The best walks and hikes around Great Ayton
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(1416)
13,820
hikers
68
hikes
Hikes around Great Ayton explore the edge of the North York Moors National Park, a landscape defined by prominent hills and expansive moorland. The terrain features a mix of woodland paths, riverside walks along the River Leven, and ascents to notable viewpoints. Key landmarks include the distinctively shaped Roseberry Topping and the obelisk of Captain Cook's Monument on Easby Moor.
Best hiking trails around Great Ayton
- The most popular hiking route is the Captain Cook's Monument & Roseberry Topping loop…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.8
(153)
983
hikers
12.2km
03:37
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(120)
712
hikers
10.4km
03:07
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(7)
33
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(18)
89
hikers
6.78km
02:06
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
112
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Until 1912, Roseberry Topping had a smooth, sugarloaf‑like peak. A geological fault combined with underground mining caused a massive collapse, giving the summit its modern jagged profile. The climb up from the car park is steep and can be very busy, even before sunrise in winter where you can see a small procession of torches slowly ascending.
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Gribdale Gate is a small, free, 24‑hour Forestry England car park on Dikes Lane near Great Ayton, offering around 40 spaces and direct access to Roseberry Topping, Captain Cook’s Monument, and Coate Moor
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Great views and early on a Sunday morning is best to beat the crowds. The obelisk is hollow and originally had a doorway you could walk through, before it was sealed during a 19th‑century restoration. A lightning strike in 1960 almost split the monument down the middle after the lightning conductor installed in 1895 rusted away. Earlier lightning strikes in the 19th century had already blown off the original doorway and obliterated the cast‑iron plaques. Fun fact - allegedly - the monument contains a hidden time capsule. When the foundation stone was laid in 1827, commemorative items were placed inside, including a portrait of Captain Cook and a glass plate etched with details of the event.
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Directly in front of the monument, take a stroll about 30-50 paces and you will have some very decent views of the area!
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This is a good section to ride, the last section is a bit tricky. Please be aware of and courteous to the walkers. Enjoy.
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mostly cobble stoney surface..be careful with footing
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If you want to see Captain Cook’s Monument find a more direct route. This route took you up, across and down into Kildale village. I assume it then progressed upwards again but we gave it up at that point and walked back to the car. Disappointing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Great Ayton?
Yes, there are many options for families and those looking for a gentle walk. The area around Waterfall Park in the village offers a picturesque and easy stroll along the River Leven. For a slightly longer but still manageable outing, you can explore the woodland paths in places like Cliffe Rigg Wood.
Can I take my dog on hikes around Great Ayton?
Great Ayton is very dog-friendly, but it's important to be responsible. As many trails enter the North York Moors National Park, you'll encounter areas with livestock and ground-nesting birds. Always keep your dog under close control, and it's best to use a lead, especially between March and July.
Where is the best place to park for hikes in the area?
Parking depends on your planned route. For walks to Captain Cook's Monument, the Gribdale Gate car park is a popular starting point. If you're heading up Roseberry Topping, there is a dedicated car park at its base near Newton under Roseberry. For walks starting in the village itself, you can find parking within Great Ayton.
Are the hiking trails accessible by public transport?
Yes, Great Ayton has a train station with services connecting to Middlesbrough and Whitby, making it a great base for car-free hiking. From the station, you can walk directly into the village and access a network of footpaths, including routes towards Roseberry Topping and the surrounding moors.
What are some notable landmarks to see on a hike?
The two most iconic landmarks are Captain Cook's Monument on Easby Moor and the distinctively shaped Roseberry Topping. Both are highly-regarded viewpoints. For a different experience, you can find The Wainstones, a notable sandstone crag formation popular with walkers, located on the Cleveland Way path.
Are there good circular walks available?
The area is excellent for circular walks. Beyond the most popular loops, you can try the Captain Cook's Monument and Hutton Moor loop from Dikes Lane. This moderate 7.9-mile (12.7 km) route offers a fantastic alternative way to experience the monument and the surrounding moorland.
What is the terrain like on the trails around Great Ayton?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle riverside paths along the River Leven, established woodland trails, and open moorland tracks. The main challenge comes from the ascents to the area's prominent hills, which can be steep in sections but are rewarded with expansive views.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are over 70 curated hiking routes around Great Ayton available on komoot. They range from easy strolls of just a few miles to more challenging all-day treks across the moors, so there's a trail for every fitness level.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the area?
The trails around Great Ayton are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the combination of historical landmarks and natural beauty, particularly the stunning panoramic views from the summits of Roseberry Topping and from Captain Cook's Monument.
Which walk offers good views without climbing Roseberry Topping?
For great scenery without the main climb, consider the View of Roseberry Topping loop from Kildale. This 4.8-mile (7.7 km) moderate walk circles around the base of the hills, offering fantastic perspectives of the famous peak and the surrounding landscape.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced walkers?
Yes, experienced hikers can tackle sections of the Cleveland Way National Trail, which passes through the area. The terrain around The Wainstones offers some steep and rocky sections that provide a good challenge. You can also combine several of the main ascents into a longer, more strenuous day hike.
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