Roseberry Topping hill is a standout landmark in North Yorkshire.It is by no means the tallest peak in the North York Moors, but its unique appearance certainly puts it on its own special pedestal.

And while impressive to look at from the road, the experience of climbing to the hill summit for the view is even sweeter.

Is it worth it to walk up to the top of Roseberry Topping?

Who can resist anywhere with the name ‘Roseberry Topping’? And why would you when you can savour the sweetness of its panoramic views. They’re incredible and 110% worth the scramble up.

Climbing a hill in North Yorkshire was the last thing I had in mind for that morning. Barely under an hour ago I’d slipped into a beautiful flowy skirt for my planned seaside excursion, thrilled to ditch leggings for a day.

But on my way to the North York Coast, something unexpected happened…

Shortly after driving past the village of Great Ayton, a quirky cone-shaped figure materialized across the skyline.

“What is THAT?” my brain immediately wanted to know. 

Visions of an early seaside stroll started to fall out of focus. I had to check this out.

Seeing Roseberry Topping for the first time

Roseberry Topping will draw you in on first sight. That’s not an exaggeration; it has a strong “come on over, baby” appeal. 

Given that its name sounds like some sort of delicious confectionery, let’s get that vision going.

Think about the topping on a cupcake. The swirls on top are a mixture of green and golden brown hues. Next, place those earth-toned swirls on a bed of green.

That’s my delicious version of Roseberry Topping, set on top of the rolling landscape of the North York Moors. 

Where does the name Roseberry Topping come from?

What’s the story behind the catchy name? Why is it called Roseberry Topping?

I tried to come up with all sorts of rationale. None were even close so I’ll spare you.

Was it on this peak where a Viking God called Odin worshipped? The stories and myths associated with Roseberry Topping are fascinating. Of the many out there, those surrounding Odin are generally consistent.

The name ‘Roseberry’ is said to be derived from ‘Othenesberg’, or Odin’s Hill. ‘Topping’ is derived from ‘Toppen’ which is an old Viking word for hill.

The famous landmark in North Yorkshire is also referred to by other names but the origin of those are much easier to figure out. They’re all linked to a famous mountain of the Italian-Swiss Alps.

It can sometimes be referred to as ‘Yorkshire’s Matterhorn’, ‘Little Matterhorn’, ‘The Cleveland Matterhorn’, or ‘Matterhorn of Middlesborough’.

Maybe just call it Little Matterhorn of Yorkshire’s Middlesborough?

Getting ready to do the Roseberry Topping walk

The snap decision to go on the Roseberry Topping walk was made. But one little question was nagging away in the back of my mind…

Am I fit enough to climb Roseberry Topping?

Is the Roseberry Topping walk hard?

Walking up Roseberry Topping is a moderate challenge.

It is on a relatively steep gradient. However, it is a quick climb and is suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness. This includes children who’ll probably love a good hill scramble.

How high is Roseberry Topping?

Walking up Roseberry Topping will take you to an elevation of around 1,050 feet (or 320m).

Not bad at all, I decided. Definitely possible.

How long does it take to climb Roseberry Topping?

Of course, the next logistical detail I needed to figure out was how long this impromptu hike would take.

When I asked a group of locals gathered in the car park, the answer was: “around 30 minutes”.

I translated that to mean that it’d take me around 1 hour to complete the full circular walk from the carpark, up the hill and back.

It was an accurate guess; it took approximately 1 hour to climb, stop several times to admire the landscape, take photographs and back down.

Is it worth it to walk up Roseberry Topping?

Walking up to the summit of Roseberry Topping is well worth it. Besides, who can resist anywhere with the name ‘Roseberry Topping’? And why would you when you can savour the sweetness of its panoramic views. They’re incredible and 110% worth the scramble up.

Where can you park and how much does it cost for Roseberry Topping carpark?

There’s a pay and display car park conveniently located at Newton under Roseberry. It has restrooms.

Cars are £2.70 for up to 2 hours – which is what I went with for the short Newton Woods-Roseberry Topping circular walk. Or day trippers, you pay £4.80 over 2 hours.

Starting point for Roseberry Topping walk

The area is managed by the National Trust (NT). They’ve mounted a highly visible sign to flag the official start of the trail which is minutes away from Roseberry Topping carpark.

Up to this point I’ve described its hilly and grassy terrain but the walk is more diverse than that. At the base of the hill are woodlands.

Leg #1: Roseberry Topping Walk via Newton Woods 

The first section of Roseberry Topping walk takes you through Newton Woods.

Once you head through a wooden gate, you are immediately greeted by stairs. Lots of them. 

An intersecting path offers an alternate walking option (it’d be anti-clockwise) but the path with the wooden stairs seemed like the best way to go. Or maybe that was really just me following the group before me.

