A guide to walking up Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire

Roseberry Topping, located near the town of Guisborough in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, is one to be added to your list of places to visit.

Standing at 320 meters, it offers fantastic views of the surrounding areas, especially sunsets, and provides a perfect location for a day out walking. This guide, covers my suggested route, things to plan, location and other things to know when walking up Roseberry Topping.

There are many routes you can take to explore Roseberry Topping and the surrounding Moors, but my chosen route below is a short walk that takes you from car park to sumit and back.

The Roseberry Topping walking route

The most common route to the top of Roseberry Topping is from the car park in Newton under Roseberry. The route is approximately 1.5 miles each way, and it takes approximately 1 hour. The path is well-maintained by the National Trust, and there are plenty of signposts to guide you on your journey.

The path starts by following a track from the car park. After a short distance, you will come to a gate (with a National Trust signpost) that marks the start of the ascent. This is where the path splits into an easy route and a slightly trickier route. The route I chose starts with a series of steps going straight up through the woodland. The path then turns into a track and zigzags its way up the hillside, becoming steeper as you get closer to the summit.

Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Looking to the North, you'll see the town of Guisborough and the wind turbines on the Redcar coast in the distance. To the West, you have incredible views, especially at Sunset. To the South and East, you can see across the Yorkshire moors, including Little Roseberry and Captain Cook's Monument.

The walk-up Roseberry Topping is considered moderate in difficulty, and it takes approximately 1 hour complete. The path is well-maintained but becomes steeper as you get closer to the summit, and the terrain is tricky in parts. The final ascent to the top involves climbing up a rocky outcrop.

How long does it take to walk up Roseberry Topping?

The walk takes just over an hour from start to finish and is approximately 1.5 miles.

Things to plan for your Roseberry Topping walk

Before embarking on your trip, it is important to plan ahead. Here are some things you may want to consider:

1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before you set out. The weather can change quickly in the area, so make sure you are prepared for all eventualities.

2. Time: Make sure you have enough time to complete the walk and return safely before sunset.

3. Facilities: There are no facilities near or at the top of Roseberry Topping, so make sure you bring enough water and food to sustain you on your walk.

Starting location for Roseberry Topping walk

Roseberry Topping is located near the village of Great Ayton, in North Yorkshire. There are several parking options available, including the Newton-under-Roseberry car park. The car park is well signposted and offers ample parking space. From the car park, it is a short walk to the start of the hiking trail.

Kit list

As mentioned, it's essential to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for any walk you do. Here's a list of items to bring:

• Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support

  • You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!

• Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key

• Warm layers (fleece, hat, gloves) - gloves come in handy when navigating rocky sections

• Map and compass (and the ability to use them)

• Food and water

• Sunscreen

• First aid kit

• Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger

Final Thoughts

Walking up Roseberry Topping is a great way to experience the beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the hike is suitable for most walkers. Remember to plan ahead, bring the right gear, and follow safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.