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Steep; difficulty depends on route

Roseberry Topping

320m Elevation
82m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Roseberry Topping is a 320 m hill above Newton-under-Roseberry on the edge of the North York Moors. Its rocky summit and trig point overlook the Cleveland plain, Teesside and the moors. Choose a steep direct climb from Newton, a woodland circuit or a longer walk from Great Ayton; check current path-restoration diversions before setting out.

Roseberry Topping

Roseberry Topping rises to 320 m above Newton-under-Roseberry, with a rocky summit and a trig point. The climb is short from the village but steep. Clear weather gives a broad contrast between the Cleveland plain, Teesside and the North York Moors.

Choosing a walk

  • Direct from Newton-under-Roseberry: follow Roseberry Lane and the main summit path, returning the same way. The National Trust’s 30–60 minutes is an ascent estimate, not a return-walk duration.
  • Newton Wood circuit: the National Trust publishes a complete 3.2 km loop from the car park, taking in the summit, folly and woods. Its stated time is one hour and its grade is Challenging; build in extra time for your group.
  • From Great Ayton station: the published 6.4 km circuit goes via Aireyholme Farm and returns through the woods. The National Trust gives 1.5 hours and a Moderate grade.
  • Captain Cook’s Monument: the Great Ayton village-green circuit links Easby Moor, Gribdale and Roseberry Topping. The National Trust gives 11.52 km and 3–4 hours, graded Challenging.
  • From Gribdale Gate: a direct return walk follows the Cleveland Way over the moor to the summit approach. Plan this separately from the longer village-green circuit.

These are route summaries. Use the linked directions and a suitable map, and allow for stops and conditions. Newton Wood circuit, station circuit, Captain Cook circuit.

Access and conditions

The National Park car park is beside the A173 at Newton-under-Roseberry, with access to Roseberry Lane. Parking charges apply, including for National Trust members. Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are available at the car park; check opening notices. The operator uses postcode TS9 6QS for parking, while the National Trust property address uses TS9 6QR. Parking information.

Hodgsons service 18 serves Newton-under-Roseberry from Great Ayton, Stokesley and Guisborough. Great Ayton station is on the Middlesbrough–Whitby line. Check the council bus information and Northern rail timetable, especially the return journey.

Expect uneven stone steps, steep slopes and mud. Keep away from cliff edges and old quarry faces; wet or icy ground makes the descent harder. Keep dogs on leads for the summit and on short leads around livestock. Visitor information, dog guidance.

Path restoration may change the route. The latest dated project update checked on 15 October 2026 UTC was June 2026, covering work on six further paths. Follow signed diversions and stay off recovering ground. Current project updates.

Landscape and history

A resistant Jurassic sandstone cap sits above softer shales. Landsliding, quarrying and mining helped shape the broken profile. The nearby Cleveland Dyke is a separate igneous feature. Geological account.

Newton Wood is known for spring bluebells, usually in May. The folly and former industrial workings add interest below the summit. James Cook lived and worked at nearby Airey Holme Farm; Captain Cook’s Monument stands on Easby Moor. The conventional interpretation of Roseberry’s early name, Othenesberg, links it with Odin. Woodland guide, Cook history, local name history.

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Route planning notes

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

Roseberry Topping from Newton-under-Roseberry (direct return)

Start at the National Park car park (NZ570128), follow Roseberry Lane to Newton Wood and the main steep path to the summit, then return by the same approach. This shares the initial approach with the Newton Wood circuit below. The National Trust quotes 30–60 minutes for the climb only; allow additional time for descent and stops. Follow any signed path-work diversions.

Steep ascent; uneven steps

Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument Loop

Follow the National Trust circuit from Great Ayton village green (NZ562106), through Cliff Ridge Wood to Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor, then via Gribdale and the Cleveland Way to Roseberry Topping. Return through Newton Wood and Cliff Ridge Wood. The published full-circuit duration is 3–4 hours. Expect steep climbs, stiles and muddy paths; check current diversions.

