![]() |
Roseberry Topping is a distinctive and iconic landmark with a ‘fin’ like shape and is a very noticeable peak on the Cleveland Hills. It’s a brilliant destination for a walk for all ages. |
The 3 best Roseberry Topping walking routes that you need to know about
Roseberry Topping FAQ
How high is Roseberry topping?
Roseberry Topping is 320m high (1,049ft) and whilst not the biggest hill you’ll ever see it’s a very distinctive local landmark that just needs to be tackled on a walk as it gives some of the best views in the area.
How long is the walk up to Roseberry Topping?
It depends on the walking route you take, with the shortest walk being 1.3 miles there and back and can be done in an hour. There are longer Roseberry Topping walking routes and multiple paths to the summit, and the 3 best routes in my humble opinion are featured on this blog post.
Is Roseberry Topping a difficult walk?
It’s quick to walk up to the summit of Roseberry Topping, but it does get steep in parts (whilst being perfectly safe). It is a great walk for all ages, from kids as young as 3 and for those with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
Where do you park to walk Roseberry Topping?
Roseberry Topping has its own car park nearby on the A173 maintained by the National Trust (Post code: TS9 6QS). It can get quite busy on weekends and will cost you a few quid to park. If this car park is busy – there’s another pay & display car park about 300 yards north up the A173 road past the King’s Head Inn (make sure you do purchase a parking ticket as the wardens are quite on the ball around these parts unfortunately).
#1. The quickest Roseberry Topping walk
This is the quickest and most direct way to tackle Roseberry Topping – which starts at the Roseberry Topping Public Car Park (TS9 6QS). It’s about 1.3 miles there and back and the total walk can be done in about an hour depending on your fitness and time at the top 🙂
Roseberry Topping quick walk overview details:
WALK OVERVIEW:
WALK DISTANCE: 1.3 miles
WALK TIME: 1 hour
WALK DIFFICULTY: MODERATE/STEEP

#2. The stunning bluebell walk route through Newton Wood to Roseberry Topping
![]() |
You’ll see plenty of Bluebells on this walk through Newton Wood if you do it in May/June when they are in full bloom. |
Life Insurance
Roseberry Topping ‘Bluebell’ wood overview details:
WALK OVERVIEW:
WALK DISTANCE: 2.4 miles
WALK TIME: 1.5 hours
WALK DIFFICULTY: EASY

#3. The best long Roseberry Topping circular walk from Great Ayton, via Captain Cooks Monument on the Cleveland Way
Life Insurance
Roseberry Topping walk via Captain Cooks Monument & Cockshaw Hill overview:
WALK OVERVIEW:
WALK DISTANCE: 6.7 miles
WALK TIME: 3.5 hours
WALK DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

![]() |
This longer Roseberry Topping walk takes you through Newton Wood and if you do it in May time the Bluebells will be in full bloom
|
![]() |
There are 3 main paths up to the summit of Roseberry Topping (from the North, East & South) On this walk you will tackle Roseberry Topping from the southern end. |
On this walk route I’ve added a little 5 min detour to the viewpoint at Cockshaw Hill which is just near Captain Cooks monument and offers my favourite view of Roseberry Topping in the area. If you visit at the end of August/September the pink heather will be in full bloom. (You don’t necessarily have to do this longer walk route to visit this stunning viewpoint and you can just park at Gribdale Gate and walk 10 mins to it and then onto Captain Cooks monument) |