The Complete Guide to the North York Moors - Top Ten Highest Hills
The North York Moors are a wonderful place to go if you are looking for peaceful walking. Miles upon mile of upland moor are the draw to those who visit the National Park and the walks, seemingly desolate in winter but beautifully coloured in summer and a glorious purple of blooming heather in late summer/ early autumn are loved by all who frequent them. Yet, the hills are not so well known as say those of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales or Peak District. This is probably because rather than springing up in distinct profile they generally form the highest parts of the general characteristic of the widespread North York Moors. Despite this shortcoming there are eight points that rise in stature over the magical 1,000 feet mark. All eight are featured here as well as the next two to complete a North York Moors top ten. Another feature to look out for in the highland of the moors are ancient waymarks so look out for them too. Go on, get out there, enjoy the spendour of the North York Moors and bag them all. You'll love it.
| Round Hill (Urra Moor) Height: 454m 1,490 feet |
Many walkers reach the highest point of the North York Moors without realising it as Round Hill, the topmost point of Urra Moor sits right beside the Coast to Coast walk path on the section between Clay Bank Top and Bloworth Crossing. The height on widespread moorland has a trig point for walkers to clearly prove they have reached the pinnacle of the North York Moors National Park. When there, dwell in pride. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
| Cringle Moor Height: 435m 1,427 feet |
Cringle Moor is the highest point on the long ridge of Cleveland Hills that runs from Clay Bank to Osmotherley,
a ridge so well know by frequent road users of the A19 from Middlesbrough to Thirsk on a journey to the the A1 and the south. Unlike the higher
Round Hill, Cringle Moor has the clear shape of a proper hill if approached from the east as the picture to the left shows, a picture I took in
1994 during my first Coast to Coast Walk.
| Danby High Moor Height: 432m 1,417 feet |
As with Round Hill and Cringle Moor , Danby High Moor is passed by
all Coast to Coast walkers. Those who do the epic Wainwright walk just have to step off the track for a few metres on the section between
the Lion Inn at Blakey and Glaisdale to bag the third highest point in the North York Moors. A trig point marks the spot for those wanting to touch the top
of the moor. Afterwards a pint in the Lion Inn could be the reward. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
| Carlton Bank Height: 408m 1,339 feet |
Carlton Bank neighbours Cringle Moor. Separated by a moorland road, Carlton Bank is favoured with its own trig point whereas the higher Cringle Moor
is denied. Once again, Coast to Coast walkers get to walk to this point and this time without detour as the Coast to Coast path runs straight to the top
of the hill. The view from Carlton Bank north west over the Vale of Mowbray is stunning. I recommend pausing at the trig point and taking it all in.
| Noon Hill (Green Howe) Height: 404m 1,325 feet |
Noon Hill, as marked on OS 1:25,000 mapping or Green Howe on OS 1:50,000 stands high and proud to the south of Raisdale and can be best walked to from the Chop Gate pub which is a bikers favourite on the B1257 Helmsley to Guisborough road. There appears to be a lovely ridge walk from Noon Hill to Carlton Bank so although I had not done it when I compiled this list it is certain to appear on Walking Englishman pages.
| Glaisdale Moor Height: 402m 1,319 feet |
The high point of Glaisdale Moor is marked as 'Cock Heads' on OS 1:50,000 mapping. The hump of the moor is just east of Danby High Moor so a short walk from one takes you to the other. The most outstanding feature from the moor is the staggering views northwards down to Great Fryup Dale, a wonderful sight I have paused to look at on the occasions I have walked in the area. The view is one of those unforgettable walking experiences. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
| Hasty Bank (Wainstones) Height: 397m 1,302 feet |
The Wainstones are a distinctive rocky outcrop, one of few on the North York Moors. They break out of the top of Hasty Bank near Clay Bank Top and I am sure many Coast to Coast and Cleveland Way walkers have trod off the path to venture amonst them. Apparently they are not the first though for it is said they are named after a
Viking leader who was slain there. Wanian means to grieve in Saxon, hence Wainstones.
| Roseberry Topping Height: 320m 1,050 feet |
Roseberry Topping is an easy recognisable hill. The summit has a distinctive half-cone shape with a jagged cliff. The more adventurous dwellers of Teesside climb it often and regard it as their hill. Who could blame them, it is probably the most walked hill in all of the North York Moors. I remember climbing it as a youngster, it being one of my earliest walking experiences and while not a Teessider myself, I too regard it with special affection.
| Stony Leas Height: 299m 980 feet |
Stony Leas is the highest point in the eastern moors region of the National Park. With a trig point marking the spot and the Lilla Howe standing stone close by the area is dominated by the RAF Fylingdales Radar Station which is about two miles south west of Stony Leas. Lilla Howe is the site of a Bronze Age Round Barrow so when you visit it may be quiet but spirits may dwell. You could walk from here to the final high spot of this top ten (below).
| Lockton Low Moor Height: 289m 948 feet |
The last but not least of the North York Moors top ten hills is Lockton Low Moor with a trig point marking the spot. From the trig point which is hidden behind a copse you can take a short walk to view the magnificent Hole of Horcum which is one of the North York Moors natural wonders, a deep chasm cut out of the high moor. The hollow is 400ft deep and stretches 3/4 of a mile across. So, see the Hole of Horcum and take a walk. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
