Great Ayton, Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook's Monument

Roseberry Topping near Guisborough, a landmark to the folk of Middlesbrough, is a unique hill because of the unusual shape of its peak. It is not high by any means at about 280 metres, but the climb is a short stiff pull that clears the airways and lethargy from the most languid walkers. I did the climb many times as a youngster, and once in recent times with Dave.

This time, a bright sunny January morning told me it was the time to show my future wife Lil my famous childhood hill. The walk we did was from a start in the quaint town of Great Ayton. We left the town and headed in a beeline straight for the hill. Lil said, "I can't do that climb," but I reassured her, and before long she was over halfway up at the folly building. After a short break we strode up to the top and she was there!

It is a perfect small walk for most new walkers and one of my recommended 'training' walks. As the picture shows we were blessed with lovely winter sunshine, which always makes you feel better for being outdoors. Lil felt a sense of achievement now, and it was all smiles from her at the top.

We paused on the summit of Roseberry Topping to take in the tremendous views, and when we had taken them all in we made on to Captain Cook's Monument. The walk is hilly, but apart from the last pull up to the monument itself it is not at all difficult. After walking down from the monument to Great Ayton we made our day complete by going to Whitby for tea. Lovely!