Best natural monuments around Newby are situated in a region known for its varied natural landscape, including distinctive hills and expansive moorland. This area provides opportunities to explore unique geological formations and enjoy wide-ranging views. The natural features here offer diverse settings for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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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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Cliff Rigg Quarry is a dramatic abandoned whinstone quarry on the Cleveland Dyke near Great Ayton, now a Site of Special Scientific Interest because it exposes one of the clearest geological cross‑sections of the dyke in the region. Quarrying began in 1869, producing high‑quality setts and aggregates for the expanding city of Leeds. The site was operated until work 1918.
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This is where I realised wearing new boots for a hike this long was a BAD idea!
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Lots of view points, people rock climbing and the up and downs test you as they are short, but a touch punchy for their short elevation!
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A scheduled monument first listed in 1968, the barrow to the east of the track is quite prominent, the other two are on the west side of the track. Bowl barrows, the most numerous form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period to the Late Bronze Age, with most examples belonging to the period 2400-1500 BC. They were constructed as earthen or rubble mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered single or multiple burials. The barrows each have an earth and stone mound which is round in shape. There are other similar barrows in this area of the Hambleton Hills. Many of these lie in closely associated groups, particularly along the watersheds. They provide evidence of territorial organisation marking divisions of land; divisions which still remain as some parish or township boundaries.
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Judging from the number of recommendations, photos and tips, this is a hugely popular spot. If you can, get up there nice and early (I started 5.30am in May) to catch the rising sun and see the stones in a mix of sunlight and shadow, both from afar and close up. Spectacular rock formations and views all round.
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More spectacular views. The approach from the west is easier with a more gentle incline than the approach from the east, which involves a series of twisting turning steep steps, good safe footing but hard going both up and down.
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Newby is home to several distinctive natural monuments. You can visit Roseberry Topping Summit, known as the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn' for its pyramidal shape and spectacular views. Another must-see is The Wainstones, a rugged rocky outcrop offering extensive vistas. For panoramic views, head to Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, where you can see the North York Moors and even the distant Pennines.
Yes, the region has natural monuments with historical significance. Three Howes Barrows are ancient funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age, providing insight into early territorial organization. Additionally, The Wainstones feature prehistoric carvings on some of their lower rocks, though these can be difficult to discern due to erosion.
The natural monuments around Newby offer breathtaking and expansive views. From Roseberry Topping Summit, you'll get spectacular panoramic vistas of the North York Moors. Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point provides sweeping views of Roseberry Topping, the North York Moors, and the Tees Valley. Even the abandoned Cliff Rigg Quarry offers great views of the surrounding moorland.
While many natural monuments involve some hiking, several spots can be enjoyed by families. For example, the hike to Roseberry Topping Summit is considered manageable, offering a rewarding experience for active families. For a more serene experience, Hob Hole Beck in Westerdale is known for its picturesque water splash and is an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic, suitable for families looking for a less strenuous outing.
The difficulty varies. Hikes to summits like Roseberry Topping Summit and Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point are generally considered intermediate to challenging, involving steep sections but offering incredible rewards. The Wainstones also involve a hike to a rugged outcrop. There are various route options to these sites, some more gentle than others, allowing visitors to choose based on their fitness level.
The natural monuments around Newby can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer bring vibrant greenery and longer daylight hours, ideal for hiking and enjoying the views. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage across the moorlands. Winter can offer dramatic, stark landscapes, but conditions may be challenging with colder temperatures and potential for ice or snow, especially on higher ground. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Beyond exploring the monuments themselves, the Newby area offers a range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, perfect for exploring the diverse landscape. For cyclists, there are gravel biking routes that take you through scenic areas. You can discover more about these activities and routes in the Hiking around Newby and Gravel biking around Newby guides.
Yes, the region is rich with hiking opportunities. Many natural monuments, like Roseberry Topping Summit and The Wainstones, are popular hiking destinations with various paths leading to them. You can find a wide selection of trails, from short, easy loops to more challenging, longer hikes, in the Hiking around Newby guide.
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular and far-reaching views from the summits and outcrops. The dramatic shape of Roseberry Topping is a favorite for photographers and painters. The unique rock formations of The Wainstones, especially at sunrise, are also highly recommended. The sense of accomplishment after a rewarding hike and the tranquility of the moorland landscapes are often highlighted.
While not as widely known as the major summits, places like Hob Hole Beck in Westerdale offer a serene natural feature with a picturesque water splash, perfect for a peaceful picnic or as a starting point for scenic walks. The Cliff Rigg Quarry, an abandoned whinstone quarry, is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geological cross-sections and offers unique views.
Many of the natural monuments and surrounding trails in the Newby area are dog-friendly, making them great for walks with your canine companion. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially when walking through farmland or near livestock, and to be mindful of ground-nesting birds on the moorlands. Always carry water for your dog and clean up after them to preserve the natural environment for everyone.
Yes, the varied terrain around Newby's natural monuments provides excellent opportunities for trail running. You can find numerous running trails that take you through scenic landscapes, offering different distances and difficulty levels. For specific routes and more information, you can check out the Running Trails around Newby guide.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Newby: