Yet again we were blessed with a beautiful day. There was a cool autumnal breeze but still perfect weather for walking.
Captain Cook’s Monument
We started from Gribdale car park but we will be starting from a different place for the walk. More on that later.
We set off up Easby Moor, along the Cleveland way towards Captain Cook’s Monument. From here we got our first view of our ultimate goal, Roseberry Topping. It’s horn shaped outline is quite distinct and is the result of weathering, undercutting the sandstone cap.
Before we reached the monument, Julie found a plaque marking the crash site of a World War 2 Hudson bomber that crashed here in 1940. A little way further and we were at the monument. This was erected in 1827, in memory of the great circumnavigator. (More info)
Woods and apple trees
From here we descended towards Great Ayton Station through Ayton Banks Woods. There are various paths through the woods. The one that we chose was a bit steep in places, so we’ll find a better one for the walk. All of them give wonderful views though and are very pleasant.
We passed through Undercliffe and then entered a field over a stile. Just before a kissing gate into a wood, Julie spotted an apple tree. Being the forager that she is we couldn’t pass it without scrumping a few. They turned out to be a little sharp but very good. Considering we hadn’t brought lunch, they were very welcome.
Following a very scenic path through Cliff Ridge Wood, we enjoyed the outdoors, benefiting from the fact that insects don’t like the English autumn.
Roseberry Topping
On the outskirts of Great Ayton, we turned a sharp right into Newton Wood and towards Roseberry Topping. Reaching the bottom of Roseberry Topping, we went round to the North side and climbed up there. We should have taken the tourist path, as this one was negotiable but steep. Maybe next time. At the top we found the normal crowded summit. There were even several dogs up there. The views all round from here are spectacular. The North Sea at Redcar, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington are all visible on a good day.
The last leg took us up onto Great Ayton Moor and back to the car park.
The tea shop
Hungry and gasping for a cuppa, we made for the nearest tea shop, which turned out to be Fletchers Farm. This is our new starting point, so we can have breakfast before the walk and tea after.
This is a great walk in varied country. The iconic Roseberry Topping is the highlight and is a place to tick of any walkers list. Hope to see you all on this walk.
Julie and Martin
