We know that Roseberry Topping has always held a special place in the hearts of Teessiders. The path network needs extensive restoration to make sure residents and visitors to the area can enjoy this much-loved feature long into the future.
The National Trust and North York Moors National Park Authority are working in partnership to repair and resurface walking routes on Roseberry Topping.
On the paths leading up to the summit, erosion scars were nearly 15 metres wide in places, causing damage to the important upland grass habitats and impacting the appearance of the landscape. The work will help to accommodate the number of visitors to the site, whilst repairing environmental and ecological damage, and improve access with a better surface.
Work will typically be carried out in late spring and summer, into autumn, with paths slowly staggered over the coming years.
I’d like to thank visitors for their patience whilst work progresses, and for their continued support by sticking to the paths to allow reseeding to establish, and to prevent further erosion in the future.
The extensive repairs will focus on improving ten paths over several years so people can continue to enjoy walking and spending time in nature in the area. The pathways are a mix of permissive paths, maintained by the National Trust, and public footpaths and bridleways that are the responsibility of the National Park Authority. Each will have its own unique plan to optimise the path network with added drainage, steps where appropriate and planting. Some work will be carried out by specialist contractors, and some by the National Trust and Park Authority teams of staff and volunteers.
January 2026
We’re delighted to share that the initial works to improve the footpath through Cliff Ridge Wood at Roseberry Topping are now complete.
You may see our contractors and staff working on the path from time-to-time over the coming months. As the new path settles and dries out it will require tweaks, and our teams will ensure these are made to keep this path accessible for as many people as possible long into the future.
Roseberry Topping has been a prominent feature in the lives of local people for thousands of years and there are many archaeological remains on it and around it such as pre-historic flints.
From the outset, path work has been designed to risk as little archaeology as possible. Before construction work reaches non-eroded areas, National Trust archaeologists are carefully investigating to see if there are any archaeological remains present. There will also be a team monitoring the work as it evolves, just in case anything unexpected comes to light.
It is currently impossible to say how long the full range of work will be ongoing. We are hoping to secure funding to support the repairs of the wider network of paths in the near future.
Balancing visitor enjoyment with the restoration is at the heart of the timeline in planning for the remaining paths. Check back for updates, see what's coming next and for any opportunities to get involved.
The summit of Roseberry Topping is designated as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest and there are several areas of historical mining and archaeological significance on the hill. This work will help future visitors to keep to the appropriate routes and preserve the landscape for the next generation to enjoy.
The North York Moors National Park Authority looks after this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, helping to protect and conserve it, while encouraging people to enjoy and understand how special it is.
Discover what you can do around Roseberry Topping, from climbing the hill itself to seeing geological formations at Cliff Rigg Quarry and spotting wildlife such as roe deer.
Roseberry Topping is a three pawprint place. Discover a great place for visitors and their dogs to enjoy together.
Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast, to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.