At first glance the incline looks a bit intimidating… okay, I may have had an “I’m exhausted before it’s even started” flash moment. But the good news is: it is a gradual climb and the path is very well-maintained.

Thinking back now, I’d say that this part is the good warm-up session. 

Walking under the shade of the trees didn’t last very long. A clearing soon appeared and the first hillside views of North York started to emerge.

But this isn’t the time to gear down yet. You may be out of the woodlands, but you’re not out of the woods.

Leg #2: Roseberry Topping walk – climbing to the summit

Next comes the part that really gets those hearts pumping.

The hill becomes steeper . And with that, the risk of slipping increases too. 

Proper walking shoes are especially needed for this section of the walk up to Roseberry Topping. Although I wasn’t exactly dressed for hiking that morning, thankfully I’d had my boots handy so, somewhat prepared!

A stone trail replaces the wooden stairs for the remainder of the climb. Things must get pretty treacherous out here after a rainy day. 

Although it won’t feel like it in that moment, the rest of the walk up to the peak won’t take any more than 20 minutes.

People you meet on the Roseberry Topping walk

Roseberry Topping walk attracts many types of visitors to her quirky peak.

On the hill were assorted groups: young families, friends, couples, solo hikers – all headed up to the summit.

Some may wonder “is Roseberry Topping suitable for kids?” or “is Roseberry Topping dog-friendly?” While I come with neither, I can answer “Yes” to both, based on field observations.

At one point, a local gentleman about 25 years my senior shot past me with a small dog who was just as spirited as he. He shouted a few friendly words of encouragement in passing (was it my face that gave it away?). It was just the boost of motivation I needed to make the final push up.

Reaching the summit: Roseberry Topping viewpoint

One healthier heart and two stronger legs later, I reached the peak.

Time to collect my views, thank you.

The viewpoint at Roseberry Topping gives you 360 views of the Cleveland Hills, North York Moors, North York Coast, industrial Teesside and even The Pennines.

But truthfully, these geographical specifics were all lost on me in that moment, because man, it was simply all so green and lush. Time to give myself a pat in the back for following gut instinct – I’d definitely classify this Roseberry Topping walk as one of the best things to do in North Yorkshire, especially if you’re the outdoorsy type.

Roseberry Topping walk – Captain Cook’s Monument

If it’s a clear day, from the south of the summit, be sure to look for a large obelisk in the distance. You’ll catch a glimpse of Captain Cook’s Monument, mounted on the peak of what is Easby Moor.

Whether you’re in the village of Great Ayton or the coastal town of Staithes, as you travel around this part of North Yorkshire you’ll have plenty of reminders that you’re in ‘Captain Cook’s Country’.

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Did Roseberry Topping inspire Captain Cook’s wanderlust?

I’ve mentioned the nearby village of Great Ayton a couple of times. It was here, on a farm, that a young Captain Cook grew up.

Long before he became a legendary explorer, James Cook was also said to be a fan of climbing Roseberry Topping. It would have been a hop and a skip away from his home. The hill and the surrounding woodlands probably made for an excellent spot to escape to – away from those pesky adults and their ever-growing list of farm chores.

Whatever the reason that motivated the young Captain Cook to keep venturing up here, surely this place would have had a big impact.

Did those 360 views from Roseberry Topping make him restless to discover what else was out there besides farm life in North Yorkshire?

Travel ignites our sense of curiosity; it quenches our thirst for adventure. Whether that is local travel or foreign travel, it opens the door to wonderful discovery.

In the case of James Cook, discovery led to breakthrough knowledge on the world map and the Pacific territory. It also brought violence to Australia’s Aboriginal community. Indigenous artifacts taken on Cook’s voyage can be seen in the British Museum today.

But I digress…

Every adventurer who climbs up to this summit and gazes out feels a stirring of curiosity. Surely, a young Captain Cook felt it too.

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Final Leg of Roseberry Topping walk

After you’ve digested those peak views, it’s time to descend the hill. The wild flowers dotted across Newton Moor are especially beautiful.

Depending on which season you visit in, you might enjoy the heather moorland wrapped in a vision of purple in the summer, or a vibrant bluebell show in the spring. I certainly wouldn’t mind returning at sunset in September/October to see the hill illuminated with a warm autumnal glow.

Another point of interest that you’ll notice on the descent is a small stone hut (or some might call it a “folly” in the UK, which has a more elegant ring to it.)

My best guess is that it was built to be a lookout point, or a shelter from the massive winds and rains that descend upon this North Yorkshire area.

And on that rambunctious weather note, I’ll leave you with a fitting extract from an old Yorkshire rhyme.

“When Roseberry Topping wears a cap, let Cleveland then beware of a clap!“