Roseberry Topping – UK Hill Walks for Beginners

There’s something about the sudden sight of a sharp peak that really captures the attention and gets the imagination firing. Roseberry Topping, a dramatic upthrust in the North York Moors National Park, works its magic in such a way. It’s only 1,050 feet (320 m) high, yet its profile has inspired generations of visitors, including the legendary explorer Captain James Cook and Alan Hinkes, the first Briton to scale all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks.

The walk begins in Great Ayton, which provides the option of arriving by car, bus or train. From the village, it’s easy to appreciate why Roseberry Topping is often cited as ‘the Yorkshire Matterhorn’. Its west face drops away almost vertically with an impressive display of crags, completely in contrast to the gentler pastures surrounding it.

The hike passes through Cliff Ridge Wood and its ancient trees, before making a beeline for the summit. En route, there’s a photogenic, Grade-II listed shooting box, which doubles up as a great picnic spot. Beyond this, you pass through a gate and the path zigzags up towards the rocky summit.

Unsurprisingly, such a prominent top rewards with a wide-ranging panorama. To the south and east, the grand expanse of the North York Moors stretches away, while the urban sprawl of Teesside dominates matters to the north west. Just remember to keep one eye on where you’re putting your feet, as there are some big drops from the top.

After an initial descent to the east, the route ascends once more and takes you on a grand arc along the edge of a scenic moorland escarpment. Your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn back to Roseberry Topping time and time again before one last undulation brings you to the top of Easby Moor and the Captain Cook Monument. From here, descend back to Great Ayton, where there are plenty of places for post-hike refreshment.