Roseberry Topping Walk With Route Map

Roseberry Topping, standing at 320 meters above sea level, is beloved by locals and often affectionately called "The Teesside Matterhorn." Its distinctive half-cone shape and jagged cliff make it one of the most recognisable features in the North York Moors, even though it’s not the highest point. There will be three Roseberry Topping walks on the updated Pub Walks app and we have shown a route map for one of the walks below.

Visible from miles away, Roseberry Topping is steeped in history, with Bronze Age and Iron Age remains discovered on its slopes. The dramatic profile of Roseberry Topping is thought to be the result of a geological fault and ironstone mining, which led to part of the hill collapsing in 1912.

A short walk from the start of the Roseberry Topping walk is The King’s Head Inn, nestled in the charming village of Newton under Roseberry. It’s the perfect spot to explore Captain Cook Country and enjoy scenic walks around the North York Moors and Cleveland Way. This quintessential country pub, a finalist in The Great British Pub Awards for Best Family Pub, features a fantastic outdoor play barn, so you can relax while the kids play.

Parking: Newton under Roseberry Car Park is at the start of the walk
Pub: The King’s Head Inn. Located beneath the iconic Roseberry Topping, the inn is surrounded by peaceful countryside and forests.

Here is a route map showing the Roseberry Topping walk

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Roseberry Topping walk
Distance: 4.7km

Take a deep breath and explore one of Tees Valley’s most iconic landmarks with a refreshing walk up Roseberry Topping. Starting from Newton-under-Roseberry, this invigorating uphill route takes you to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360° panoramic views. While the hike is a bit challenging, it’s not too tough—and the stunning scenery at the top makes every step worthwhile.

This walk is a favourite among locals, so don’t be surprised to find it bustling with activity, especially during the busy summer months. Roseberry Topping’s striking appearance often draws comparisons to the much taller Matterhorn in the Swiss-Italian Alps, earning it its affectionate nickname.

An interesting historical note: Before becoming a famous explorer, Captain James Cook spent his childhood near Roseberry Topping. Growing up on Airey Holme Farm, just south of the hill, his frequent trips to the summit sparked a lifelong spirit of adventure.

Born in 1728 in Marton, now part of Middlesbrough, Cook moved with his family to the farm in 1736. He attended school in nearby Great Ayton, where the schoolhouse is now a museum dedicated to Cook’s early life and legacy. (IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS WHY NOT TRY OUR ‘Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook's Monument walk’)

Today, the National Trust cares for this cherished landmark.

Remember, after rain, the paths can become quite muddy and slippery, so always wear appropriate footwear. Walking poles can also be helpful, especially when navigating the rocky and sometimes tricky descent from the summit.

Roseberry Topping short walk
Distance: 2.7km

Starting at the car park, this is the quickest and most direct way to tackle Roseberry Topping. Depending on how fit you are (and whether you have little ones with you) you can usually do the walk in an hour of so. Add to this the time of course for sitting at the top and enjoying the view. It is quite a strenuous hike to the top (173 metres) with a lot of steps but the view is well worth the effort. Whilst this is only a short walk it is still a good idea to wear appropriate footwear as it will be uneven in places and sometimes muddy and slippery after rain.

Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook's Monument walk
Distance: 11.1km

This walk is quite long and strenuous, especially as you climb to the top of Roseberry Topping, but it is a wonderful walk and a firm favourite for many. You'll start by winding through Newton Wood and then Cliff Ridge Wood. Look out for Brant Gate, an ancient path whose name comes from the Old Norse word ‘Gata,’ meaning road or path, hinting at its long history. Keep an eye open for a stone folly that perfectly frames Roseberry Topping in the distance, a perfect place to take a photo.

On your journey, you will also pass the lane to Aireyholme Farm, where Captain James Cook lived as a boy. And from there, you’ll climb to Captain Cook’s Monument, which was built in 1827.

The journey continues along the Cleveland Way, leading you to the breathtaking summit of Roseberry Topping. The view from the top is simply spectacular, offering a panorama of the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Coast, the Pennine hills, and even industrial Teesside. Take a moment to soak in these views before heading northward down the hill. In late spring, you’ll also be treated to a stunning display of bluebells blanketing the woodland floor. Simply spectacular.