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Roseberry Topping

320m Elevation
82m Prominence
England Country
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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Grosmont to Beck Hole, Esk Valley Circular

8.6 km ~3h Moderate

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Richmond Yorkshire

4.1 km ~49m Easy

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Circular

8.8 km ~2h 40m Easy

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Jesmond Dene (extended) circular

9.4 km ~3h Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Classic Roseberry Topping Circular

This is the most popular and well-known route to the summit of Roseberry Topping. Starting from the car park at Newton-under-Roseberry, the path ascends steadily through woodland before opening up to a steep climb to the summit. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding North York Moors and Cleveland Plain.

4.5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument Loop

This longer circular route combines the iconic summit of Roseberry Topping with a visit to Captain Cook’s Monument. Starting from Great Ayton, the trail takes you through Easby Moor, ascends to the monument, and continues along paths and open moorland to reach the distinctive peak of Roseberry Topping before returning via Little Ayton.

11 km ~4 hours Challenging

Newton Wood and Roseberry Topping

This scenic route begins at the Newton-under-Roseberry car park and takes walkers through Newton Wood, which is particularly beautiful in spring with its blanket of bluebells. The path then climbs steeply to the summit of Roseberry Topping, offering panoramic views before descending back through the woodland.

3.8 km ~1.5 hours Easy to Moderate

Roseberry Topping via Aireyholme Farm

Starting from the village of Great Ayton, this route meanders through pleasant farmland and Aireyholme Farm, the childhood home of Captain Cook. The path climbs steadily through open countryside before reaching the summit of Roseberry Topping. On the descent, walkers can enjoy tranquil views of the surrounding fields and villages.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Roseberry Topping from Gribdale Gate

This lesser-known route begins at Gribdale Gate and offers a quieter approach to Roseberry Topping. The trail traverses open moorland and joins the Cleveland Way before a steep ascent to the summit. Perfect for those seeking a less crowded hike with equally rewarding views.

5.5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

300-399m hill

Elevation

320m

1,050 ft

Prominence

82m

Coordinates

54.5054, -1.1073

NZ579126

OS Map

93

Explorer: OL26N

At the Summit

The summit boasts a distinctive pinnacle and a stone seat, perfect for a well-earned breather. There's also a natural rock formation resembling a heart, which can be a lovely backdrop for photos.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops occasional muddy patches.

Roseberry Topping is primarily composed of Jurassic age sandstone and shale, formed during the Mesozoic era. Its distinctive shape is the result of erosion, with the upper part showing impressive scarp slopes.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the North Sea, the nearby Cleveland Hills, and extensive views over the North York Moors.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Roseberry' is thought to derive from the Old Norse 'roser', meaning 'at the head or end of a hill', while 'Topping' refers to its height.

Historical Significance

Roseberry Topping has been a favourite of local walkers and climbers for centuries, often featuring in local folklore and tales.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park located on the A173, about 1 mile from the foot of Roseberry Topping. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service is from Great Ayton, with regular connections from Middlesbrough. Check local schedules for times.

Nearby Facilities

There are no on-site facilities, but Great Ayton has several cafes and pubs where you can grab a bite or use the lavatory.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks on the trail can be tricky, particularly in wet conditions. The area can get muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Roseberry Topping?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Roseberry Topping through the maps

Are there other walkers around Roseberry Topping?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Roseberry Topping search or of course create your own walk for Roseberry Topping

Can I organise a walk to Roseberry Topping?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Roseberry Topping.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Roseberry Topping?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Roseberry Topping here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NZ579126

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