2 days ago
Weekend walk: The iconic North York Moors walk you need to do at least once
Weekend walk: Roseberry Topping on North York Moors
ROSEBERRY Topping is one of the most recognisable sites in the North York Moors. It is certainly the most recognisable hill.
At 320m, just over 1,000 ft, it is not high but the steep sides and rocky summit stand out from miles around.
Driving along the A173 it is impossible not to notice the steep sided hill of Roseberry Topping. The hard sandstone on its upper slopes has created its distinctive conical shape. Nearby the vast North York Moors plateau stretches for miles but Roseberry Topping is separate.
Park in the official car park at Newton under Roseberry, it is a reasonable price. There are plenty of information boards describing the walking alternatives, of which there are many! I prefer walking in an anti-clockwise direction and I think it suits this walk well.
Head from the car park to join a lane heading east towards the hill. After 2,400m and just before the trees a bridlepath heads left, ignore it and pass through a gate into the woods. You are greeted with a multitude of paths. I chose one heading largely south and gradually uphill.
Newton Woods is an area of attractive woodland of ash, oak and birch. The path climbs steadily for 500m until it emerges through a stile on to the open hillside. Turn around and the sea is now in view near Saltburn, a surprise to me it seems so close. Just after the trees is a surprise, a stone Victorian folly is perched across some flat land, offering shelter on a windy day.
The conical peak is now directly ahead. The path initially heads straight towards it. However after passing a stile it bends a little to the right before turning back to the summit after 200m. This is to avoid the steeper direct climb.
Roseberry Topping map
Emerge on to the rocky summit and trig point. The summit is an impressive place (although covered in flies when I was there last week) with good views in all directions and an intriguing rocky set up.
To the south are the North York Moors, look carefully and the tower is Captain Cook's Monument. The north west side of the summit is sheer and broke away in 1912 when the old mines weakened the rock creating a rock fall. I took the path to the right of the sheer slopes and joined a steep path heading north.
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The path is in good condition and the descent towards the woods very quick. On entering the woods bend towards the left and follow the track through the woods to return to the gate which marked the end of the lane from the car park. If in doubt there is an information board at its entrance.
The 400m back to the car offers plenty of opportunity to ponder the name Roseberry Topping. The original name was Viking in origin, 'Odin's Hill' but there was a number of versions since Viking times (Odin, Ouseberry, Roseberry) that led to the name Roseberry Topping. Back at the car park turn left for the car but better, right for the pub.
Fact Box:
Distance: Roughly 2.5 miles
Height to Climb: 320m (1,049 feet)
Start: NZ 570128. Parking in the south end of Newton under Roseberry (National Trust) is also the start of the walk.
Difficulty: Medium. The paths and tracks are very good but it is a steep climb and descent.
Refreshments: The Kings Head in Newton Under Roseberry is the obvious place to go.
Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL26) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.
* Jonathan runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales:
He has written three books on walking in the Dales; 'The Yorkshire 3 Peaks', 'The Dales 30' mountains and the 'Walks without Stiles' book. Buy them direct from Where2walk
Jonathan also runs Navigation Courses. The next available course date is September 14 (Hill Skills) in Long Preston.
He also leads walking days over the 'Dales 30' mountains, check for details of forthcoming guided days.
features hundreds of walks with descriptions across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs. Visit the website for details of all these walks, guiding days and navigation courses.
