The Captain Cook’s Adventure walk initially heads from Great Ayton to climb to Captain Cook’s Monument. From here follow the Cleveland Way across to the distinctive outline of Roseberry Topping.
There are two memorable landmarks that dominate the countryside near Great Ayton. The iconic peak of Roseberry Topping is one and the 51 foot high monument to the adventurer Captain Cook the other. Both can be visited in a simple but extremely interesting walk from Great Ayton and are linked together by a short section of the Cleveland Way.
I climbed Captain Cook’s Monument first. Breaking out of the woods on to the moors reveals some excellent views across the north western escarpment of the North York Moors. The monument itself is was built in 1807 in memory of the great explorer. It is a striking site over 60 feet tall and looking like an Egyptian obelisk. There are also views in the opposite direction across to Roseberry Topping, a more natural feature! I did enjoy the crossing between the two, the best part of the walk. In addition it concludes with an exhilarating finish on the fine summit sandwiched between the moors and the industrial wastes of Teesside. The return section will take you through some mixed woodland to complete what is a varied and intriguing walk.
If ever there was a walk for younger children this is it. The Captain Cook’s adventure walk is full of variety for the young ones although beware there is a fair amount of climbing.
At Great Ayton station turn right immediately after crossing the tracks. Follow this by turning left and right again on to a lane which starts to climb steeply. Soon after come to a junction of paths. Turn left and head up hill through the woods.
The best scenery xx
My Dad, who hailed from Sandsend, liked the Matterhorn of Cleveland. He knew from the 1930s, but it was in 1912 that I’m told it fell apart to give it the shape he loved. Mining and geology saw it partly collapse back in the Titanic’s first and final year. Grand little summit, far reaching views. Well worth the short ascent through the woods, or the longer way round as part of the Cook connection. If you are interested in that then take in Whitby, and move on the Bram Stoker and Dracula. Try Dunsley Hall Hotel as a centre.
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