combination of a sandstone cap protecting softer rocks beneath and a collapse from historical alum and ironstone quarries.
What is the difficulty level of hiking to the peaks?
The difficulty varies by peak and chosen route. Roseberry Topping Summit offers challenging yet manageable hikes. Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point has a more gentle incline from the west but involves steep steps from the east. The Wainstones can also be challenging due to its rocky terrain.
Are there any prehistoric carvings or archaeological sites on the peaks?
Yes, on the lower ground surrounding The Wainstones, there are prehistoric carvings on a small collection of rocks, though they can be difficult to see due to erosion. Additionally, Urra Moor is known for its archaeological interest, featuring several prehistoric remains, including barrows and carved stones with cup and ring carvings.
What is the Cleveland Way and how does it relate to these peaks?
The Cleveland Way is a National Trail that passes through the region. The path to Captain Cook's Monument on Easby Moor is directly on the Cleveland Way, providing a scenic hike with historical context. Parts of Urra Moor, including Round Hill Summit, are also accessible via the Cleveland Way.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks around Great Ayton?
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular panoramic views from summits like Roseberry Topping Summit and the sense of peace found on the expansive moorlands of Urra Moor. The unique geological formations, historical significance, and diverse hiking opportunities are also highly appreciated.
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