11.5 km Challenging (National Trust)

Newton Wood and Roseberry Topping circular

The National Trust’s full 3.2 km circuit starts and ends at Newton-under-Roseberry car park (NZ570128). It climbs via Roseberry Lane and the woodland-edge stone path, visits the summit, and returns by the folly and Newton Wood. The published duration is one hour for the full circuit, not just the ascent; allow more for rests or slower progress. Check signed diversions.

3.2 km ~1 hours Challenging (National Trust)

Roseberry Topping via Aireyholme Farm from Great Ayton station

Use the National Trust’s station-to-station circuit (start NZ574107), rather than a village-centre start. It passes Aireyholme Farm, climbs the summit and returns by the folly, Newton Wood and Cliff Ridge Wood. The published full-walk duration is 1.5 hours. There are stiles, muddy paths and a steep final ascent; allow time for stops and check your return train.

6.4 km ~1.5 hours Moderate (National Trust)

Roseberry Topping from Gribdale Gate (direct return)

From Gribdale Gate car park, follow the Cleveland Way north over the moor, descend towards Roseberry Topping and climb the stone steps to the summit. Return by the same path. This uses the Gribdale-to-summit section of the National Trust’s Captain Cook circuit; it is not the full village-green loop. Open moorland and the steep summit require care, and path-work signs take priority.

Steep summit approach; open moorland
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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

A trig point marks the rocky summit. The distinctive broken sandstone profile has steep drops beside it; keep back from the edges.

Terrain & Geology

Woodland paths steep stone-pitched steps grassy slopes uneven tracks open moorland approaches mud after rain

A Middle Jurassic sandstone cap forms an outlier above softer Lower Jurassic shales. A rotational landslide, accentuated by mining and quarrying, helped produce the broken profile. The Cleveland Dyke at nearby Cliff Rigg is a separate igneous intrusion.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views reach across the Cleveland plain and Teesside, the Eston Hills, the Cleveland Hills escarpment and the North York Moors. Captain Cook’s Monument on Easby Moor is another recognisable landmark.

Best Seasons

Newton Wood has spring woodland flowers and bluebells, usually in May. Autumn is a good time to look for fungi in the woods; stay on the paths and leave plants and fungi undisturbed.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The early name Othenesberg is conventionally linked to the Norse god Odin. The National Park interprets Roseberry as Odin’s rock or crag. ‘Topping’ is another reference to the hill; the name is best presented as a traditional interpretation rather than an exact modern translation.

Historical Significance

James Cook’s family moved to nearby Airey Holme Farm in 1736; he later worked there and climbed Roseberry Topping. A Bronze Age hoard was found near the summit in 1826. Quarrying and mining left visible traces, and the 1912 landslip changed the hill’s profile through a combination of geological and human influences.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

North York Moors National Park car park beside the A173 at Newton-under-Roseberry, with access to Roseberry Lane (NZ570128). The parking operator lists TS9 6QS; the National Trust property address uses TS9 6QR. Charges apply, including for National Trust members. Check the current tariff and parking terms on arrival and allow time for the complete walk.

Public Transport

Hodgsons Coaches service 18 serves Newton-under-Roseberry on the Stokesley–Great Ayton–Guisborough route. Great Ayton station is on Northern’s Middlesbrough–Whitby line and is the start of a published summit circuit. Check current operating days and return times with North Yorkshire Council and Northern before travelling.

Nearby Facilities

Public toilets, including an accessible toilet, are at Newton-under-Roseberry car park; check current opening notices. The parking operator also lists EV charging and a refreshment van on some days. Carry water and food for the walk. Great Ayton has further places to eat and drink.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep, uneven stone paths and summit drops: keep back from cliff edges, especially with children or dogs.
  • Wet rock and muddy woodland paths can be slippery; choose footwear with a good grip.
  • Old quarry faces and disturbed mining ground are not shortcuts; keep to established routes.
  • Path-restoration work can require closures or diversions. Follow site signs and stay off recovering ground.

Seasonal Hazards

Woodland paths can be muddy in wet weather, particularly in winter. Frost or ice makes stone steps more difficult, and strong winds increase exposure near the summit. Check the forecast, allow for short winter days and turn back if conditions exceed your group’s ability.

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.

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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.

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Location

Roseberry Topping location map

Grid reference: NZ579126

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