Roseberry Topping and Newton Wood walk
Though short, this is a challenging ascent of Cleveland's most famous hill.
Enjoy panoramic views from the summit of Roseberry Topping
Rosberry Topping is a fascinating place to explore for its human and geological history, as well as its abundant wildlife. After reaching the summit complete your walk by walking through Newton Wood.
Map
Start:
Newton-under-Roseberry, grid ref: NZ570128
1
Follow the tarmac path from the toilet block and turn right up Roseberry Lane.
Odin's Hill
At the start of the walk, take time to appreciate Roseberry Topping from afar. Its distinctive shape has been a source of awe for mankind for centuries. The Vikings, who first named the hill, believed it was sacred and dedicated it to their God, Odin. In more recent times there has been a long history of mining here. The hill's distinctive profile is in part due to the collapse of an ironstone mine in 1912, which earned it the nickname of the Yorkshire Matterhorn.
2
Climb the steps at the end of the lane and enter Newton Wood through the kissing gate. Turn immediately left to follow the bottom edge of the woods. Newton Wood is probably the best example of semi-natural oak woodland in the Cleveland area. There's plenty of wildlife to spot at any time of year, including roe deer and woodpeckers. It's also renowned for its bluebells in spring.
3
Turn right to climb the stone path that follows the edge of the woodland. 'We may roam far and wide before we see. A finer sight than here from Rosebury' from a sonnet by George Tweddell 1870.
4
Follow the stone path as it turns left, through a gate onto Roseberry Common. The rocks that form Roseberry Topping were laid down during the Jurassic period. Every step you take towards the summit represents around 5,000 years in geological time. Look out for fossils in any rocks you pass as you climb.
5
After enjoying the view from the summit, descend on the stone path on the opposite side of the hill to where you came up.
Inspiring views
As a boy Captain Cook lived at Airey Holme Farm and regularly climbed Roseberry Topping to enjoy the spectacular views across the Cleveland plain and beyond. These adventures are said to have provided the inspiration for him to become an explorer.
6
At the fence turn right and continue through a gate to the folly.
The folly
The origins of the folly to the south-west of Roseberry are something of a mystery. Most historians believe it was built as a summerhouse where Victorian walkers could rest rather than as a shooting box, as the plaque suggests.
7
Continue on the grassy path between the gorse and pass through the gate back into Newton Wood.
8
Turn left, then immediately right, down a steep path through the wood.
9
Continue straight on at the clearing to the path that follows the bottom edge of the wood, back to the gate at the end of Roseberry Lane.
10
Go through the gate and return to the car park down the lane.
End:
Newton-under-Roseberry, grid ref: NZ570128
